A darkness beckons the empath soul

pulling the string                                           away from me.

A child brightness shadowed in mire

waning internal                                              away from me.

Momma?

the why echoes through unknown resolve

pulling                                                             away from me

The torment alive with wrenching hands

swallowing up hope

pushing                                                            away from me.

Momma?

the pleading cry of despondent ache

mocking it flies                                                away from me.

I’m here

I’m here

I’m here

I’m here.

Beth Siciliano is a distinguished professional with a lifelong dedication to corporate learning and talent development. Her career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to nurturing human potential and guiding others on their professional journeys. Beyond her corporate achievements, Beth is a talented writer, exploring themes of loss, resilience, faith, and human connection through free verse poetry and meditative reflections. She is a resident of Tennessee and a passionate advocate for growth and wisdom, both in the workplace and in personal life.

Authors Notes: The poem is a profound act of reflection, using fragmented and intimate language to explore the internal torment of the illness, thus providing the very safe space for expression that the publication aims to create.