Lavender

Jul 14, 2024 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

I Met Myself

I met myself walking the other day,
approaching along the opposite way.
When I saw the expression on my face,
I hurried away, picking up my pace.

I hadn't recognized the sullen eyes,
nor understood the heavy, empty sighs.
No flame remained of my once former self,
a burned out candle on a dusty shelf.

Somehow it seemed I'd all but forgotten
how life is fresh before it goes rotten.
The warmth in laughter before it grows cold,
recalling that friends were, one time, like gold.

I packed myself, tightly, in my own world,
efficient, sufficient, secured and furled.
Witnessed no conflicts, invited no view
unlike my own, though, no matter how true.

I became queen, divine master of me.
Said no to the masses, claimed to be free.
Confinement possesses a sealed, closed mind.
Soon I was lonely, ignorant, and blind.

And then the humble, the yearning, the heart
broke out of the cage, and longed to take part
in living, loving... all the dramatic -
contrast, inclusion, bold and climactic.

Thank God, the Sun, and the Spirits above!
I remet myself, befriended in love.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Reflecting on the person I became during Covid isolation, and this took shape. It was necessary, but so darn tough. Starting to feel like myself again.

Style/Type: Structured: Western

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

RoseBlack

1 year ago

I felt this

So deeply. I often look in the mirror and don't recognize myself. Life has kicked my butt and now I am rebuilding from the ground up. I love the descriptive language used in how you lost yourself and why. You made the self reflection feel real to your reader. Well done.

Lavender

1 year ago

Hello, Carrie,

I wrote this while thinking of what the Covid isolation did to many of us - and what extreme independence does to us, in general. It has taken quite a while for me to "come out of it" as I was pretty careful during that time since I am immunocompromised. But all of us experience this for many reasons. Self-reflection brings about some intense poetry - and growth!
Thank you for reading and lending your thoughts!
L

Leslie

1 year ago

L

I AM SORRY YOU EXPERIENCED THIS, BUT I SUPPOSE MOST OF US DO. I THINK I RECOGNIZE MYSELF OR IS
THERE SOME THING DEEPER BENEATH THIS STAINED AND BLOODIED OVERCOAT. I ALWAYS WALK IN GRAY
AND TARNISHED CLOTHES . I CAN'T EVER TELL IF I'M COMING OR GOING! I FORCE A GLEEFUL RHYME. ONLY
NOW I REALIZE THAT WHAT I'VE GOT TO SAY ISN'T WORTH A DIME. IN ANY EVENT YOUR POEM WAS EFFECTIVE IN DESCRIBING THE HUMAN PLIGHT. NO ONE GETS OUT WITHOUT A SCUFF. IF YOU COME OUT OF THE FUNK YOU ARE EITHER VERY STRONG OR YOU GOT LUCKY. FOR MYSELF HOPE IS A HISS AND A BYWORD! SORRY SO NEGATIVE. SO OFTEN THE FIX IS NO CURE AT ALL!

Leslie

1 year ago

L

IT IS ALL CYCLICAL ANYWAY. EVENTUALLY WE ALL COME AROUND TO REASON THOUGH OUR EMOTIONS DON'T ALWAYS COOPERATE.

Lavender

1 year ago

Hello, Leslie,

You make many profound points. I always appreciate your understanding and wisdom! I actually wrote this recently while reflecting on just how isolated I was during Covid, and how within the past 6 months or so, I am able to rejoin society and let myself once again experience laughter and friendship, and feel like myself again - without fear. With a lot of love!
Thank you for reading and sharing your generous thoughts!
L

Rula

1 year ago

Dear friend

A well reflective poem. I absolutely like the title as it sets the scene for the reader. I could also also easily relate to every word here( I thought anyone above forties can :) ) wink wink
Really enjoyed your profound inner journey and appreciate sharing this beauty

Rula

1 year ago

Dear friend

A well reflective poem. I absolutely like the title as it sets the scene for the reader. I could also also easily relate to every word here.
Really enjoyed your profound inner journey and appreciate sharing this beauty

Lavender

1 year ago

Hello, Rula!

I think you are correct - we reflect on our lives and our journeys much more as we get older. I always love your comments! Thank you for reading.
Take good care, my wonderful friend!
Lx