Aloof

A strange, irresistible distance.

Aloof

You are... aloof, beautiful and irresistible
I sing your praises in my mind but at no time
Do I utter a sound you might detect.
Still, you come to me, after I have lost all hope.

Throwing your elegantly proud head to one side
Taking a place near, turning down a well-groomed ear.
Perhaps a token of feigned disregard
Just before curling beneath my chin and whiskers.

There you begin a purring rhythm that calms the storms
And melts away those nervous cares of dark days
That remind of ill times manifest
From unbecoming things; strange and gray and gloomy.

With a distant proximity our thoughts wander
In and out of that soothing, common space where time
Is just a word that seeks to find meaning
Beyond you - aloof, beautiful and irresistible.

~

Author's Note

For every touch there is a quiver...

Reviews

[luna rose]

Love this one. Could very well be about a cat, or a woman (in many cultures, they are regarded as having the same feminine divinity). I'm a painfully and wholly familiar with the first two lines... they very much remind me of unrequited love... then again, that's just my interpretation due to my life's experiences. Interesting how psychological projection plays a role in creating meaning, no? My mind goes to romance straight away, when in reality, you're probably talking about a cat. Silly me.

[Tam Warink]

Again, you see the truth of it. The dualism is/was intentional and it could be woman, cat, or some other creature of consolation - even an imaginary one. Yes, I agree... our life experiences have everything to do with what meaning (if any) we derive from another's artistic interpretation/expression. Art is about "communicating"; no matter the form or medium, no? If that is so then the greatest challenge is divining the will of the audience - be that self or others or no one or nothing in particular. Certainly there is a conscious effort involved but I seem some very good work come from "the moment." It seems the muses work when and how they will. Thanks very much for your insight and well-considered review, Luna Rose.

[luna rose]

Very true. Zen Buddhism very much emphasizes this notion: the significance of 'the moment'. In essence, it's the release of the ego... and what comes of it is the truest nature of our artistic beings. I think that every artist can relate to that sentiment... sometimes a 'moment' just happens, it all seems to rush in at once. Ah, creativity :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

my cat is very affectionate...she fits this poem, although she is not so aloof...she is pretty clingy and dependent...

i really love the description...except for a few of the words, this very much could be a woman...just a bit aloof, distant, unattainable yet purring with satisfaction at getting our attention.

[Tam Warink]

Ah, yes, Jacob. Like a cat, you too are blessed with sight that sees beyond what is and into the depths of what may be... a useful thing for poet or cat. :) Thank you for reading!

[Pryde Foltz]

Never trust the feline for her affection is most fickle. Tickled pink by this write, Tam.

[Tam Warink]

I cannot help but wonder if you will always be such a great inspiration to all who know and love you. So let it be written, so let it be done. Thank you, Pryde... for everything.

[Pryde Foltz]

For certain, Tam, from where I am sitting, you give as good as get:)