Pirouette

The war on self belief...

I hear the tanks of pessimism
rumbling across my border
an invasion force of Panzer doubts
hell-bent on all disorder -

firing shells at my self belief
grenades tossed towards my heart
propaganda lies of Goebbels size
to dissuade me from my art -

I have no rifle to fight my foe
no Spitfire to defend my skies
just the taunting voice of failure
to propel me towards my prize -

so I close my eyes, grasp my BAR(re)
expel defeat from lungs astray
and I pirouette and pirouette
and pirouette myself away.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoy my poem. 🌹

Reviews

[Frankie]

I think its excellent. I like how you mingle real life invasion with your own self belief. Keep up with your goals and your writings too! You have talent i see. You should try and write a little (at least) 4 or 5 days a week. It will surprise you what you will get done in your writes.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Frankie. I'll certainly try to write more. Time doesn't always permit it, though. Your thoughtful comments and support are appreciated. 🌹

[John the Baptist]

The military symbols that pervade the poem are interesting. They are not only warlike, but Nazi warlike, which comes across as an allusion to aggression and ruthlessness. It appears someone has said things "to dissuade me from my art." Could this be someone trying to woo the speaker and pressuring her for more attention at the expense of dance? Or could it be a harsh instructor who is trying to undermine her confidence? Whatever, the last verse indicates they will fail. First time I have ever seen the Browning Automatic Rifle linked to ballet.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, John! I am so happy that someone caught the BAR reference.....as in the rifle and the ballet barre, as well! As for the voice behind it? It comes from many angles including the self. Thank you so much for shedding more light on this poem. It's very appreciated! 🌹

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Self doubt is clearly illustrated in your wordplay - the poignancy of this write is shared by many and reminded me of this; Van Gogh is reported to have said this: "If you hear a voice within you say ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." Thus the more your resolve to conquer self doubt, the quicker it is defeated. Great share my friend...:-)

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Phil. That is a great quote you have shared. One must always persevere, no matter the obstacles. A shame Van Gogh didn't take his own advice in the end! Thank you very much for sharing these words. 🌹

[Einstein Noodle]

oh i like it ... fine work with the war machine personifications .. to speak on life ... aspirations .. obstacles .. attacks even .. well done says i! .. the closing pirouettes, i think are fabulous .. one can see your protagonist running away or escaping with style .. dancing on to better things .. i like to watch the fights .. when one is pressed into a corner of the ring they can get "stuck" there and take a real pummeling or turn and "slip" out of it .. many times putting the aggressor in the corner .. much like your dancer .. "expell defeat" .. great stuff! needed positivity in these rather dark times .. we need to come out winners don't we!
E.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Mr. Einstein. I think you would enjoy watching my fellow company ballerinas as the fan of pugilism you said you are. They fight with each other all the time! It's a cutthroat business at the best of times. Sometimes embracing the positives is the only way to move forward. Your in depth thoughts here are most appreciated. 🌹

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha ..i have read stories and watched movies that had those kinds of "fights" as part of the plots .. but thinking or you dancing .. i just would not think it .. i don't know why .. i suppose novels and movies are fictitious and you .. are not ;)

[Christine Anne Shaw]

An accomplished write with great metaphors and natural sounding rhyme. I particularly enjoyed your ending lines. What better way to get rid of those negatives than to dance them into distraction. Beautiful work Viktoria.

Chris

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Chris. Yes, you are indeed correct. I try to dance any negatives away at any given chance. It can be a beautifully brutal world sometimes. A pleasure to meet you and thank you for your thoughts and words here. 🌹

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved how you used the language dear Viktoria. Each line, strong and demanding. I enjoyed the complete poem and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Coyote. Glad you enjoyed this effort of mine. Your support and comments are always appreciated. 🌹

[light and ashes]

I love this. It's so similar to a poem I wrote called, "Ballerina."

[Viktoria]

Thank you, light and ashes. Glad you enjoyed this poem. I'll seek out your version very shortly. 🌹

[light and ashes]

You're welcome, and I can just send it to you. I think that would make it a lot easier.

[Haley]

This is a great piece of work, you can feel the battle within but the resolution to keep going! Really good job, a fun piece to read!

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Haley. Your support and kind words are appreciated by this newcomer! 🌹

[Dreamer Sima]

What an amazing and relatable write dear Viktoria! An invasion of pessimism outside and an inside war of self doubt to crossfire that.. It's so visual. Only gyrating in self belief can do the trick... Awesome piece!

[Viktoria]

Thank you, Sima. You nailed the poem in three lines! I am glad you enjoyed this effort. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and kind words. 🌹

[DIVYA]

A battle within and without...the two penultimate verses are sheer determination and resolve. The reader pirouttes with you emotionally. Nothing contrived, spirit revived!
Just so you know, apart from the spitfire tanks and grenades, there is poision ivy around too. Sugary sweet slayer. Sly marking poems down. Regardless, your poetry has arrived.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, DIVYA. There are battles within and out for all of us everyday, so I am glad you understood this poem. Your kind words and tips are appreciated by this newcomer. 🌹

[emmajoy]

Hello, I thought you had closed your account! Good to see you

This is such a clever poem, Viktoria. It mixes your own personal war and metaphorical balletic words or phrases. Finely contrived and oh so readable.

[Viktoria]

Thank you, emmajoy. Nice to know you enjoyed this effort.