I speak into a void. He, Hermit, goes
so far into his cave, no-one can see
his lone attempts to heal his current woes.
I don’t know if he’s even hearing me;
he’s possibly so deep he never knows
that messages are sent at all. Will he
restore himself by hiding as in womb –
or does he pull around himself a tomb?
Another ottava rima for the Poetic Asides form challenge
Sharing this (nearly a year later) with Poets United's Poetry Pantry #428
Sharing this (nearly a year later) with Poets United's Poetry Pantry #428
Fascinating poem really. The choice of 'womb' to heal or 'tomb' to die is a choice sometimes it seems. I do hope he chooses the womb, as a tomb comes soon enough!
ReplyDeletePulling around himself a tomb is so powerful. I love the form and the rhyming in this piece. Well done, Rosemary.
ReplyDeletePhew! The beginning didn't prepare me for the stark polarity of the choices at poem's end! I agree with Sherry about the power of the form and rhyme. Wow!
ReplyDeleteStark choices indeed but aren't they both a point of birth or rebirth... thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteFascinating write. I have days where I aspire to be a hermits.
ReplyDeleteOr are they interchangeable, the womb and the tomb?
ReplyDeleteQuestions for the mirror's deep reflection. It is death to go that far into the cave: will the initiate follow?
ReplyDeleteOh this is incredibly potent! The question at the end left me breathless.
ReplyDeleteChoice is such a changer. I wonder which path he'll take. I wonder, wonder...
ReplyDeleteI so wonder if anyone can solve his problems alone...
ReplyDeletetoo often the womb turns to tomb.
Interesting debate on solitude. Thanks for dropping by my sumi-e Sunday today Rosemary
ReplyDeleteuch💛❤💛love
That balance of healing or leaving and the trust that the speaker has to allow for the choice sent a shiver down my back.
ReplyDeleteOne can feel the weight of the tomb. A womb and tomb are both places of encasement. Both a place of birth or rebirth. Will he find a way to break free?
ReplyDeleteI had to stop and think about your words - so provocative. I did some reflection and think I could go back again and again to reflect on your poem. It not only speaks of introspection it elicits it. Wonderful write.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by this form and your deep words especially the ending of womb or tomb.....it does feel like that sometimes when I draw myself in and away.
ReplyDeleteAh--this feel weighty and true--there is a wonderful sense of a return to ourselves in this piece for me
ReplyDeleteRhyming does this well, is a joy to read. In particular, the rhyming couplet at the close … brilliant.
ReplyDeleteA clever use of 'womb' and 'tomb'...love the contrast. It means either a peaceful or sad ending
ReplyDeleteHow well this poem is written on all counts; its imagery, rhyme and the unanswered question at the end. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWonderful words.
ReplyDeletemasterfully done!
ReplyDeletewe may never fully understand his search for solitude.