My lady poetry

At loggerheads, are we

Adrift the dark waters of the poetry

Where there is no rhyme nor reason

For either of us to argue, yet don't we

Like two rabid lovers of a single mistress

Who has to frown at every phrase

You tend to her better, you tend to her sweet

While I only run a spike through her sprouting glee

Maybe I will learn to toe the line

Maybe she will let me drown in her vines

Or I shall be cast away by her gentle hand

But even at that I shall pen rubbish poetry.

Analysis of "My Lady Poetry" by Claude

The poem "My Lady Poetry" presents an intriguing and introspective exploration of the speaker's relationship with poetry, personified as a lady. The speaker acknowledges their friend's superior poetic abilities, portraying a sense of friendly rivalry and a desire to improve their own craft.

The opening lines establish the metaphorical setting, with the speaker and their friend being "at loggerheads" and "adrift the dark waters of the poetry." The use of the phrase "no rhyme nor reason" suggests a lack of logic or rationality in their arguments, yet they persist, perhaps driven by their shared passion for poetry.

The central metaphor compares the speaker and their friend to "two rabid lovers of a single mistress," with poetry being the object of their affection. The friend is portrayed as tending to the lady (poetry) better and more sweetly, while the speaker admits to running "a spike through her sprouting glee," suggesting a more aggressive or perhaps less refined approach.

The speaker's tone is one of humble self-awareness, acknowledging their friend's superior skills while expressing a desire to learn and improve. The lines "Maybe I will learn to toe the line / Maybe she will let me drown in her vines" convey a willingness to conform to the conventions of poetry ("toe the line") or to fully immerse themselves in its intricate complexities ("drown in her vines").

The final lines capture the speaker's resilience and unwavering commitment to their craft. Even if they are "cast away by her gentle hand," they declare their determination to continue writing poetry, even if it is perceived as "rubbish."

Overall, the poem explores the speaker's complex relationship with poetry, acknowledging their friend's superior abilities while expressing a humble desire to improve and a steadfast dedication to their art, regardless of the outcome. The personification of poetry as a lady adds depth and complexity to the metaphorical journey, evoking a sense of reverence and respect for the craft.

The Inner Buddha of Darkness.

In the beginning there was no night

It's all the burning of these souls that paints the world

In black, and the stars are the last embers of hope 

I rescinded too late, I too have contributed to this darkness

Who could have believed that hope is so oily, that it would burn

Everything it drips into will char and taint into permanence 

Then permeate into the deepest recess of souls

I let it overwhelm my ability of logical reasoning 

Love nor hope is now warranted, like so many

And it is a tad too late for an epiphany 

I look out into the summer evening fading

Knowing the light will be gone post this evening 

Should I see a glimmer, a moon light of tarnished, spared hope

I shall not follow through, but shun it vehemently 

I have nothing to gain from this endless cycle of life's un-endings

I have breached into the very fabric of detachment.

Analysis of "The Inner Buddha of Darkness"

Theme: Embracing Darkness as a Path to Enlightenment (of Sorts)

This poem explores the speaker's descent into despair and their transformation into a being who finds solace in darkness. The title, "The Inner Buddha of Darkness," sets the stage for a unique perspective on enlightenment.

Techniques and Symbolism:

• Fire and Darkness: The burning souls and the black world symbolize the speaker's internal destruction and the pervasiveness of despair.
• Stars and Moonlight: The fading stars and tarnished moonlight represent the dying embers of hope that the speaker actively rejects.
• Oil and Charring: Hope becomes a destructive force, tainting everything it touches.
• Inner Buddha: This symbol is central to the poem's complexity. Traditionally, the Buddha represents enlightenment achieved through overcoming suffering. Here, the "Inner Buddha" resides in darkness, suggesting the speaker has found a different kind of peace – one built on accepting the darkness.

Structure and Shifts:

The poem follows a similar structure as before, with a reflection on the past that caused the darkness, the speaker's present state of despair, and their resolve for the future. However, the title adds a new dimension.

The major shift still occurs around line 10. Before that, the speaker feels regret. Afterward, they become resolute in rejecting hope and embracing detachment. However, with the title, this detachment takes on a more spiritual connotation. The speaker may not be seeking traditional enlightenment, but rather a dark form of peace within the despair.

