Path to Self

One woman's ongoing account of her journey to understand herself

The Wife

 

his love, never fallen into her

evident to both for long

her non-denial from the onset

hurtful honesty

then, no longer

only at the end

 

no wasted effort on his part

all had to go along his way

 

yet, she, resolute

reared in full idiocy

of accommodating "except for the self

brought up in static obedience

gratifying "except for the self

catering to him incessantly

catering to his household

catering to his profession

catering tirelessly

catering

 

his

ego

grew

more and more

just more and more

as

as were

as were such

as were such growth

as were such growth at all

as were such growth at all possible

 

one day, she was no longer

body intact, surely

yet, she was no longer

she was no

she was

she

 

 

The Beloved

 

My love doesn’t long for another,

for the beloved is in the breath.

Surrenders with zealous fervor,

as the beloved is as was once.

Doesn’t force life onto death,

while the beloved brings a breath.

Doesn’t die with each passing day,

as do those who with ease forget.

 

My love is a promise from the core,

resists time until skins decay;

for the beloved is found anew,

however with a tragic delay.

Submits until the last breath,

without pushing life to death;

doesn’t die day by day,

while still taking in and out a breath.

 

~ ~ ~ Intermezzo ~ ~ ~

 

Clad in yearning once again.

The night passes in vain.

The body seeks its twin

With no single relent.

 

Decades lived apart;

the soul surpasses body.

Desire will no doubt fade.

Still...

The night won’t want to end,

the day won’t want to descend.

 

Clad in yearning once again.

The day comes and goes in haste;

along with memories of roots profound.

As if love had never taken flight,

or two hearts never pulsated as one.

 

~ ~ ~ Intermezzo ~ ~ ~ and, The Self

 

A life of convenience. Over 4000 square feet.

Privileged. Secured. Drawn, his future’s map.

Dark window covers.

Tinted windows.

Dark shutters.

 

Then...

 

There is you.

My love on you;

your love and you;

the skin-tight you.

 

A gift nearby

yet from afar,

where the sun wakes up the sea,

the sea tucks in the sun.

 

Yearning, unceasing…

Yes. Oh yes.

The sun does set

but it rises again.

 

 

Author's Note

One of my poems that is capable only to scratch the surface...still, one of my favorites. Perhaps, you may like it also. Thanks for reading it. If you would be so inclined, I would love suggestions for improvements/changes/deletions/additions.

Reviews

[r. f. jordan]

there are precious layers strewn throughout this piece, which is one of surreal and shifting depth. i received a review about a week ago that spoke to me in myth about how the perception i offer was beyond that of others. this piece dwarfs the piece i'd posted, in its ability to survey the landscape surrounding it as if it were a shepherd on a mountaintop. this is true poetry, and one example of what i hope its author embraces as an energy geared toward fortitude and growth. the varying perspectives, and the hope, are what has charmed me most of all. please be not discouraged when reading the musing of another, all of us have sustenance along our path, and all of us lift with miraculous feet.

[Odayin]

This is one of the best reviews I have ever read. I feel like you really went in depth and understood it great. I'm quite jealous..

[S. Michael Long]

I like this poem, its like an ego death taking place or something along those lines,, its awesome! -s

[Southern Cross]

This poem indeed only scratches the surface of emotions. Love, loss, loyalty, egos ..I could read and re read this piece over and over and as you said," Still not scratch the surface". Perspectives of ourselves, the ones we love..all questioning at times and caught in a vortex of emotions. A beautiful write and a vision for all who read it. Thank you for opening your soul to us.

[Ink Angel]

Unique poem, so cleverly worded, how she starts to diminish, wonderful write, such deep emotion.

[Emerald Seas]

Such an intricate, mesmerizing writing of life, love, loss... all the twists of enduring feelings for another throughout a difficult life. I am sure each time I read this poetic compilation I will come away with something new, another deeper thought, and reflect on life. Wonderful!

[FJ Davis]

Unique insight offered in a decidedly artful presentation.
An exceptional piece of poetry!

[Odayin]

This poem had a very unique style, but it fit it perfectly. I couldn't imagine the words on paper in any other way then you have shown them to be here. I love the staggering lines, great idea.
I just really think this is an amazing poem, it was read request to me from another writer, and now I see why! One of the best I have ever read, someday I hope to be able to compare...but in a different way. With less of your creation as I know that is very distinct to you and would be impossible to copy even from a master forger

[Elaenor Aisling]

Very nice work. You have a wonderfully distinctive style and your words hold much meaning.

[eglantine]

Nice! You have a grip and impressive control of the words and lines. I enjoyed the use of stage-notes almost, the intermezzo, as if a breath. You'd be great at en medias res. I'm glad you requested I read this.

[Patrick]

I run the risk here of sounding plastic and false but to be honest I don't mind.
Some often say 'you need to read aloud the poem to get the feeling of it'...I agree but also think that comprehending meaning while reading is equally as important.

I read this one aloud and kept inserting breaks...with 'wow' and then read it again.
So touched by this, a series of epics.

What do I choose: 'There is you.
My love on you;
your love and you;
the skin-tight you.

This verse, strangely so simple and less complex than the rest...but incredible.

Then: 'My love doesn’t long for another,

for the beloved is in the breath.
Surrenders with zealous fervor,
as the beloved is as was once.
Doesn’t force life onto death,
while the beloved brings a breath.
Doesn’t die with each passing day,
as do those who with ease forget.

I am speechless...I will annoy everyone with a requested review of this..not sure what inspired you to pen this but please post some out to me :)

[HulyaY]

Thank you, Coyote Poetry, for your insightful and very helpful comment! I am so proud to re-post your review on my blog site. Please feel free to come by and like or dislike anything you see there. Thanks again for your spirited words about my poem!