Adam Fenner's Blog, page 9

CALLIGRAMS – Reviewed

GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE

THE PRETTY REDHEAD

Here I am before all a man full of sense
Knowing life and death what a living person can
know
Having experienced the pains and joys of love
Having sometimes known how to impose his ideas
Knowing several languages
​​Having traveled quite a bit
Having seen war in the Artillery and the Infantry
Wounded in the head trepanned under chloroform
Having lost his best friends in the terrible struggle
I know of the old and the new as much as a single man
could know of the two
And without worrying today about this war
Between us and for us my friends
I judge this long quarrel of tradition and
invention
Of Order and Adventure

You whose mouth is made in the image of that of God
Mouth which is order itself
Be indulgent when you compare us
To those who were the perfection of order
We who seek adventure everywhere

We are not your enemies
We want to give you vast and strange
domains
Where mystery blooms offers itself to whoever wants to pick it
There are new fires there, colors never seen before
A thousand imponderable phantasms
To which we must give reality
We want to explore the goodness, enormous land where everything
is silent
There is also time that can be chased away or brought back
Pity for us who always fight on the borders
Of the unlimited and the future
Pity for our errors, pity for our sins

Here comes summer, the violent season
And my youth is dead like spring
Oh Sun, it is the time of ardent Reason
And I wait
To follow it always, the noble and sweet form
That it takes so that I only love
it She comes and attracts me like an iron magnetizing
her She has the charming appearance
Of an adorable redhead

Her hair is golden, it looks like
A beautiful flash that would last
Or these flames that strut
In the tea roses that fade

But laugh, laugh at me
Men from everywhere, especially people from here
Because there are so many things that I don’t dare tell you
So many things you wouldn’t let me say
Have pity on me

It’s Raining

its raining womens voices as if they were dead even in memory
its raining you too marvelous encounters of my life oh droplets
and those clouds rear and begin to whinny a universe of auricular cities
listen to it rain while regret and disdain weep an ancient music
listen to the the fetters falling that bind you high and low

© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes 

This poem is a part of a collection Calligrammes: Poems of Peace and War, and can be found on Goodreads here, with this review posted here.

Analysis

Guillaume Apollinaire’s “Calligrams: Poems of Peace and War” is an innovative and emotionally charged collection that blends themes of love, war, and modernity with striking visual and verbal experimentation. Written during a time of personal and global upheaval, the collection captures the fragmented, chaotic, and often surreal experience of life during World War I.

One of the most notable aspects of “Calligrams” is its exploration of war. Apollinaire, who served as a soldier, portrays the conflict with a mix of stark realism and abstract reflection. The brutality of war is a recurring theme, yet his poems also express a fascination with the machinery, technology, and disorientation of the modern battlefield. This dual perspective captures the tension between admiration for human ingenuity and the horror of its destructive use. Poems like “The Little Car” juxtapose mundane, even playful imagery with the grim reality of war, creating a sense of unease and dislocation.

Love also plays a central role in the collection, often intertwined with loss and longing. Apollinaire’s romantic reflections are tender but tinged with melancholy, as in “The Pretty Redhead,” where affection is colored by the shadow of separation and war. His portrayal of love feels deeply personal yet universal, offering moments of intimacy that contrast with the impersonal destruction of conflict.

Structurally, the collection is as much about how the poems look as how they read. Apollinaire’s use of calligrams—poems arranged in the shape of objects or concepts—adds a visual layer to his themes. This approach makes the poems feel dynamic and alive, forcing the reader to engage with them on multiple levels. The visual aspect mirrors the fragmented nature of modern life, where meaning is often scattered and must be pieced together. At the same time, the structure reflects Apollinaire’s embrace of new artistic ideas and his push against traditional forms.

