XENOPHOBIC

Xeno: I was never phobic
Foreigner, Stranger, Guest.
Of your long, inquisitive forays
into yet, another conquest

I was laid open
My heart that hearth of rest
Although my reason hunted you down
I was there, at your bequest.

I will plead for you in the jester's court
although there's nothing I can do.
Abrogate seared scraps of love
or cherish every last inch of you

until DNA traces you
to scarred city, dead next of kin
this door is open -
stay out if you mistrust these words

or come back, however briefly, in.
20 NOV. '11

About This Poem

Last Few Words: this is a second attempt at posting and getting a response. I thought perhaps it is a little too obtuse, but we shall see... thanks Bj

Style/Type: Free verse

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

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Tip of Southern Africa, ZAF

Favorite Poets: Too many to narrow down, but briefly :, AUDEN, T.S. ELIOT, DICKENSON, RILKE, THOREAU, RUMI ... the list is endless. Am inspired by many, especially those that live lives of "quiet desperation, and go to the grave with a song still in them" (THoreau)

Comments

Candlewitch

13 years 8 months ago

Hello Lady,

Very interesting indepth poem and I like the title, too. Makes me want to scrutinize all my relationships, LOL!

I will plead for you in the jester's court
although there's nothing I can do.
Abrogate seared scraps of love
or cherish every last inch of you

Loved these lines!

always, Cat

Bonitaj

13 years 8 months ago

oh Cat!

So nice of you to stop by with your intuitive eye! ;) good to catch up again!
Boni

Race_9togo

13 years 8 months ago

Hello Bonitaj,

I have read this four times now (so far) and each time I get more from it.
I really don't have a critique, except that Xenophobic doesn't carry the same meaning for you as it does for me, I think, but that's a minor thing; I love the wistful sadness you have here, the frustration I feel in the words, and the acceptance.
Excellent poem, bookmarked.

Bonitaj

13 years 8 months ago

THank you Jim!

I am so glad you could recognise some of my intent, as is displayed in your critique. I know what you mean by the title, but there is a two-fold reason for it!
a) It was initially entitiled ALBEIT, but that might have thrown some
b) esp. since the opening line doesn't make much sense separated.
Colloquially speaking, I have interpreted Xenophobia, as a fear of strangers, immigrants, or foreigners. Hope that will suffice.
Many thanks for your uplifting commentary!