Adam Fenner's Blog, page 19

Autumn Reverie

Phoebe at Drops of Ink

She sits, wrapped in warmth and thought,
a world of autumn just beyond,
the leaves aflame, the skies alight,
and yet her gaze drifts far from sight.

Silver tresses fall like frost,
a quiet beauty, soft but lost,
in moments steeped in time’s embrace,
where shadows linger, hearts retrace.

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Analysis

The poem “Autumn Reverie” uses autumn as a symbol of regret and reflection, creating a backdrop for the woman’s internal struggles. It opens with her sitting “wrapped in warmth and thought,” suggesting comfort but also emotional distance. Despite the vibrant autumn imagery of “leaves aflame” and “skies alight,” she feels disconnected, highlighting the contrast between her inner turmoil and the beauty around her.

The poem’s five quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme, lend a rhythmic flow that guides the reader through her emotional landscape. The woman’s detachment from the beautiful autumn world reflects her focus on memories and unfulfilled dreams. Her “silver tresses” symbolize both beauty and age, reinforcing themes of reflection and the passage of time. Phrases like “moments steeped in time’s embrace” illustrate how lingering memories shape her current feelings, while the shadows represent her haunting past and paths not taken.

The cabin, described as having a “still, sweet breath,” contrasts with the vibrant outside world, providing safety but also underscoring her isolation. The teapot that “whispers promises” suggests warmth, yet her thoughts are filled with echoes of lost opportunities. This imagery emphasizes her internal struggle and longing for what could have been. Her hands, “folding with grace,” reflect her desire to hold onto fleeting memories, showing the tension between clinging to the past and letting go.

In the later stanzas, her attempt to grasp what “can’t be placed” evokes a bittersweet longing, highlighting her emotional conflict over a love that was “too fleeting.” The poem concludes with a search for peace, suggesting that in silence, there is a quest for understanding. While the beauty of autumn serves as a reminder of her experiences, she remains “beyond the flame,” separated from that vibrancy.

Overall, the poem effectively uses vivid autumn imagery to explore themes of nostalgia, loss, and the quest for inner peace. The interplay between the external world and her internal state invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with memory and regret, capturing the complex nature of human emotions.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Steampunk Queen

Laura Bennett

Studded boots, among realms of brass
Upon a golden throne, sits a fiery lass
With cogs and clocks that intertwine
Of leather and lace her world divine
Among goggles placed atop her crown

She gazes outside with a weary frown
Dimension of gears, machines, and steam
Time-travelers paradise in Victorian dreams

Down below her castle, the world turns
Work never stops, midnight candle burns
Years go by, lost in the blink of an eye
She gazes upward for a place in the sky
For another realm she longs to roam
A different place she would feel at home
To finally abdicate her lonely throne
Dreams of the life she calls her own

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Analysis

The poem “Steampunk Queen” offers a rich exploration of themes like ambition, freedom, and the conflict between duty and desire, centered on a fiery lass seated on a golden throne. She represents both power and confinement, embodying the struggle between her responsibilities as a ruler and her yearning for adventure. This tension resonates with readers who have felt torn between societal expectations and personal aspirations. The poem immerses us in a steampunk world, vividly depicting a Victorian-inspired setting filled with gears, machines, and industrial wonder, reflecting the blend of technology and fantasy central to the genre.

Structurally, the poem consists of several quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme, which contributes to its rhythmic quality and guides readers through the lass’s thoughts and feelings. This consistent pattern enhances the poem’s musicality, keeping the reader engaged while clearly presenting its themes. The imagery of “studded boots,” “cogs and clocks,” and “leather and lace” creates a striking backdrop for her internal struggle, contrasting the grandeur of her throne with her desire for a more fulfilling life. Each quatrain builds on the last, advancing the story while maintaining lyrical flow.