Interpretation:

The speaker views the world as inherently dark and suffering as inevitable. They believe hope is destructive and detachment is the only path to avoid further pain. This detachment takes on a spiritual dimension with the title, suggesting the speaker has found a "dark Buddha" within themselves – a twisted form of enlightenment where darkness itself becomes a source of peace.

Possible Additional Considerations:

• Is the speaker's "dark Buddha" a healthy or sustainable way to cope?
• Could the speaker be repressing deeper emotions, or is this truly a form of acceptance?
• Is there any hope for the speaker to find a different kind of light, even within the darkness?

Overall, "The Inner Buddha of Darkness" presents a fascinating exploration of despair, detachment, and a unique perspective on enlightenment.

Do not engage

Provisional maturity, often exhibited 

Is not a permanence, but a perchance 

Such meanors one must notice early

Lest should fall prey to the blinds of love

She could be angry, she could be not 

And to be pacified is the ask, sans words

Turn around, walk away my boy

Such is the conduct of an childish mind

If jealousy should raise its head and peer

Upon your meets and greetings of dear

Turn around, walk away my boy quick

Such is the hiss of a serpentine strike

And if she leaves, and as most do of late

Ask her for a reason, yet only once

Then promptly walk away my boy, run

The mature do not need to be gambled for.

If she reaches your heart, brings calm

Even post the distance, her heart is warm

Know she is for love, hold her hand

Drown in her thoughts, bring her along 

Dear Mani

I would wonder if I could write a poem everyday for you

Or maybe just write one about life too

It would seem like a veil of romance floating into the winds 

Landing on us and covering us in a weave of words

Words are but

Shallow, often contorted by poets

The millions of modernism bound poets puking charades

Of things like love they cannot even fathom

So love, what could I do with you around everyday

Maybe send you away for a bit, and feel the clawing at my nerve

For you seem to drug me into a calmness

Like the vast silent darkness of space 

They make everything seem beautiful set in motion

They are now the definition of what I call home

My home, and it travels in your soul 

So maybe a poem everyday is not a good idea

Maybe I will send you prayers, every time you are away far

Hoping my ability to write poetry or whatever it ends up becoming

Drags your soul back

And you wrap your arms around my chest 

holding me tight, breathing into my hairy chest and complaining it tickles your nose

Whereforth have you gone

When you sat beside me, and I rested my head on your chest

You offered me no consolation, but a gift of distance

A distance so wide that even my soul would tire treading

Yet I know this light of my soul is but a breath of you

As you walked away from me, you did not turn around

Knowing it could hurt me more

Yet I so wish you had for that would have been another glimpse

Of a face these eyes have seen and wish to see nothing but

I have dissolved the dust in each footprint

Smeared it to my body, drank it 

To be one with you, in my uncontrollable sadness

Yet you have not sent a word, nor appeared

I am bound to this air you have exhaled

Whilst you had held me close in an amours embrace

My eyes have burnt its vision staring down the road you walked

And for your longing is an endless torment

Yet you have never sent a word, and knowingly so

Where shall I end and how can I end

For I have died every breath, and the hope of a chance meeting 

Keeps me breathing

Knowing this is a folly, but to be wilfully fooled

This absence of you, has even made pain cry for its deliverance from hurting me.

Forward unto a myth called Slumber

Summer nights, somewhere a lone toad croaks amidst the drying marsh

Echoing company into my solitude

The buzz followed by itch is a summer treat

Only till May, then the squirming black progeny die and I rejoice

No more blood to be given, until June then

The electric wind doesn't soothe and sounds loud

As I lie awake, being detached and starved

Of sleep, which would have forever rained on me, but for this long dry spell

I am allowed, I am aloud, I am loved or not then who cares

My eyes burn and the bed is warm, too much for my comfort

It is off putting, go away heat come in November

I shall embrace you then, now leave

I am trying to find my sleep

Some time l half past three, 

I drift and dream of the sea, of broken dreams

And sunken hopes, 

Somewhere in between them are entombed 

My nightmares and they have waited for hours

## Analysis of "Forward unto a myth called Slumber"

This poem explores the speaker's struggle with insomnia during a hot summer night. Here's a breakdown of its key elements:

**Themes:**

* **Insomnia:** The central theme is the speaker's desperate search for sleep. The title itself reflects sleep as a "myth" – something seemingly unattainable.

