An ode to those who flirt with the muses Calliope, Erato, Euterpe, and Thalia.
Author’s note: This is the piece that was inspired by last week’s post on Kristin Gorski’s blog: “Write Now is Good“. I’m reposting it this week because I was late last week with it.
The Poets
•
damaged in their special ways
they like the path unclear
the route unmarked
fond of stumbling in
fumbling through
finding the way that’s theirs
engaged by the obtuse
the uneven
the asymmetric chord
they see grace and form
in brilliant imbalance
seduced by the clue
drawn to the fog
they seek the wonder
it withholds
where they long to go
is always round the bend
over the hill
behind the door
their ears prick
to the distant sound
that calls
just beyond clarity
to all these things
their souls are pulled
because
down the trail
in the mist
around he curve
over the crest
shut away
the clarion awaits
where all is clear
and known
…
rob kistner © 2007
Rob… I adore this verse! Your words move through me.. this path is so very familiar. But we, poets, would not have it any other way!
Tracie –
Thank you very much!
This came to me after reading the post on Kristin’s blog regarding the idea of appreciating poetry — of ‘getting’ it.
No, we poets are each damaged in our wonderful, special way… 😉
Rob — I’m honored, really. This powerful community continues to inspire…
This poem took my breath away at the end. The lead-up, so well drawn…and then:
“the clarion awaits
where all is clear
and known”
This is just gorgeous and mysterious and subtle and big and small and…well, it just is, and I feel somehow very contented knowing this poem. A gift, it is. Many thanks. 🙂
Kristin –
Thank you for the wonderful compliments! 😉
The inspiration came from reading your post about the individual who was inquiring as to the nature and essence of poetry — what was ‘it’ about poetry.
Suddenly my mind flashed on the nature and essence of poets — the ‘it’ about poets. The poem flowed reasonably quickly from that point.
The first line came first, and was the perfect opening line. The ‘damage’ is a poetic reference to each poet’s life experience, the ups and downs, the markings we all get from life — the ‘damage’.
Just like sculpting, not all damage is bad — it makes us who we are, We are human, and we all get some scars in life — some ‘special damage’. It’s from where the character and wisdom arises.
The rest of the poem is my reflection on how poets look for the unknown, to make it known.
Again, thank you… I am humbled.
Just lovely. Yes, there is beauty and strength that arises from lifes experiences and it is something that just has to be expressed – hence the poet!
Patti –
I am glad you liked this piece!
Yes — hence, the poets… 😉
Brilliant! A fantastic rendition of a poet’s lot.
Tara –
So very pleased you liked this!
It felt right to me…
Rob,
I agree that poets do look at the world a little differently. Perhaps askew, but more to examine, as you say, the whys. Poets are in tune with the natural frequencies emited in the world they inhabit.
rel
Rel –
Yes… the eternal why!
I believe poets are in tune with a wide range of frequencies that resonate in this world — and being in ‘tune’ is most certainly not always bliss…
Once again, you’ve got the perfect turn of phrase to express the journey of poetry (I’m still thinking about how great “Uninspired” was!) My favorite line from “the Poets”: “they see grace and form/
in brilliant imbalance”. So lovely!
CG –
Thank you!
You are always kind to this old man… 😉