In the opening lines, the lass is depicted surrounded by symbols of power, like “cogs and clocks” and “goggles,” rooting the poem in its steampunk context. However, her “weary frown” suggests that her position is not as glamorous as it seems, establishing the central conflict between her responsibilities and her desires. The tone is reflective and somewhat wistful, capturing her dissatisfaction as she gazes outside her castle.

As the poem unfolds, it emphasizes her yearning for freedom. Lines like “for another realm she longs to roam” express her desire to escape her responsibilities. The image of the “midnight candle burns” symbolizes the relentless passage of time, adding to her feelings of entrapment. The steampunk elements further highlight this confinement, contrasting her vibrant dreams with the mechanized world around her.

The poem reaches a pivotal moment when the lass decides to board a time-traveling car, symbolizing her embrace of the unknown and her dreams. The line “never looking back” underscores her determination to shed the burdens of her throne, contrasting her past obligations with a future full of adventure.

In the conclusion, the poem challenges traditional notions of power and fulfillment by showcasing the lass’s choice to abandon her crown for a life of adventure. This choice underscores the idea that true happiness comes from pursuing one’s dreams rather than merely holding a position of power. The final questions invite readers to reflect on their choices and the sacrifices made for a more fulfilling life, suggesting that even those in power can feel trapped. Ultimately, the poem fosters a universal yearning for self-discovery and adventure, leaving readers with hope and the potential for new paths to explore.

Overall, “Steampunk Queen” effectively conveys the struggle between responsibility and ambition. It combines steampunk imagery with an alternating rhyme scheme to explore themes of ambition, freedom, and the balance between duty and desire. The structured form and evolving tone—from reflective to empowering—encourage readers to consider their own aspirations and the courage required to pursue them, ultimately inviting them to seek adventures beyond their thrones.

Photo by Shawn Lee on Unsplash

Traveling by ship

Robbie Cheadle

Friendships, of those ships I chosen to have none
Changing schools often, I was always the new girl
A loner, I turned to books for company and fun
My mean girl experiences would make your hair curl

Sistership, of those ships I was blessed with three
All my sisters have different and strong opinions
Family interactions can be difficult, believe me
They each rule their individual dominions

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

The poem delves into the complexities of various relationships—friendships, familial bonds, and romantic partnerships—highlighting the speaker’s experiences with both loneliness and connection. It juxtaposes the absence of friendships with the strength found in sisterhood and a successful marriage, employing the metaphor of boats to illustrate the diverse journeys we undertake in life. Each “ship” symbolizes a different type of relationship, emphasizing how these connections influence our emotional landscapes. Ultimately, the poem navigates the theme of progressing through difficult relationships to find the right one, underscoring the growth that arises from these experiences.

Structured in four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme, the poem maintains a rhythmic quality that enhances its flow. Each stanza focuses on a specific type of relationship, clearly guiding the reader from friendships to family and romantic partnerships. The tone is both reflective and candid, as the speaker shares personal anecdotes with honesty, acknowledging the challenges and blessings inherent in different connections. This blend of vulnerability and empowerment is especially evident in her celebration of sisterhood and a fulfilling marriage.

In the first stanza, the speaker discusses her choice to avoid friendships, revealing a deep sense of isolation. She reflects on a childhood marked by constant change and the feeling of being the “new girl,” highlighting her loneliness. Rather than seeking companionship in peers, she turns to books, illustrating her preference for stories over the complexities of social interactions. The mention of “mean girl experiences” underscores the negativity that accompanied her attempts at friendship, reinforcing her decision to avoid those turbulent waters. This establishes a reluctance, with the metaphor of ships symbolizing her desire to sidestep the potential chaos of friendships and setting the stage for her journey through difficult relationships.

The second stanza shifts focus to sisterhood, where the speaker expresses gratitude for her three sisters, each with strong opinions and distinct personalities. This complexity showcases both the challenges and support that family relationships offer. The term “dominion” suggests that each sister maintains her own territory, complicating interactions while enriching the familial bond. Despite the difficulties, the metaphorical ship of sisterhood feels more welcoming, indicating that these relationships, though challenging, are significant and foundational.