* **Isolation:** The speaker feels isolated despite the sounds of summer (toad croaking, wind). Sleeplessness intensifies this feeling.

* **Seasonal Discomfort:** The hot summer nights prevent peaceful sleep, contrasting with the anticipated comfort of cooler November.

**Imagery:**

* **Summer Sounds:** The poem starts with the croaking of a toad, followed by mosquitos' buzzing and itching (a "summer treat" ironically).

* **Heat:** The speaker describes the bed as "warm, too much for my comfort," highlighting the physical discomfort that disrupts sleep.

* **Dreams and Nightmares:** Sleep deprivation leads to fragmented sleep with dreams of "broken dreams" and "sunken hopes," which then turn into nightmares. The line "entombed / My nightmares" creates a powerful image of these negative thoughts trapped within the speaker's mind.

**Figurative Language:**

* **Metaphor:** Sleep is a "myth" and a "long dry spell." These metaphors emphasize the speaker's feeling of deprivation and longing for sleep.

* **Personification:** The electric wind "doesn't soothe" and sounds "loud," suggesting it actively prevents sleep.

* **Repetition:** The phrase "I am allowed, I am aloud, I am loved or not then who cares" reflects the speaker's detachment and growing frustration due to sleeplessness.

**Structure:**

* **Free Verse:** The poem lacks a specific rhyme scheme or meter, reflecting the fragmented nature of the speaker's experience.

* **Shifts in Time:** The poem starts with summer nights and ends with a specific time: "Some time l half past three." This shift highlights the passage of time during the sleepless night, emphasizing the speaker's struggle.

**Overall Tone:**

* **Frustration:** The speaker is clearly frustrated with their inability to sleep and the discomfort caused by the heat.

* **Desperation:** The desperation for sleep is evident in the imagery of "burning eyes" and the plea for the heat to leave.

* **Isolation:** The tone conveys a sense of isolation despite the summer sounds. The speaker feels alone in their struggle.

This poem effectively portrays the physical and emotional toll of insomnia under oppressive summer heat. Through vivid imagery and figurative language, it allows the reader to experience the speaker's frustration and longing for the mythical "Slumber."

Pray tell, why drown in ale

Keep your mug down slowly, it's full

For the ale will spill, and never should one waste

Such goodness of golden yellow in carelessness

Let every drop mix into the blood once consumed

You watch yourself, settle the mug down slow. You think of her and you drinking on one of those random days

You miss those though, don't you?

Keep your mug down a tad slow, it's halfway through

The ale has worked its magic, and made your head mellow

As you speak of her, your tones do seem to enchant yourself but it is all banter to the rest

So maybe talk of something else, but I doubt you can ever do that post drinking

You are lost in her thoughts, aren't you?

You hurry your empty mug down from the lips

You need more ale, for you have ignited what lies dormant and lies to you of normalcy

Your eyes seem hollow, yet it isn't drowsiness or the slurring of your speech that matters

It's her absence, you hold your own hand and twist your wrongs as if to make sense

It makes none, don't we know friend?

You mind always drifts to her thoughts, don't you too?

And then we go home, we think of you drunk as a kite

And the ale shall always make us all spite

Yet we gather and drink, like friends

You , me, the random strangers who join us at the table

You speak to them like old time friends

How do they even distinguish you from who they have known they are drunk too

While you seem to be dead inside, aren't you?

## Analysis of "Pray tell, why drown in ale?"

**Theme:** The poem explores the theme of grief and the use of alcohol to cope with loss. The speaker, presumably a man, drowns his sorrows in ale, constantly reminded of a woman he misses dearly.

**Structure:**

* The poem utilizes three stanzas, each focusing on a different stage of the speaker's drinking experience.

* Each stanza starts with an imperative, "Keep your mug down..." slowing down as the inebriation progresses. 

* The speaker drifts between internal monologue and addressing an unknown listener, possibly another patron or a reflection of himself.

