I have no intention nor wish
to turn back –
though I was some way down the track
before I even realised
I had already set out.
The inexorable steps are blurred:
a series of unremarked, ordinary moments.
Calling with your pale mouth,
you have become
a phantom by the roadside.
At times you still seem real.
Then the eagerness
with which you offer me food
or point what you say is the way
reveals you to me.
You are no true guide;
I must not trust you.
The path is solitary, unfamiliar.
I don’t know where it will take me.
Lonely, I have no regrets.
Inspired partly by the writings of Carlos Castaneda, in a metaphorical way.
An old piece, as you see, about an old situation —
newly submitted (29 May 2013) for Poets United's Verse First: The Function of Freedom
This is beautiful Rosemary. "The path is solitary, unfamiliar. I don't know where it will take me. Lonely, I have no regrets." I've been traveling down the same path.
ReplyDeleteGood travelling, Lisa!
DeleteA solitary journey which many end up being
ReplyDeleteThere is a dark side with just a ray of light coming through
excellent piece
Yes, you've read it correctly. Many thanks.
DeleteStaying alive with no regrets is a wonderful testament....I loved the lament of strength you incorporated in this poetry...so well penned, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love what you say about it *Smiles.*
DeleteWhat a fantastic write. I relate so much to being some ways down the track before we recognize we are on a journey! Love the closing stanza. Brave heart!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your fellow-feeling, Sherry!
DeleteAll paths one takes are solitary, I believe; whether or not there is someone walking by one's side. Whatever path we walk.....no regrets is the best course. Our choice!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, you are right.
DeleteThis one is from six years ago, and was highly metaphorical, about a situation I was breaking free from at the time — but could be taken at face value to apply now. However it was written from a place of inner coldness which is not the case now. I'm glad that what you all get from it is the strength of the resolve.
ReplyDeleteIf you made any revisions to this poem, I'm glad to see you would keep the line "I have no regrets".
ReplyDeleteGlad you think so, Robyn. But no, this one was polished up enough at the time of writing. :)
Delete...i liked what you said & expressed in the last verse.... i think we all have / must come there in some way or another... loved this! smiles...
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised and pleased to realise, from the comments, that in writing something personal I managed to touch the universal.
DeleteThe strength of the spirit is immense in this piece. Some journeys are best done solitary, where the spirit of companionship anyway remains along!
ReplyDeleteI have no regrets...... Is a well said......mama........ its nice to read your poems mam
ReplyDeleteI love the ominous tone, especially:
ReplyDeleteCalling with your pale mouth,
you have become
a phantom by the roadside.
Thanks, Laurie. I'm glad you liked that, which was very deliberate. :)
DeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteA very profound poem with immense bravey attached to those solitary steps...
Best wishes with you new writing endeavours Rosemary:)
Eileen
Thankyou, Eileen
DeleteLove it! "Calling with your pale mouth" beautiful
ReplyDeleteRosemary, I can feel the notes of Castaneda in this poem. There was a sense of eerieness, and I felt a sort of hesitation when I read the words, "phantom by the roadside." All in all, a very satisfying poem. Hope your other project is going well, and glad you can keep in touch via older poems. Peace, Amy
ReplyDeleteYes, it draws on imagery from his book of the same name.
DeleteWell, the memoir is begun, that's something. :)
Usually we are a fair way down the path before we realise we're on some journey. And yes, we travel our path alone. Nice write.
ReplyDeleteDropping by from Verse First.