Moss

A personal...of sorts.

I do not envy angiosperms
(although I am shady green)
my preference is to shyly hide
in cool places long unseen -

away from sunlit orange glare
in the realm of neophytes
free of roots and weedy shoots
and vanity flowering sights -

snails, bugs and slimy slugs
are pests that I can bear
cawing words from twittering birds
are dispelled without a care -

I have no stigma for a stamen
or the desperate urge to breed
for I just fire off a single spore
and absorb all else I need -

such is the life of the moss I am
a strong willed single cell
undaunted in the undergrowth
of the concrete jungle I dwell.

Author's Note

A personal; inspired by a moment of resolution. I hope you enjoy my poem. 😊🌹

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am too old to breed, but not to grow moss on my toes...
I used to be a traveling man, but now only in my head.
I was born in the concrete jungle, but now live near lakes with
plenty of beautiful rocks turning green with envy that I can still move...
Or think I can.
I really like the allegorical nature of this piece.
j.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Mr. Jacob. Lol. There must be some cream for dealing for moss on the toes! So wonderful you could decipher the allegorical nature of this personal style of poem. It was something worth a try for me. 🌹

[Relic]

This is top-notch rhyming poetry. Not a single word wasted and grabs the reader and holds them. Welcome to the site, I hope you stick around a while. :)

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Relic. Your kind praise and warm welcome are most appreciated, thank you. 🌹

[John the Baptist]

The poet describes this as "A personal---of sorts." Hard to link a ballerina to moss, but I would say the metaphor means she is a quiet but independent person. She seems to indicate a lack of need for the spotlight, but I don't think a world class ballerina could escape that entirely. Verse three states an indifference to "cawing words from twittering birds," which can only mean critics, which is definitely an asset. The fourth verse is really interesting; I must wonder how many stamens would settle for a single spore. The last verse reinforces the image of a strong and independent person. Still hard for me to liken a ballerina to moss, though; I've never seen moss with great legs.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, John the Baptist. Lol. "World class" is stretching the limits of description quite a bit, but it is always great to aspire to such heights. In many respects this poem relates to personality but it could be applied to other aspects of life in general, like workplaces and such. There are always bright, flowering, attention seekers jostling for the sunlight in a garden and so it is in places of work, schools etc. Being as moss just suits me well. Your review here touches on many of the ideas I was trying to represent about myself and my life, so thank you for your astute analysis of this poem. It's nice to be understood. 🌹

[Paul Bell]

Moss grows fat on a rolling stone, is that what they say.
Lockdown Stamen, you just know a fine is coming your way.
There is a solitary way of life here, no help needed, not for the single cell on the move.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Paul. Yes, a solitary life it is. Especially when one is alone in a foreign country. It's good to see you picked up on that small snippet from this poem. I appreciate you sharing your time and words for my effort. 🌹

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and wonderful use of words dear Viktoria. The strength of nature and the sea. We need to be like her in some ways. I was glad to had found your poem this morning. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Mr. Coyote. Quite often we can find the definitions of ourselves in nature, if we care to look hard enough. I am glad you understood that aspect of this poem. Your words and thoughts are appreciated. 🌹

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed your work and you are welcome dear Viktoria.

[emmajoy]

'I have no stigma for a stamen ~ or the desperate urge to breed ~ for I just fire off a single spore ~ and absorb all else I need '

What an academic vocabulary and ~ sense of ancient plant life! Plus, perhaps, references to human attributes? This is such a fascinating meld of horticulture and literature. Great use of meter/ Phrasing smooth, fine. Plus, such an original theme!

[Viktoria]

Thank you, emmajoy. Yes, it's definitely a poem with an allegorical slant...humans represented by plants, in a way. I am happy you understood the references to plant life and horticulture. I appreciated your kind praise. 🌹

[emmajoy]

Hello, good morning.. am a garden designer so of course, really impressed by your wonderful writing! Take care, Viktoria and, keep safe. Always, Emma

[Frankie]

This is bubby, creative, and sweet. Well done! You are quite creative.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Frankie. I am glad you enjoyed this poem. Your thoughts are most appreciated. 🌹

[Frankie]

You are very welcome. Excellent write here.