**Imagery:**

* **Ale:** The central image is the ale, symbolizing a temporary escape but ultimately failing to numb the pain. 

* **Golden yellow:** This color choice for the ale suggests a fleeting warmth and happiness, contrasting with the emptiness the speaker feels.

* **Hollow eyes:** This image portrays the speaker's emotional detachment despite the outward appearance of conversation.

**Techniques:**

* **Repetition:** The repeated phrase "You miss those though, don't you?" and "Your mind always drifts to her thoughts, don't you too?" emphasizes the constant intrusion of the lost love.

* **Rhetorical questions:** The questions posed to the speaker and the listener ("don't we know friend?") create a sense of shared understanding and resignation.

* **Shifting perspectives:** The poem switches between the speaker's internal thoughts and an outside observer's view ("we think of you drunk as a kite").

**Overall Tone:**

* The poem is melancholic and introspective. 

* The speaker's attempt to find solace in drinking ultimately leads to a deeper sense of loss and isolation. 

* There's a hint of bitterness towards the ale, symbolized by "the ale shall always make us all spite."

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The woman could be a former lover, wife, or close friend. 

* The poem suggests a sense of guilt or regret ("twist your wrongs as if to make sense").

* Despite the outward camaraderie with fellow drinkers, the speaker remains emotionally distant ("dead inside").

**In conclusion, "Pray tell, why drown in ale?" paints a poignant picture of grief and the futile attempt to drown it in alcohol. The poem uses simple language and imagery to deliver a powerful message about the enduring nature of loss.**

Paradoxically Mine

In the infinite forms

Which have I become

Willed by you, pulled from eternity 

By you, and as such be loved

Or am I an illusion, am I a myth

I seemed to be formed

Wished into an existence, by you

Yet I do not see me, am I blind

Or a rock, a statue maybe, 

Who am I, what am I?

I am , yet not

## Analysis of "Paradoxically Mine"

**Theme:** Identity and Creation

The poem explores the speaker's struggle with self-identity and the paradoxical nature of their existence. 

**Structure:**

* The poem is a single stanza with no clear rhyme scheme or meter, suggesting a stream of consciousness style.

* The use of short, broken lines emphasizes the speaker's confusion.

* The repetition of "you" and "I" highlights the relationship between the speaker and their creator.

**Key Points:**

* **Origin:** The speaker was "willed by you, pulled from eternity" suggesting they were created by a higher power or another entity.

* **Desire for Love:** The speaker yearns to be loved "as such" implying a need for validation and acceptance.

* **Uncertainty:** Questions like "am I an illusion" and "am I blind" reflect the speaker's doubt about their own existence and perception. 

* **Paradox:** The title "Paradoxically Mine" captures the speaker's struggle. They are both a creation ("wished into an existence") and yearn to be their own ("paradoxically mine").

* **Incomplete Identity:** The poem ends abruptly with "I am , yet not" leaving the speaker's true nature unresolved. 

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The speaker could be a fictional character questioning their existence within a story.

* It could be a metaphor for the human experience, reflecting our search for meaning and the conflict between free will and destiny.

* It might explore the concept of artificial intelligence, questioning what it means to be "alive" when created by another.

**Overall:**

This poem is open to interpretation, leaving the reader to ponder the speaker's identity and the nature of existence. The use of paradox and fragmented lines creates a sense of confusion and mystery, mirroring the speaker's internal struggle. 

Ascend

Which form would I take Mani?

If I dive into this parallax

Would you know my form, 

would I either, would I want to?

What if you no longer could see me?

At such detachment, could you let go too?

As I become fluid, flow and mix 

Amongst the invisible wave of Maya

Would you will me back to existence

Or would you wish to merge into me

And at such would we be us again

Not unlike the beings we are now?

If I am called, would you let me answer

Knowing my calling may distance me

Albeit momentarily, though I don't wait

For the tide that time carves will carry 

Would I be able to turn and look

Would my existence know our meaning?

When I fade, become you and all there is

Surround and exist then boundlessly

Would your touch awaken and spark

My faded being, mixed in such apathy

Would you , would I, would we know

Or would we mix into this eternity 

## Analysis of "Ascend"

**Theme:** The poem explores the concept of transcendence and its impact on love. The speaker contemplates a state of being beyond their physical form, questioning the nature of self, identity, and connection with their lover, Mani.