In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on her harmonious marriage to a “Lone Wolf,” emphasizing compatibility and mutual understanding. Both partners are loners who connect deeply, with the ship metaphor symbolizing a strong, healthy journey characterized by compromise and healing. This relationship stands in stark contrast to her earlier experiences, providing emotional support and signifying personal growth. The phrase “we’ve learned any emotional wounds to patch” highlights the progress made through navigating past challenges, ultimately leading her to a fulfilling partnership.

In the concluding lines, the speaker expands the metaphor of ships to encompass life as a whole, recognizing that everyone navigates various relationships throughout their journey. The choice between calm waters and turbulent storms underscores that how one experiences these relationships often depends on personal decisions and perspectives. This insight offers a sense of agency, suggesting that while relationships can be difficult, individuals have the power to steer their own paths through life’s complexities.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Transformation: A Reverse Dectina

Nancy Richy

Gourds!
Do not
be afraid!
I bring good news!
Unto you this day
I bequeath a power:
transformation most fearsome!
Pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns!
Grotesque faces send chills up the spine!
Gourds! Do not be afraid! I bring good news!
…

You may find the rest of the poem at the poet’s website here.

Review

The poem “Gourds!” delves into themes of transformation, the fear of change, and the empowerment that emerges from it. The speaker directly addresses the gourds, urging them not to fear their impending transformation into jack-o-lanterns. This change is depicted as both exciting and frightening, illustrating how transformation can evoke anxiety while also opening doors to new possibilities. By reassuring the gourds that this change is not something to dread but rather a source of strength, the poem suggests that while change can be intimidating, it ultimately leads to a sense of empowerment and agency.

The tone of the poem strikes a balance between playful and urgent, combining reassurance with a lively spirit. The repeated phrase “Do not be afraid!” creates a whimsical chant that comforts the gourds, while expressions like “I bring good news!” infuse the poem with optimism. This sense of excitement is contrasted with the ominous imagery of “grotesque faces,” which introduces an element of tension. This interplay emphasizes the frightening aspects of transformation, ultimately conveying that such change can foster a powerful new identity.

Structurally, the poem adopts a circular format, with echoing lines that reinforce the speaker’s insistence and central message. The short, direct lines enhance the urgency and rhythm, making the poem feel dynamic and engaging. This repetition reflects the cyclical nature of transformation, suggesting that while change may be daunting, it is a natural part of life. Moreover, the recurring phrases underscore the theme of empowerment, highlighting that embracing change can lead to a stronger sense of self.

In summary, “Gourds!” captures the thrill and tension of transformation while recognizing the fear that often accompanies it. The playful tone and repetitive structure invite readers to embrace change rather than shy away from it, encouraging us to see transformation as an opportunity for newfound power and growth.

Note on structure

The poem “Transformation” uses a combination format that is both a Dectina Refrain and a reversible poem.

A dectina refrain is a unique poetic form invented by Marion Friedenthal and named by Luke Prater. It is structured with lines that increase in syllable count, following a pattern of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and finally 10 syllables for the last line. This tenth line is a compilation of the first four lines combined into one cohesive line, often presented in quotation marks, though it’s common for poets to omit the quotation marks.

The use of the dectina refrain allows poets to create a rhythm that builds progressively, enhancing the emotional impact of the poem. The final line, which draws together the initial lines, serves as a powerful conclusion that reinforces the poem’s themes and ideas. This form encourages creativity and variation while maintaining a strong structural foundation, making it an effective tool for expression in poetry.

A reversible poem, also known as a palindrome poem or a reverso poem, is a unique form of poetry that can be read both forwards and backwards, offering different meanings in each direction. This style has its roots in Classical Chinese poetry, particularly in the works of the 4th-century poet Su Hui, who is famous for his untitled poem “Star Gauge” (璇璣圖). This intricate piece contains 841 characters arranged in a square grid, allowing readers to interpret it from multiple angles—backwards, forwards, and diagonally—often revealing new and sometimes contradictory meanings.