The tone of the collection is multifaceted, shifting between somber, reflective, and whimsical. In poems like “It’s Raining,” Apollinaire captures the monotony and sorrow of waiting, while others, like “The Little Car,” carry a sense of wonder and humor even amidst war’s chaos. This tonal variety reflects the complexity of the poet’s experience, where moments of beauty and absurdity coexist with violence and grief.

What makes “Calligrams” stand out is its ability to capture the fractured reality of its time while remaining deeply human. Apollinaire’s experiments with form and language don’t distance the reader; instead, they draw them closer to the emotions and experiences he describes. The collection feels both innovative and timeless, offering a powerful exploration of how art can respond to and reflect a world in turmoil. It’s a testament to the resilience of creativity, even in the face of destruction, and a reminder of the enduring power of poetry to shape and interpret the human experience.

Calligram

Calligrams are a form of visual poetry where the layout of words creates a picture or design that reflects the subject of the text. The idea behind a calligram is to combine visual art and written language, merging form and meaning into a single artistic expression. This approach draws attention to how words can communicate not only through their content but also through their appearance.

The history of calligrams dates back centuries, with examples found in ancient civilizations that used decorative writing for religious texts or art. Guillaume Apollinaire popularized the term “calligram” in the early 20th century, using it in his poetry collection Calligrams: Poems of Peace and War. In his work, the visual arrangement of the words reinforces the themes and emotions of the poems. For example, a poem about rain might be shaped like raindrops or falling streams, adding another layer of meaning to the text.

Calligrams challenge traditional ideas of how poetry is structured and read. They force readers to engage differently, as the layout requires a more interactive and deliberate interpretation. This style aligns with modernist art movements, which sought to break away from conventional forms and explore new ways of expression. Apollinaire’s use of calligrams reflects his interest in pushing boundaries and embracing the fragmented, dynamic nature of modern life.

While Apollinaire’s work is among the most well-known, calligrams continue to influence contemporary art and design. They are used in advertising, digital media, and other creative spaces to communicate ideas in visually striking ways. The concept of combining text and image remains a powerful tool for artistic and literary expression, offering endless possibilities for innovation and meaning.

You may learn at Wikipedia here.

Photo by John Noonan on Unsplash

Tinderbox – Reviewed

Sunra Rainz

To lose oneself in the wintering
of tiny little utopias
offered up and so easily missed
in the superstrata
of terrestrial living.

An oblong of sun
in the chill of journey,
brief yet needed.

The world, on fire.
The wind blew it
more raging still.
Always the wind and the devil
that changes everything
isn’t it?

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Tinderbox

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Analysis

“Tinderbox” weaves together themes of impermanence, transformation, and resilience, using dreamlike imagery to reflect the harsh realities of wildfires. The poem balances introspection and vivid detail, capturing both the personal and collective experience of navigating a world shaped by destruction. It explores the fragility of routines and the necessity of adaptation, offering a layered meditation on how we find meaning amidst chaos.

The poem begins with a sense of quiet reflection, describing “tiny little utopias” and fleeting comforts that are easily overlooked. These moments of solace, like “an oblong of sun in the chill of journey,” provide brief relief but are soon overshadowed by the destructive force of fire. The phrase “The world, on fire” marks an abrupt shift, pulling the reader from abstraction into a stark reality. This jarring transition mirrors the disorientation caused by real-life wildfires, where everyday life is suddenly upended.

The wind, described as fueling the flames, becomes a symbol of uncontrollable forces that drive destruction. The line “Always the wind and the devil that changes everything” ties natural phenomena to existential struggle, suggesting that such events are both inevitable and transformative. The fire is depicted as both a physical and mythical force, turning familiar landscapes into something alien, almost like stepping into a dream—or a nightmare.

Imagery grounds the poem in the realities of wildfires while maintaining its reflective tone. The “deserted street” and “muffled alto of a passing siren” evoke the eerie stillness that follows evacuation and devastation. The act of “sewing to appease the gods” feels symbolic, reflecting the human need to impose order or meaning in the face of chaos. This small, restless action conveys a sense of resilience, even when larger events seem beyond control.