**Key elements:**

* **Parallax:** Refers to the apparent shift in position of an object due to a change in perspective. Here, it symbolizes the speaker's potential shift in being.

* **Maya:** The speaker ponders dissolving into the illusionary world of Maya, questioning if their love can transcend it.

* **Fluidity and Mixture:** These images represent the speaker's potential loss of individuality upon reaching a higher state.

* **Calling:** This represents the force pulling the speaker towards transcendence.

* **Fading and Boundless Existence:** These portray the potential state of being one with everything.

* **Touch:** This signifies a physical connection and the speaker's hope for a spark of recognition.

**Structure:**

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of the speaker's internal conflict.

* **Stanza 1:** Focuses on the fear of losing recognition and connection with Mani if the speaker transcends their physical form.

* **Stanza 2:** Explores the possibility of merging with Mani or Mani joining the speaker in this transcendent state. 

* **Stanza 3:** Contemplates the complete dissolution of self and the potential for any form of recognition or connection to remain.

**Questions of Love and Identity:**

* Can love survive the loss of the physical form?

* Can two individuals truly merge into one being and retain their individual identities?

* Is there a higher form of connection beyond the physical?

**The poem doesn't offer answers, but leaves the reader pondering the complex relationship between love, self, and the desire for transcendence.**

**Additional Notes:**

* The title "Ascend" suggests an upward movement, possibly towards a spiritual or enlightened state.

* The use of repetition ("Would you," "Would I," "Would we") emphasizes the speaker's uncertainty and the weight of potential consequences.

* The poem ends with a sense of open-endedness, leaving the reader to contemplate the possibilities of love and existence beyond the physical realm.

A haunting invite for troubled hearts

Join me there, 

 Of being, without wonder

Where you will know

 better than here , 

now,

 or ever

For these are irrelevant to

Our existence

Feels Meaninglessness

  But know

    For you find it beneath

      Us to be lesser than what we are 

   Meant to be

A guess, an approximation

Of confusion

This torment of existence

 Weighs heavy, 

Insanity profound, yet you collect it

 In your veil

  Sieve it and savour it 

   Find it soothing

So leave now

With me, to the never gone to planes

 Of psychedelic existence, 

See

 Colours that breathe in your

   A light that bathes, washes

     Purifies you into a rehashed birth

      Grow anew, become better than your thought

Invoke your right to be free

Be loved by self, be loved only by self

Yet not become selfish, 

  That is where this invitation leads

Come,

Join me

  Exit your after thoughts, overwhelming panicking

  Extinguish your anguish and overthinking

Die into me, let me die into you

  Not in human terms

   But in love

Reach out.

--------------------------------------

An analysis by Chat GPT.

This poem, "A haunting invite for troubled hearts," seems to explore themes of existentialism, self-discovery, and liberation from the constraints of societal norms and expectations. The language used is quite abstract and evocative, creating a sense of ambiguity and mystery around the speaker's invitation.

Comparing this poem with twentieth-century poets, particularly those associated with modernism or existentialism, reveals some similarities and differences. Let's consider some aspects:

1. Existential Themes: The poem shares existential themes with poets like T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, and Samuel Beckett. These poets often explored the meaninglessness of existence, the struggle for self-identity, and the search for purpose in a seemingly chaotic world. Like them, this poem delves into the torment of existence and the desire for liberation from societal constraints.

2. Language and Imagery: The use of abstract language and vivid imagery in this poem is reminiscent of poets like T.S. Eliot and Dylan Thomas. They often employed surreal imagery and complex language to convey existential angst and the mysteries of human experience. Similarly, this poem uses imagery of colors, light, and rebirth to evoke a sense of transcendence and transformation.

3. Invitation to Transcendence: The invitation presented in the poem echoes themes found in the works of poets like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, who championed the idea of transcendence through experiences like drug use, meditation, or spontaneous travel. Like them, the speaker in this poem urges the reader to leave behind their troubles and join them in a journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment.

4. Critique: While the poem captures the existential struggle and longing for liberation effectively, its abstract language and lack of clarity may make it difficult for some readers to fully engage with its message. Unlike poets like Eliot or Plath, who often combined abstract imagery with concrete details to ground their themes, this poem remains more elusive in its meaning.