In Chinese reversible poems, the tone of the words can also contribute to the overall poetic effect, adding layers of meaning. Since punctuation is less common in Chinese, it has sometimes been introduced in modern adaptations to clarify these palindromic structures.

In the English-speaking world, poets like Marilyn Singer and Brian Bilston have embraced this form, showcasing its versatility. Reversible poems are often used in educational settings to demonstrate how the same words can convey differing perspectives, highlighting the richness of language. Techniques such as omitting punctuation and strategically placing line breaks are essential for crafting a reversible poem in English, allowing the poet to create a seamless experience that shifts meaning with each reading.

Pie Patch

Susi Bocks

lovely round kirbus
your meats entice me
encourage me to slice you open
to maniacally empty your being
cut you into pieces
and mash up your insides
to make an orange slurry
adding spices to enhance your flavor
then pour you into a pie dish
…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

The poem “Pie Patch” delves into the theme of transformation by using the process of preparing a pumpkin for pie as a metaphor. It captures cooking as both an act of creation and destruction, highlighting the intricate balance between these two forces. The poet employs playful yet violent imagery, utilizing intense phrases like “slice you open” and “maniacally empty your being.” This language adds an aggressive layer to the cooking context, allowing readers to witness how the pumpkin transforms from a whole, enticing gourd into a completely new and delicious creation.

Structured in free verse, the poem flows organically, reflecting the informal yet intense nature of cooking. This style invites readers into a vivid, personal experience of the kitchen. The tone is playful yet slightly sinister, as the speaker’s enthusiasm for dismembering the “kirbus” conveys both joy and a hint of darker undertones. Lines like “maniacally empty your being” reveal a gleeful embrace of destruction, while the invitation to share the pie with friends brings warmth and community into the mix.

The imagery in “Pie Patch” emphasizes the chaotic beauty of cooking. The speaker describes the pumpkin preparation as a joyful yet ruthless task, transforming a simple recipe into a dramatic act. The phrase “place you inside a small hell” introduces dark humor, underscoring the intensity of the heat the pumpkin’s insides endure. As the poem progresses, the transformation deepens; the speaker mashes the pumpkin into an “orange slurry,” changing its texture and flavor. The addition of spices enhances this evolution, suggesting that cooking is an art form that reveals the best in ingredients.

Despite the earlier brutality, a sense of care emerges when the pie is adorned with “silky sweet cream.” This final touch symbolizes a gentle transformation into something beautiful and inviting after the intense baking process. Ultimately, the transformation culminates in sharing the pie with friends, highlighting themes of community and celebration. The speaker captures the joy of sharing something that has undergone significant change, inviting others to “ooh and aah” over the final product.

Overall, “Pie Patch” illustrates the theme of transformation, showing how something raw can become a delightful treat filled with warmth and connection. The blend of playful violence with the joy of cooking creates a vivid portrayal of the pumpkin’s journey, encouraging readers to appreciate the artistry involved in such a seemingly simple act as making a pie. The poem’s exciting mix of imagery offers a unique perspective on cooking, making it a compelling exploration of creation and destruction.

Photo by Sea Johnson on Unsplash

Deep in My Heart, I do Believe

Merril D. Smith

Never again, we say,
never again,
never again.

But they scream—again—
time-space ripples
in a Munch vision
again and again

books banned
and women dying

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

“Deep in My Heart, I do Believe” tackles important themes of violence, oppression, and the quest for justice. It begins with the repeated phrase “never again,” which captures a strong sense of urgency and frustration about the cycles of history that keep repeating. This repetition implies a shared promise to avoid past mistakes, yet the poem quickly shifts to reveal that these promises are often broken, showing the harsh reality of ongoing suffering. This creates a stark contrast between hope and despair. The poem also connects deeply to Edvard Munch’s painting “Vision,” using imagery that reflects chaos and emotional turmoil, mirroring the anxiety found in both the artwork and the violence described in the poem.