The poem’s conclusion, with the image of the “druid heart” that “stretches, accommodates, remakes itself,” ties the dreamlike and real together. The druid imagery suggests an ancient connection to nature’s cycles, emphasizing humanity’s capacity for endurance and renewal. This transformation is both physical and spiritual, a reminder that adaptation is necessary for survival.

“Tinderbox” captures the tension between fleeting beauty and overwhelming destruction, blending surreal and tangible elements to reflect the emotional weight of wildfires. The poem’s structure, with its irregular rhythm and shifting tones, mirrors the unpredictable nature of fire and its impact. By balancing introspection with vivid imagery, it invites readers to consider their own ability to navigate change and find meaning in the face of loss. The result is a poignant exploration of both the fragility and resilience of life.

Photo by Joanne Francis on Unsplash

Of The Majestic Within – Reviewed

Beaton

If you cannot be King of the hill,
Be the master of your will,
even if you are a scrub by the stream,
be the best scrub by the rill,
and so long as you can dream,
dream that you are majestic tree
offering comfort and wisdom as you deem.

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Of The Majestic Within

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Analysis

“Of The Majestic Within” delivers a powerful and uplifting message about embracing one’s position in life and striving to excel within it. The poem encourages readers to recognize that no role is too small to have value and that true worth lies in the effort and purpose one brings to their place in the world. By using imagery that progresses from grand to humble, the poet highlights how even the most modest contributions can hold significance when approached with intention and care.

The poem begins with the image of a “King of the hill,” representing power and success, but quickly shifts to the more personal idea of being “the master of your will.” This transition sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing that greatness is not defined by external status but by the inner drive to make the most of one’s circumstances. As the imagery narrows from a majestic tree to a bush and then to a blade of grass, the responsibility to thrive within one’s circumstances becomes even more important. Each role, no matter how small, carries its own unique purpose.

The structure reinforces this message through its steady rhythm and repetition of phrases like “If you cannot…” These repetitions create a framework that builds momentum, encouraging the reader to reflect on their own place and potential. The natural flow of the poem mirrors the simplicity and clarity of its wisdom, making the advice feel both practical and universal.

The tone is inclusive and motivating, offering encouragement to those who may feel overshadowed by others. Lines like “be the best scrub by the rill” and “be like grass on a mountainside pass” use accessible imagery to show that even the smallest contributions can brighten the world. The poet’s insistence on striving for excellence in any role is not about competition but about fully embracing one’s potential.

The poem ends with a declaration to “BE,” a succinct and powerful conclusion that captures the heart of the message. It shifts the focus away from comparison and external validation to the act of being present and purposeful in one’s existence. Whether one is a tree or a blade of grass, the poem insists that every role has meaning when filled with effort and care.

“Of The Majestic Within” is a celebration of individuality and purpose, using its progression of imagery to remind readers that every position in life has value. It challenges us to recognize our own worth and to contribute meaningfully to the world, no matter the scale of our role. The message is clear, encouraging, and universal, making it a timeless reflection on the importance of doing the best we can within the lives we are given.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

There was a time – Reviewed

Edward Thomas

There was a time when this poor frame was whole
And I had youth and never another care,
Or none that should have troubled a strong soul.
Yet, except sometimes in a frosty air
When my heels hammered out a melody
From pavements of a city left behind,
I never would acknowledge my own glee
Because it was less mighty than my mind
Had dreamed of. Since I could not boast of strength
Great as I wished, weakness was all my boast.
I sought yet hated pity till at length
I earned it. Oh, too heavy was the cost!
But now that there is something I could use
My youth and strength for, I deny the age,
The care and weakness that I know—refuse
To admit I am unworthy of the wage
Paid to a man who gives up eyes and breath
For what would neither ask nor heed his death.

You may find this and other poems here.

© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes 

Analysis

“There was a time” reflects on youth, strength, regret, and the emotional weight of survival in the aftermath of war. The speaker, a soldier, looks back on a time when their body was whole and life seemed simpler, though even then dissatisfaction clouded their ability to appreciate vitality and joy. The poem explores the journey from youthful arrogance to the hard-earned wisdom of experience, shaped by the physical and emotional toll of war.

The poem begins with memories of youthful confidence and ambition. The speaker recalls dismissing moments of joy because they didn’t match the grand ideals they had imagined. This youthful pride, described in the lines “I never would acknowledge my own glee / Because it was less mighty than my mind / Had dreamed of,” sets the stage for a reflection on the cost of such arrogance. Regret grows as the speaker admits to seeking pity while despising it, leading to the acknowledgment that the price of such indulgence was too high.

As the poem progresses, the tone shifts from self-criticism to somber reflection on survival and loss. The speaker confronts the guilt of living while others, who seemed more deserving, did not. The line “I deny the age, / The care and weakness that I know” shows an effort to reject feelings of inadequacy, but it also reveals the internal struggle of measuring their worth against the sacrifices of others. The phrase “unworthy of the wage” underscores this guilt, with the “wage” symbolizing survival and the cost of enduring when others could not.

The final lines emphasize the soldier’s awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by their peers—those who “give up eyes and breath / For what would neither ask nor heed their death.” This stark recognition of the impersonal nature of war heightens the speaker’s feelings of unworthiness, leaving the reader with a profound sense of the burdens carried by those who survive.

The poem’s structure, with its formal quatrains and measured rhythm, creates a balance between raw emotion and restraint. This formality contrasts with the vulnerability of the speaker’s reflections, reinforcing the tension between outward composure and inner turmoil. The tone moves between regret, self-awareness, and somber acknowledgment, capturing the complex emotions tied to survival and loss.

“There was a time” is a poignant exploration of the human cost of war, focusing on the guilt and responsibility borne by those who outlive their peers. It reflects on the fragility of youth, the sacrifices required to grow up, and the enduring struggle to find meaning in survival. The poem resonates as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the weight of living in a world shaped by loss.

Photo by Nadine Eggenberger on Unsplash

I Write Myself into The Margins – Reviewed

Katie Frances Hartless

Ah, praise be to the margins,
the only places I call my own.

Redecorate, make comment,
doodle or make complaint,
the margins are my safety zones.

While the rest of the page is fossilized
in words (some strange)
typeset in stone,

I write myself into the margins.

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

I Write Myself into The Margins

©2025 | K. F. Hartless
© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes 

Analysis

“I Write Myself into The Margins” explores the relationship between the rigid, printed word and the personal, fluid nature of reader interaction. The poem treats the margins as spaces of freedom, where the speaker’s thoughts and creativity can exist alongside the unchanging text. The fixed words on the page, described as “fossilized” and “typeset in stone,” represent authority and permanence, while the margins offer a place for spontaneity and personal expression.

The speaker highlights the significance of the margins as “safety zones,” places where they can make notes, doodle, or even complain. These blank spaces are seen as untouched and welcoming, contrasting with the rigid structure of the main text. Metaphors like “snow-covered fields” and “pillars” suggest the potential of these spaces, where the reader can experiment, reflect, or simply leave a mark. The act of writing in the margins becomes a way to reclaim and interact with the material, turning reading into a dynamic conversation.

The poem’s tone is reflective yet playful. The speaker treats the margins with reverence but also sees them as a personal playground, a space to break free from the constraints of the printed words. In formal settings, like academia, where the text is presented as a “palace of knowledge,” the margins still provide an opportunity for individuality and connection. The poem acknowledges the authority of the main text while celebrating the reader’s ability to personalize and reinterpret it.