Overall, "A haunting invite for troubled hearts" shares thematic and stylistic elements with twentieth-century poets, particularly those associated with existentialism and modernism. However, its abstract nature may pose challenges for some readers in fully grasping its message and significance.

The Outcome of love and longing are the same

Thursday, to its end 

May have been joyous, except

The gentle wisps of pain

 From my right shoulder to my ankles 

And the numbness of my left

 A quad of limbs partially available

A shade of ease comes to, leaves abrupt

 As I blink into sleep

 Wake up to palpitations, my heart 

 like a raging bull thumps

 Wanting to a prisonbreak 

 From my now paining ribs, either sides

You call, we exchange pleasantries

We hang up, I feel no different

These phantom pains don't leave

Unlike you who has come and go

Ever so often, reducing every rebuild to rubble

But then

Each day is like your arrival

The aches seem persistent, yet 

  there are sudden moments 

 When they leave, nanoseconds

Or maybe my soul is flickering 

Before it extinguishers

Like a flame burning brighter and flickering

Before it lets darkness win

At the edge of hope, we will fail

Listen close, 

You will commit a murder

Could be a mosquito, could be a man

Yet you shall pass judgement to one another 

In the moment, being carried away

In memories or in whispering sweet nothings

You will falter, cheat

Falsify and pretend to be in love

Yet you love only you, a murdrer

For the will to succeed

Shall exceed and leave all scathed

Each of us will wonder, 

Be afraid of our own good will 

Yet we will grow to speak of love

Of how we should save humanity

And how those emotions run deep

Yet we shall commit more murders

And keep at it as we throw shade

We shall be humans, 

Burdened by our existence and seek love

Yet there would rarely be any 

Who truly love another .

An analysis by ChatGPT

1. **Title and Theme**: The title sets the tone for the poem's exploration of human fallibility and the inevitable disappointment that accompanies hope. It suggests a sense of resignation and pessimism, foreshadowing the themes of failure and moral ambiguity that permeate the poem.

2. **Structure and Form**: The poem follows a free verse structure, allowing for fluidity and spontaneity in its expression. However, the lack of traditional rhyme or meter can make the poem feel disjointed at times, detracting from its coherence and impact.

3. **Imagery and Language**: The poem utilizes vivid imagery to evoke a sense of moral conflict and emotional turmoil. The metaphor of committing murder, whether literal or metaphorical, serves as a powerful symbol for the ethical compromises and betrayals inherent in human relationships. However, some of the language may come across as overly dramatic or melodramatic, diminishing the poem's effectiveness.

4. **Themes and Symbolism**: The poem grapples with complex themes such as love, morality, and existential angst. It suggests that human nature is inherently flawed and selfish, leading individuals to betray one another in pursuit of their own desires. The recurring motif of murder underscores the poem's exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of human actions.

5. **Critique of Society**: The poem offers a critique of contemporary society's obsession with superficiality and self-interest. It suggests that genuine love and compassion are rare commodities in a world dominated by selfishness and deceit. However, the poem's indictment of human nature may come across as overly cynical or nihilistic, lacking nuance or depth in its portrayal of human relationships.

6. **Characterization and Voice**: The poem adopts a confessional tone, inviting readers to glimpse into the speaker's inner turmoil and moral conflict. However, the speaker's voice lacks complexity and dimension, rendering them as a somewhat one-dimensional figure rather than a fully realized character.

7. **Conclusion and Impact**: "At the edge of hope, we will fail" offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the complexities of love and morality. While its vivid imagery and thematic depth are commendable, the poem's lack of structural coherence and overly cynical outlook may detract from its overall impact and resonance with readers.