Structured in free verse, the poem employs varied line lengths and repetition to create a rhythmic flow. This format reflects the chaotic nature of its themes, allowing readers to feel the weight of each line. The repetition drives home the message that despite our promises, history continues to repeat itself, whether through banned books, the suffering of women, or violence against marginalized communities.

Imagery such as “time-space ripples” evokes a sense of turmoil and emotional intensity, suggesting a world stuck in cycles of trauma. The line “they scream—again” illustrates the frustration surrounding these ongoing injustices. Moments of darkness, like “bodies bombed, gassed, beaten,” are juxtaposed with calls for hope, such as the “call for bread and roses.” This contrast emphasizes the need to strive for joy and justice, even when faced with overwhelming odds. The imagery also aligns with Munch’s style, where emotions twist reality, capturing the profound impact of violence on individuals and society.

The narrative shifts from the harsh realities of violence to a call for hope and resilience. The line “I can’t breathe” conveys a feeling of suffocation from repeated traumas. Yet, it transitions to a collective response, with the speaker vowing to “hold your ghost-breaths” in their hearts. This commitment honors those lost while continuing the fight for a better future.

As this piece moves forward, it becomes a rallying cry for action, suggesting that rising against oppression is part of the human spirit. The call for “bread and roses” symbolizes the fight for basic needs and happiness, showing that pursuing joy is as vital as survival. The closing lines, with the declaration “we rise,” encapsulate determination and strength, reminding us that even amid cycles of violence, there is a spirit of resilience and a desire for change, rooted in community and solidarity.

The poet reminds us of the ongoing struggle against injustice and the importance of remembering and being resilient. It captures the frustration of seeing history repeat itself while still offering hope. By intertwining Munch’s emotional weight with current issues of violence and oppression, the poem reinforces the power of community and the need for a hopeful future.

Edvard Munch – Vision (1892)

This image can be found here.

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch (1863-1944) was a Norwegian painter and printmaker, best known for his emotionally charged works that explore themes of love, anxiety, and existential despair. Born in Loten, Norway, Munch faced personal tragedy early in life, losing his mother to tuberculosis when he was just five. These experiences of loss and illness would deeply influence his art.

Munch’s artistic style is often associated with Symbolism and Expressionism. He employed vivid colors and dramatic compositions to evoke intense emotional responses. His most famous work, “The Scream,” captures a profound sense of existential dread, embodying the anxieties of the modern age. The painting’s swirling colors and distorted forms are hallmarks of Munch’s approach, which sought to convey psychological states rather than mere visual reality.

Influenced by a range of artistic movements and figures, Munch drew inspiration from Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and the Symbolist movement. His encounters with artists like Vincent van Gogh and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec enriched his understanding of color and form. Additionally, Munch’s own experiences with mental health, including bouts of depression, informed his exploration of human emotion.

Throughout his career, Munch created a vast body of work, including paintings, prints, and drawings, focusing on themes of love, anxiety, and mortality. His innovative use of color and form paved the way for later developments in modern art, particularly in Expressionism.

Munch’s legacy endures, as his works continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. He is regarded as a pioneer of modern art, influencing countless artists and movements in the 20th century and beyond. His exploration of psychological themes and the human condition remains relevant, securing his place as one of the most significant figures in art history.

You may learn more here.