Ultimately, the poem elevates the margins from overlooked spaces to vital ones. By writing in the margins, the speaker asserts their presence and ensures a connection with the material. The poem captures how these blank spaces can transform reading into a shared, creative experience, where both the text and the reader leave their marks.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

As The Pizza Cooks – Reviewed

Andrew Reynolds

Again fire destroys and
turns old family photos to ash to be
blown out to the sea of faded memories.
Home and hearth transformed from comfort and care
into a cot in a shelter.

That sense of belonging to a place, a community,
becomes a particle of despair dancing
on a morning breeze where once dandelion seeds floated.

I stand in front of my stove, cooking breakfast
and not understanding
what a thousand acre of fire means.

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

As The Pizza Cooks — Episode 32

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Analysis

“As The Pizza Cooks” explores the tension between the comfort of routine and the devastation of natural disasters. It places the speaker in a domestic moment, cooking breakfast, while confronting the overwhelming reality of a wildfire. This juxtaposition highlights themes of fragility, loss, detachment, and the limits of understanding from a safe distance.

The structure alternates between the intimate details of breakfast preparation and reflections on the fire’s destruction. The speaker’s focus on everyday tasks—retrieving bacon from the fridge, using a spatula—grounds the poem in normalcy, even as news of the fire interrupts with stories of lost homes, a destroyed church, and displaced people. This rhythm mirrors the collision of personal stability with large-scale catastrophe, creating a dynamic tension throughout.

The tone shifts between detachment, seriousness, fear, and subtle humor. The speaker struggles to comprehend the scale of loss, admitting, “I stand in front of my stove… not understanding what a thousand acres of fire means.” The repetition of routine contrasts sharply with the chaos described on TV, emphasizing how distant disasters can feel unreal. At the same time, the conversation about “go bags” and the fate of the cats personalizes the fear, making it more immediate. The absurdity of fleeing with “a wallet, cell phone, and a car full of cats” adds a dark humor that doesn’t diminish the gravity of the situation but humanizes the speaker’s response.

The imagery ties the personal to the collective, connecting the ash of family photos to the speaker’s kitchen flame. This blend of small and vast, mundane and catastrophic, reflects how disasters resonate differently depending on proximity. The poem captures the fragility of normalcy, showing how quickly stability can feel threatened.

“As The Pizza Cooks” balances these elements to examine the tension between observing and experiencing. It invites reflection on the privilege of distance and the human struggle to empathize with loss that feels abstract. Through its simple language and layered perspective, the poem leaves a lasting impression of how easily comfort can be unsettled by the fragility of life.

Photo by James Hardman on Unsplash

Winter Oak – Reviewed

Dwight L. Roth

Giant oak lifts its ghostly branches

Reaching for the sky naked and alone

No leaves to shade the fading stones

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Winter Oak

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Analysis

“Winter Oak” uses the image of an old oak tree in a graveyard to reflect on themes of mortality, loss, and the enduring presence of nature. The oak tree, central to the poem, is both a symbol of resilience and a reminder of solitude. Its “ghostly branches” are described as reaching skyward, stripped bare in the harshness of winter. This barrenness reflects the somber tone of the poem, emphasizing the vulnerability and emptiness that come with loss.

The contrast between seasons is an essential element. In spring and summer, the oak would have offered shade and comfort, creating a sense of life and vitality. In winter, it stands exposed, no longer providing the protection it once did. This change mirrors the emotional chill of grief, where warmth and connection give way to solitude and detachment. Yet, even in its bare state, the oak’s presence suggests a quiet persistence, standing as a witness to the lives memorialized in the gravestones below.

The gravestones, described as “fading” and “side by side,” evoke both the permanence of death and the companionship that endures beyond life. The repetition of “side by side” underscores this quiet unity, offering a small measure of solace in a setting defined by stillness. The phrase “Winter is the coldest time it seems” ties the season’s physical harshness to the emotional weight of loss, encapsulating the cold reality of mortality.