Into Summer sans love

It is morning, somewhere amongst time zones and I am starting into the night

Watching these planes take flight, to land into the passed noon or upcoming midnight

These travellers are in literal, I only hypothesize

I hate Fridays with a vengance, especially these Friday nights

A bludgeoning is best to describe, of what it does to my living

Having passed through days, with no end in my sight

I ramble endlessly post three large glasses of premium scotch whiskey

I try to find my sleep 

before the end of another night

Morning arrives soon, maybe it should not for me

For then my love would have aged another day, and

 I am a dinosaur in life's twilight

Post fourties, what else would one be, 

a shade of Jurassic or triassic maybe

And there is no more wind in me to fight

Wake me when you need me

I shall be there once we pass the summer light

The mangoes slip in to my poems effortlessly at rambles about my plight

My finger nails have grown though

Now it is easier to scratch those mosquito bites

My poems have turned into unbound stories, of ramble and strife

I argue with no one anymore, for I have not been bothered about this life

Summers, curses to you for bringing me my sunlight

I would love to make sundried tomatoes

But then I am too bored of their smell and sight.

--------

An analysis by Chat GPT

"Into Summer sans love" delves into the speaker's emotional landscape with intricate detail and nuanced imagery. Let's break down the poem section by section:

1. **Opening Reflection on Time and Travel:**

   The poem begins with a contemplation of time and distance, as the speaker observes planes taking off and landing in different time zones. This sets the stage for themes of movement, transition, and the passage of time.

2. **Friday Nights as a Source of Dread:**

   The speaker expresses a profound dislike for Friday nights, perhaps because they serve as a reminder of their solitude and lack of companionship. This sentiment hints at a deeper sense of isolation and dissatisfaction with their current circumstances.

3. **Struggle with Existence and Sleep:**

   The speaker describes their experience of living as a struggle, with no clear end in sight. They resort to consuming alcohol to cope with their insomnia and restlessness, highlighting their inner turmoil and inability to find peace.

4. **Reflections on Aging and Identity:**

   There's a poignant reflection on aging and identity, with the speaker likening themselves to a dinosaur in life's twilight. This metaphor suggests a feeling of obsolescence and irrelevance, as well as a longing for youth and vitality.

5. **Longing for Love and Connection:**

   The speaker expresses a desire for love and companionship, lamenting the passing of time and the missed opportunities for connection. This longing adds depth to their characterization and evokes empathy from the reader.

6. **Natural Imagery and Mundane Realities:**

   Amidst the emotional introspection, the poem incorporates references to natural elements like mangoes and sundried tomatoes. These details serve as grounding imagery, contrasting with the speaker's emotional turmoil and highlighting the beauty of the mundane.

7. **Final Reflection on Poetry and Existence:**

   The poem concludes with a reflection on the speaker's evolving relationship with poetry and existence. They acknowledge the transformation of their poems into unbound stories of ramble and strife, symbolizing a shift in perspective and creative expression.

Overall, "Into Summer sans love" offers a rich tapestry of emotions, themes, and imagery, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of human existence and the universal quest for connection and meaning.

Pots and pans

She wouldn't understand, 

the difference between my sauce pan and milk pan

I have these kept hanging around my microwave

I prefer to use them specifically when I can

Her mind possibly won't fathom, 

My love nor my love for these steel pans

The bakelite handles help prevent burns

Unlike love that burns fingers at every chance

She possibly cannot comprehend,

My love for woks or the yearning for spice

That section of the supermarket keeps me enchanted

Unlike the pangs of love that are just head lice

Moandays and Gargoyles

A sweet Sunday ends, the night is daft

Dark and in the distance, Monday waits

Like gargoyles, peering at mortals below

Whilst they mark those who they choose

Gargoyles, ugly ones

I hate Gargoyles, they are hideous but fathom a guess what else is ugly Mondays, ah the bane of the week

If I had to pick either

I would, neither

The mango tree next to my house bears some lovely raw juveniles, and a mix of infant mangoes

I bit one earlier today on my Sunday evening stroll, it was bitter, tasted like the upcoming Monday