Diving

Jasper Hoogendam

To be human is to relate
To connect with others
Defining who we are
Though at times it gets difficult

When relations break down
Shallow responses
Shunned, ignored,
Isolation sets in

Life has it’s twists and turns
Events beyond our control
Pushing us beyond our limits
Hurts and fears taking hold

Causing one to sink below the surface
Leaving one disoriented
Dropping into turbulent waters
Faintly hoping it’s a shallow dive

No map of what to expect
Searching for familiar markers
Not knowing how deep
Not knowing how long

Searching and grasping for help
Not knowing what will help
Not really knowing who can help
Not knowing where to look
How do you ask for help
when you don’t know what you need

Trust your resilience
Recognize your inner strength
You have resurfaced in the past
Trust you will resurface
Trust that this too will end

The dive is uncomfortable
Not like pool party antics
Eliciting oohs and aahs
Instead, a soundless splash
Not something one would invite

The pain of feeling alone
The confusion of feeling lost
The discomfort of the unfamiliar
The suspension of joy
The questioning of purpose
The isolation of being out of sync
The inability to put into words

Keeping despondency at bay
Keeping resignation on a short tether

Turning isolation into a reflection
Changing confusion into a new direction
Seeing a loss of purpose as a step
to a more focused goal
Being able to accept a hand reaching out

Resurfacing with renewed hope
Experiencing friendship
Knowing others care
Finding help in wonderful places

It’s okay to go into a faltering dive
When you’re part of a community
When you’re with people who care
Knowing they will reach out
as their heart moves them

You may find this poem and others here.

“Diving” examines the complexities of human connection and the challenges that arise when relationships break down. It focuses on themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the search for support and resilience. By highlighting how our connections shape our experiences, the poem addresses the struggle between feeling lost and the strength that relationships can provide. It reveals the dangers of loneliness and the emotional toll that comes when those connections falter.

Written in free verse, the poem flows naturally, allowing the speaker’s thoughts and emotions to unfold without the constraints of a strict rhyme scheme. This conversational tone makes it relatable as the poem moves through various stanzas, each exploring different emotional states—from the joy of connecting with others to the deep pain of isolation and the path toward healing.

The poem opens by asserting the importance of relationships in defining who we are. It quickly shifts to the challenges that come when these connections weaken. Imagery such as “shallow responses” and feelings of being “shunned” powerfully convey the emotional pain of isolation. It shows how loneliness creeps in when people feel ignored. The poem also acknowledges that life can be unpredictable, highlighting how unexpected events can push individuals to their limits, increasing feelings of fear and hurt.

As the poem develops, it dives deeper into life’s uncertainties and how they can lead to overwhelming feelings of disorientation. The image of sinking below the surface effectively captures this helplessness. The speaker’s struggle to seek help emphasizes confusion about what is needed and where to find it. The metaphor of turbulent waters illustrates the chaos that comes with feeling lost, emphasizing the dangers of being alone and the lack of direction that can amplify one’s isolation.

Despite these challenges, the poem shifts toward a message of resilience. It encourages readers to trust their inner strength and remember times when they have overcome difficulties. This hopeful turn contrasts the discomfort of loneliness with the need for community and support. The speaker reflects on the silent pain of isolation, which can lead to a loss of joy and purpose. As the tone shifts to a more hopeful outlook, the idea of “resurfacing” symbolizes recovery and reconnection, highlighting that individuals possess strength even in vulnerability.

In the latter part, a sense of hope emerges. It encourages readers to trust in their resilience while reminding them of past struggles they have faced. Accepting help from others is shown as a vital step in this process, reinforcing that feeling vulnerable is okay. The closing lines emphasize the importance of being part of a caring community, underscoring how connections can help individuals navigate their struggles.

“Diving” effectively portrays the emotional journey of dealing with isolation and highlights the value of community. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with connection and disconnection, emphasizing that reaching out for support is crucial. This message serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles and that embracing help from others can foster healing and strength.

Photo by James Baldwin on Unsplash

#forevers true#

Destiny’s Designz

upon the darkness of night skies… some

wishes I wrote of my heart’s desires…as

stars they twinkled till time aged…this dream

to fall for as mine was meant…to that moment

this memory burns to…from nights

through days to a years flow… as words that

started this story to life…to write itself to its

forevers true…

You may find this poem and more here.