The structure of the poem is simple and concise, allowing its imagery to carry the weight of its themes. The straightforward language avoids embellishment, reinforcing the reflective tone. The oak, even in its stark state, serves as a symbol of endurance, bridging the living and the dead. It embodies the cycles of life and death, reminding the reader of nature’s persistence even as it bears witness to human fragility.

“Winter Oak” ultimately reflects on the connection between life and death, using the tree as a grounding presence in a place of finality. The poem captures the tension between the cold, unchanging reality of loss and the quiet continuity of nature, making its message both poignant and timeless.

Photo by Rob Martin on Unsplash

A Pirate Story – Reviewed

Karima Hoisan

A Pirate Story
This ship you see
bears the name  My Lost Beauty
I did not name her idylly
after it became mine…
I gave her the only name
that she could possibly be
knowing how she came to me.

I survived because of the blessing,
I was the only one to believe,
if I stood each day break
when the Goddess Turina
came up from the depth and showered
her blessing over me.

My ship came to me in the time
of the boiling Corona Seas,
when sailors one by one succumbed
to this  invisible dreadful disease
all the fish dried up  n the sea and the pirates died
and I was left alone, to enjoy the spoils of plunder
The buildings and businesses now empty
I was left all of this ..everything the eye can see
but in someways I was  left with nothing

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

A Pirate Story on YouTube

© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes 

Analysis

“A Pirate Story” resonates deeply when considered alongside the life of Anne Bonny, the infamous pirate who defied societal norms and forged her legacy on the high seas. The poem mirrors the spirit of rebellion, resilience, and loss associated with Bonny’s story, blending myth and memory to explore themes of survival and devotion.

In the poem, the speaker’s ship, My Lost Beauty, symbolizes a lost companion and the life they once shared. This mirrors Anne Bonny’s relationships, particularly her bond with Calico Jack Rackham and her infamous exploits as one of the few female pirates in history. Like the speaker, Bonny was surrounded by the chaos of piracy, the camaraderie of the crew, and the inescapable reality of loss. The ship’s name reflects a longing for what has been lost, much as Bonny herself might have reflected on the fragility of the connections she forged in a world filled with danger.

The “boiling Corona Seas” of the poem represent not just literal disease but the harsh and unpredictable life at sea. This echoes Bonny’s reality, where survival required constant adaptability and courage. The speaker’s isolation, after the plague claimed the lives of sailors and pirates alike, aligns with the sense of isolation Bonny might have felt as a woman in a predominantly male world, carving out a place for herself amid violence and betrayal.

Structurally, the poem’s free-flowing narrative resembles a personal account, much like an oral tale or pirate’s log. This style matches the legends surrounding Anne Bonny, whose life is pieced together through stories and fragmented history. The informal rhythm reflects the rough, unpolished world of piracy, where life was unpredictable and survival was never guaranteed.

The tone of the poem is reflective, filled with sorrow for what has been lost but also a determination to carry on. This mirrors Bonny’s reported resilience, even in the face of capture and imprisonment. The speaker’s planting of seeds and reverence for natural beauty recall how even in a life defined by conflict, there are moments of solace and creation—an echo of the human need to find meaning, even amid destruction.

What ties the poem to Anne Bonny’s legacy most strongly is its focus on memory. The speaker sails not for plunder or adventure but to honor the memory of Bonny Brave, a companion who represented strength and understanding. This parallels how Bonny’s name survives in history and folklore, carried forward as a symbol of defiance and individuality.

“A Pirate Story” is more than a tale of survival; it’s a meditation on loss, identity, and the enduring power of connection. Like Anne Bonny’s life, it captures the tension between the harsh realities of existence and the beauty that persists in memory and spirit. It’s a story of carrying forward what matters, even when the world has turned to silence.

Photo by Hector John Periquin on Unsplash

Long-lost quest – Reviewed

Ana Silva

“I have been searching,
For years and years,
For a heart willing to feel
Without hiding from what’s real.

