Cyclops

He wandered at night the streets that might

Be busy, during the day,

The empty squares and the thoroughfares

To search for a come-what-may,

He’d never appear in the light of day

And shrank at a distant shout,

His way was always a lonely way,

Watching the lights go out.

 

He’d always avoid the gaze of men

Who would stare at him, then die,

Nor would he seek a mirror then,

He was born with a single eye.

His mother took him away at birth

So his father wouldn’t see,

That she had lain with a cyclops once

And then paid the penalty.

 

She had kept him locked in a cellar, till

He had grown too strong and bold,

He’d strained and torn at his chains until

His jail had failed to hold.

He couldn’t leave in the daylight, for

He had only known the dark,

So left one night in the pale moonlight

And escaped across the park.

 

He’d roam at night when the stars were bright

For the food and drink he’d need,

Padding the cobbled pavements there

In search of a missing creed.

What was the purpose of his life,

Could he exist alone?

Was there a female Cyclops somewhere

Willing to take him home?

 

One winter’s night when the time was right

And the streets were damp and drear,

He saw her walking a way ahead

And quaked in a sudden fear.

What if she turned and gazed on him

Drawn in by his single eye,

What if she died? He shook and sighed,

‘If she does, then so will I.’

 

She heard his footsteps behind her then

So he said, ‘you’re walking late!’

And her reply was a thankful sigh,

‘I can’t find my garden gate.’

He took her arm and they walked along

As she tried describing it,

His heart was full, he could do no wrong

As she tapped with a long white stick.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Avinash]

This one is quite brilliant. It forces you certain questions. Are we doing what we are doing just for the fear of society? Just because we will termed a freak or not one of them will decide our whole life course. At times you wish the whole world were blind so that there was no racism and hatred. But it is a story of a cyclops which applies to everyone who is not part of the crowd.

[Terrence Chang]

Another fine masterpiece of your work. I truly enjoyed it Mr David

[MomzillaNC]

Love is blind… In the end, all anyone wants is love and acceptance and a place of peace.

[Akshay Rawal]

So the girl was blind. Hahaha. This poem could only be a result of concept-oriented systematic thinking, and this proves that there is a perfect match for everyone...
You are an exceptional poet sire, and my liking is quite biased towards poems portending social commentary over those about personal expression. Just at the time when I feel naturally bored perusing some poetry on this site, and fail to incite an interest to read anymore further, I read yours, and It has always been a pleasure reading you. Thank you sir.

[TPK Stories]

Excellent storytelling DLP.

[Lyndy]

Wow, I love this poem. It's magical and full of fantasy!

[B]

Very touching and sweet

I love the rhythm in your work
Something alot like love changing everything into beauty

[R Smith]

That's a lovely ending David, quite a sad tale of this poor guy with his cyclops condition, it makes me happy to think he found love although i wonder what the future may hold for him and his love.....any ideas ?

[Dark Empress]

I absolutely love this, thank you for sharing this one. It drew me in from the first line to the last.

[Zac]

Very good write!
I liked it