“This poem”#forevers true#” examines the space between dreaming and reality, highlighting the contrast between hopes and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on wishes written in the “darkness of night skies,” likening them to twinkling stars. This imagery conveys that dreams can be beautiful yet distant, often feeling out of reach. The themes of longing and nostalgia are clear as the speaker shares heartfelt desires connected to the night sky and stars, which symbolize enduring hopes. The mention of time aging these wishes indicates that these dreams have been held for a long time, adding emotional depth to the speaker’s reflections.

The structure is free verse, without a strict rhyme scheme or consistent line length. This gives it a flowing, organic feel, mirroring the natural movement of time from night to day and through the years. The lack of punctuation creates a sense of continuity, allowing thoughts and feelings to merge. Phrases like “this memory burns” and “words that started this story” highlight the emotional weight of the speaker’s experiences and desires.

The poem illustrates how dreams persist over time. The phrase “till time aged” suggests that while time moves forward, the longing for these wishes stays strong. However, it also hints that life’s realities can wear these dreams down. The idea of a dream “to fall for” indicates a personal connection to these desires, reflecting a yearning for something that feels meant to be yet often remains elusive. This tension between desire and reality underscores the struggle between enduring hopes and the challenges of life.

As the poem emphasizes the passage of time, it moves from “nights through days to a years flow,” suggesting that dreams evolve through different life stages. This flow shows that while the intensity of dreams may change, they remain vital to the speaker’s identity. The absence of punctuation contributes to a continuous feel, giving the poem a fluid quality that reflects how dreams and memories are intertwined and always evolving.

This poem captures a reflective mood, exploring how dreams and memories change over time and connect the past with future hopes. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and yearning, illustrating the importance of holding onto these wishes as they shape our lives. The imagery encourages readers to relate to their own desires and the passage of time, making it both accessible and impactful. In this space between dreaming and reality, we find a blend of longing, memories, and a search for meaning amidst life’s complexities.

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

Astronaut Boy Forgets Stars Still Exist When He’s Not Looking At Them

Oscar Mateo

the night i declared my
body galaxy, i tried to break
a telescope
i was houston with a problem
rocket science wouldn’t fix

someone once told me that
the night sky is only a
snapshot of millenia ago
or that a constellation is a
kind of shattering that
even light speed ain’t
fast enough to keep up

…

You can find the rest of the poem and others here.

The poem “Astronaut Boy Forgets Stars Still Exist When He’s Not Looking At Them” explores profound themes of self-awareness, the passage of time, and the complex relationship between existence and pain, particularly through the lens of gender identity and cosmic imagery. The speaker’s description of their body as a “galaxy” suggests a vast range of experiences and emotions, highlighting a multifaceted identity that defies simplistic definitions. By breaking a telescope, the speaker rejects conventional methods of viewing their body and experiences, emphasizing the struggle for self-understanding in a world that imposes rigid labels.

“Astronaut Boy’s” structure enhances its themes, featuring uneven stanzas that create a fragmented feeling, mirroring the chaos of the speaker’s thoughts. The varied lengths and flow contribute to a sense of turmoil, with line breaks adding pauses that emphasize key ideas. For instance, the line “the night sky is only a snapshot of millennia ago” underscores the disconnect between past and present, illustrating how we carry remnants of history within us.

References to atomic nuclei reflect the delicate nature of connection, resonating with the experiences of those navigating gender identity. The notion that “bruising bones” can affirm existence speaks to the pain often felt on this journey, where physical reminders serve as validation.

Scientific references—like telescopes and light speed—add complexity, suggesting an attempt to understand oneself through logic while revealing its limits. Phrases like “that is to say” draw connections between ideas, reinforcing the intertwining of personal pain and cosmic existence. The poem also highlights how identity is shaped by history and external perceptions, particularly in gender, where societal expectations can feel like distant stars—both guiding and unattainable.