But the hearts I’ve met along the way
Were not ready to stay,
So they all left,
One after the next.

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Long-lost quest

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Analysis

In “Long-lost quest,” the speaker takes us on a journey of searching for love or connection, only to face repeated disappointment. From the start, there’s a strong sense of longing, of looking for something deeper than the shallow relationships that come and go. The speaker is searching for a heart that will not shy away from truth, someone willing to feel deeply and honestly. But despite all the effort and care the speaker puts into these connections, they find that the hearts they encounter are not ready to stay. One after another, these relationships fall apart, and the speaker is left to face the emptiness.

The poem’s theme revolves around the feeling of searching for something that can’t be found. The speaker’s experiences of failed love echo the universal struggle of yearning for a connection that seems just out of reach. As the poem moves forward, there’s a sense of growing weariness. The speaker reflects on their search, realizing that no matter how carefully they looked or how much hope they invested, they were always met with disappointment. There’s an overwhelming sense of futility, as if the search was doomed from the start.

The deeper the speaker goes in their search, the more they realize that the answers they seek aren’t going to come from others. The lines about searching “under rocks” or “between the crevices of time” reflect the effort, but also the futility of seeking something external. The people they encounter offer nothing lasting, just empty promises of a “paradise” that they’re the only ones who know about. These promises, the speaker admits, are nothing more than daydreams that lead nowhere. This section of the poem captures that feeling of chasing an ideal only to realize it’s empty, a mirage that vanishes when you get too close.

By the end of the poem, something shifts. The speaker decides to lay down the search. They stop looking outward, no longer chasing after something they can’t find. Instead, they choose to turn inward, deciding to “mend” their heart and untangle the confusion in their mind. This change of direction doesn’t come with bitterness or anger; it’s more of a quiet surrender, a resignation that peace might not be found in the world outside, but within themselves. The decision to stop the search is one of acceptance, a recognition that sometimes healing comes from self-reflection, not from the attention or love of others.

The tone of the poem shifts along the way. In the beginning, there’s a sense of hope and persistence, the speaker driven by the belief that there’s something real to be found. But as the poem progresses, that optimism fades. The weariness grows as the speaker faces one failed connection after another. The final lines bring a sense of peace, a soft resolve. The speaker isn’t angry, just tired, and the acceptance of the end of the search feels like a small victory.

What stands out in this poem is the way the speaker moves from longing for love to realizing that the answers lie within. There’s a subtle, almost imperceptible shift from looking outward to focusing inward. It’s a shift many can relate to—searching for something outside ourselves, only to find that what we need is already inside. The decision to stop the search and focus on mending one’s own heart and mind is both a moment of quiet defeat and quiet strength. It’s an acknowledgment that sometimes peace comes from letting go, from understanding that the greatest journey isn’t in finding something or someone, but in learning to understand and care for ourselves.

“Long-lost quest” speaks to the emotional exhaustion of looking for fulfillment outside ourselves and the quiet wisdom that comes when we finally accept that we have to find peace within. It’s a poem about the sadness of unmet needs, but also about the shift that happens when we let go of the search and start healing from within. The speaker may have searched for years, but in the end, they realize that the most important thing isn’t finding someone else—it’s finding a way to mend their own heart.

Photo by Redd Francisco on Unsplash

Caged – Reviewed

Jahnavi Gouri Panicker

Every piece of her ached with sorrow
Her time, she had given away
Her smile looked like something borrowed
From the walls she built up from the pain

She stood strong when it all fell down
The castle where she was once caged
She watched as the waves took no more
Her heart carried slowly the rage

…

You may find the rest of the poem here.

Caged: A poem

© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes 

Analysis

In Caged, the poet uses the metaphor of a prison to explore emotional confinement and the painful cycles of abuse that can come with it. The central image of the “cage” reflects both the physical and psychological barriers the speaker has built around herself as a way to protect her heart. She has endured significant hardship, and over time, her pain led her to construct walls to keep herself safe. But in doing so, she has also trapped herself, becoming imprisoned by her own defenses. The tone of the poem is quiet, reflective, and slightly resigned—almost as if the speaker has accepted the emotional scars of her past, even though they haven’t fully healed.

The poem begins with the speaker looking back on her sorrow, feeling as though every piece of her has been touched by pain. She describes how she gave away parts of herself—her time, her joy—and how her smile now feels “borrowed,” suggesting that she’s hiding behind a mask created by the walls built to protect her. These walls, however, don’t only protect; they confine. The “castle” she once built to keep herself safe is the same place that “caged” her. The walls that once felt strong and protective have, over time, only become another form of imprisonment. The imagery of rusted pieces being replaced by new ones speaks to how the emotional barriers evolve, but the cycle of pain continues.

The cage that once seemed like a fortress has turned into a more complex prison, one that adapts and becomes even stronger as time goes on. The speaker realizes that, despite the changes, the cage still holds her. It’s no longer just a physical barrier; it’s also psychological. The fear and trauma that come from emotional abuse remain, even if the external circumstances change. The cage “wants them near,” capturing the way emotional abuse doesn’t just keep a person physically trapped, but continues to haunt their thoughts and behaviors. There’s a sense of inevitability here: even when one person escapes, the cycle goes on, trapping others in the same patterns of fear, dependence, and false safety.

But the poem also shifts as the speaker looks at her own journey and the people still trapped in the cycle. She’s no longer in the cage, but she sees it play out for others. The “new prisoner” refers to someone else who’s caught in the same cycle she once was. Though she’s freed herself, she witnesses the ongoing torment, and there’s a sense of helplessness in knowing that the pain doesn’t stop with her escape. This is the difficult reality: breaking free doesn’t always mean the cycle ends for everyone. The speaker sees how others, like her, get caught in the trap again and again, unable or unwilling to escape.

In her reflection, the speaker reveals a painful truth—she wishes she had known earlier that love doesn’t have to be synonymous with pain. This realization highlights the deep emotional scars caused by her experiences, where love and suffering were once inseparable. But with this understanding comes growth. The speaker has learned the hard lessons that love can exist without the need for self-doubt or fear, but that doesn’t mean the healing is complete. She’s freed herself from the cage, but the emotional scars are still with her. It’s not a perfect resolution, but it’s a step toward understanding and healing.

The poem’s tone is heavy, almost like a quiet lament. It’s not full of despair, but it’s clear that the speaker carries the weight of her past. She has become stronger and more guarded, but she’s also wiser for having gone through the pain. The metaphor of the cage captures the way emotional abuse can become embedded in a person, building over time into something that feels inescapable. The speaker’s emotional walls—though they were meant to protect—have also limited her freedom, creating a cycle of hurt and healing that is difficult to break. The cage may no longer be physically present, but the scars of it remain.

What makes Caged powerful is that it’s not just about one person’s journey; it’s about witnessing the ongoing effects of abuse. The speaker, though free from the cage, sees others trapped in the same way she once was. The poem highlights the tragic reality that even when one person escapes, the cycle continues for others. This sense of watching others endure the same struggles the speaker has faced adds a layer of sadness, but also a sense of awareness. The cycle can be broken, but it’s not easy, and the scars left behind can last a lifetime.

Overall, Caged is a moving reflection on the emotional toll of abuse and the complex process of breaking free from it. The speaker’s journey is both one of liberation and continued awareness, as she watches the cycle unfold for others. The poem captures the idea that emotional imprisonment doesn’t end just because one person escapes, and that the scars left behind are often lifelong. It’s a poignant exploration of how people can trap themselves with their own emotional defenses, and how those same defenses can keep them from truly healing. The speaker’s quiet reflection on her own painful journey is both a hard-earned understanding and a reminder that even though freedom is possible, it is often not without its costs.

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