The mention of “alive and dead” stars parallels the speaker’s feelings of existence and invisibility in their identity journey, while “Schrödinger’s sad little pet” captures the uncertainty many face when navigating gender identity. This interplay of scientific references creates a contrast between rationality and emotional struggle, suggesting that understanding oneself is as intricate as the cosmos. The poem ultimately reveals that pain can validate existence, with the concluding thoughts on bruising bones reinforcing the connection between physicality and identity.

“Astronaut Boy,” powerfully conveys a message about the intricacies of self-perception and the weight of history. It shifts from grand cosmic ideas to intimate reflections on scars, emphasizing the speaker’s struggle with identity and existence. This movement from the macro to the micro supports the exploration of self-awareness and the complexities of gender identity, highlighting the tension between vast possibilities and personal understanding.

Photo by Nong on Unsplash

Flamenco

Gabriela Marie Milton

I want to burn inside the rhythms of the flamenco,
flame in the dancers’ passion in the streets of old Córdoba
I want to entertain rich masters for a piece of bread
inside the silent cries of those who are misunderstood
I want the desperation of the dancers dressed in red.

You may find this and other poetry here.

This poem explores the intense emotional connection between the speaker and the passionate world of flamenco dance, while addressing the struggles of the performers. This poem features a free-verse structure that allows the emotions to flow freely, mirroring the spontaneity of flamenco itself. The speaker yearns to feel the fire and vitality of the dancers in Córdoba, expressing a desire for passion.

The contrast between the performers’ joy in dance and their desperate economic reality is a central theme. The dancers entertain “rich masters for a piece of bread,” highlighting their struggle for survival, not just art. It also reinforces the disconnect between the external vibrancy of the performance and the internal struggles of those who live it. The vivid imagery of “silent cries” conveys the pain and misunderstanding endured by the performers, creating a powerful tension between the beauty of the dance and the harsh realities of life.

The repetition of “I want” drives the speaker’s longing, as each line deepens the focus from personal desire to broader empathy for the dancers’ hardships. The poem contrasts the wealthy patrons’ detached existence with the dancers’ livelihood, showing the complex relationship between art and economic survival. This dynamic is poignantly encapsulated by the phrase “for a piece of bread,” which illustrates how the dancers’ joy is overshadowed by their need to survive.

Through a lyrical yet somber tone, the poem evokes deep empathy, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and financial struggles behind the dancers’ art. Ultimately, it is a commentary on both the beauty of flamenco and the economic inequities faced by those who bring that beauty to life, making the poem a layered meditation on art, survival, and longing.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a vibrant and expressive art form that originated in the Andalusian region of Spain. It encompasses three main elements: singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), and dance (baile). Flamenco dance is characterized by its intricate footwork, expressive hand and arm movements, and strong body posture. Dancers often wear traditional costumes that enhance the visual impact of their performances.

The dance draws from various cultural influences, including Gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish traditions, reflecting a rich history of fusion. Flamenco is typically performed in a communal setting, fostering a sense of connection between the performers and the audience. Over time, it has evolved into different styles, each with its own unique rhythms and emotional expressions. Today, flamenco is celebrated worldwide, recognized for its passion and artistic depth.

You can find more about Flamenco Dance here.

Romani

The Romani people, often referred to as Roma, are an ethnic group with origins in northern India, migrating to Europe around the 11th century. They are now found throughout Europe and the Americas, with significant populations in countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary. The Romani have a rich cultural heritage, characterized by unique languages, music, and dance, and they often live in tight-knit communities.

Historically, the Romani have faced widespread discrimination and persecution, including enslavement, forced assimilation, and genocide during the Holocaust. Despite this, they have maintained distinct cultural traditions and identities. The Romani language, which includes various dialects, is closely related to Hindi and is an important part of their cultural expression.

Today, many Romani communities continue to struggle with social and economic challenges, such as poverty and marginalization. Efforts for advocacy and integration are ongoing, aiming to improve their living conditions and protect their rights. Overall, the Romani people’s rich history and culture are marked by resilience in the face of adversity, as they strive for recognition and equality in society.

You may find more information about the Romani people here.

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