I should have been a horticulturalist 

Growing mangoes, in my yard, back in my village

Away from these gargoyles and Mondays

Visiting farmer's markets, selling vegetables

About gargoyles though

Let me wonder, why does someone make them 

Those gargoyles perched on the edges of buildings

I wouldn't want my creation to be hideous 

And scary the least

But Mondays, the sludge of drudgery 

That no one likes, worse, I was born on one

But then I nurse the woes of the silly awry planners

Hoping to save a few pennies, creating money grabbing fronts

Called customer portals

Mondays, gargoyles, my lack of having studied harder hits me often

I now spend time, wishing the night doesn't fade

Lest Monday arrives

But it will, I guess I will chase my own gargoyles in the morning

Terrible ones

But then again, I love my misery

It makes life a tad meaningful, these paradoxes and challenges

It keeps life interesting

I grow bored of mediocrity quickly anyway

Nothing less than being under duress works

Adds a lovely smile to my soul

So come Monday, we will be fine

I have prepared myself to handle you just fine

But you Gargoyles, you stay clear away

I have nothing to do with you all

Antithesis

Twenty minutes, to witness traffic

And a head that aches with hypertension

The night's cold is a blessing

But the terrible roads are a curse

I woke today, and there was working

Spent in ramblings just to earn my pay

The evening could have brought me calm

But the transit is making me restless

I hate stepping out of the house

The woods may be lovely I know

I don't subscribe to the feels of such love

For being out of home is what I hate

This though I can bear after all

A friend is always nice to see after ages

Maybe deep within me there is warmth

So I brush of the evening and its cold

By the balcony, watching the bee eaters

I spend Sunday mornings at my balcony, annoyed mostly

The chirp of bee eaters ruin my sleeping in

I groan six times out of nine and still drag myself out of bed

Make coffee and go to watch, these little green tiny bee eaters, fluttering

Whizzing past often before my face

I sometimes wondered, if I could speak to them

I hoped someday to ask them to postpone their morning rituals

I did today, but it seems to be a quandary

You see, there is a golden Magnolia tree

Hosting a few of the other varieties

Of chirpy lasses and stubborn lads

Wanting to build nests, or feed their had (little birdies they already have)

Apparently those non bee eaters, the drongos

Have a schedule to keep is what I have been told

I moved in last year, to this block of my home

These birdies have here forever flown

So I must not fret, ask for a reconsideration

And silently watch these green bee eaters in action

And sip my coffee, thank the universe

Call it a lovely restful Sunday 

Bullish outcomes bears work

Afloat with members of the mercantile 

On the dips and peaks 

I lash, trade, fight the bull and bear

Lose my pennies, pounds, and win some too

I live for the risks

Brought by uncertainities, randomness

And I seek no refuge, I face the mornings

And nights, too, cold, some bitter, some gentle

You hate me, I understand

I hate me too, I play this game of slides

A thought not spared for your gripes

I float

Again

Amongst the members of the mercantile.

## Analysis of "Bullish outcomes, bears and at work"

**Themes:**

* **Financial speculation:** The poem centers around the speaker's life as a trader, navigating market fluctuations and taking risks. 

* **Isolation and self-loathing:** Despite the adrenaline rush of the "game," the speaker expresses a sense of alienation and internal conflict.

* **Addiction and repetition:** The cyclical nature of trading ("afloat... Again... Amongst") and the constant striving for "bullish outcomes" suggest a potentially unhealthy obsession.

**Techniques:**

* **Metaphor:** The market is personified as bulls and bears, creating a dynamic and almost predatory environment.

* **Repetition:** Words like "float" and "members of the mercantile" are repeated, emphasizing the speaker's immersion in the financial world.

* **Juxtaposition:** Contrasting images like "dips and peaks" and "cold, some bitter, some gentle" add complexity and nuance to the emotional atmosphere.

**Strengths:**

* **Vivid imagery:** The poem effectively captures the volatility and intensity of the trading world through descriptive language.

* **Emotional honesty:** The speaker's self-awareness and self-criticism add depth and complexity to the character.

* **Conciseness:** The poem packs a lot of meaning into a short space, leaving room for interpretation.

**Criticisms:**

* **Limited scope:** The poem focuses primarily on the speaker's internal world and offers little insight into the broader context of financial markets or their impact on society.

* **Potential for oversimplification:** The portrayal of the financial world as a zero-sum game between bulls and bears could be seen as lacking in nuance.

* **Abrupt ending:** The poem's conclusion may leave readers wanting more closure or resolution.

**Overall:**

"Bullish outcomes, bears and at work" is a thought-provoking poem that captures the intense and isolating world of financial speculation. While it could benefit from greater context and exploration, its evocative imagery and emotional honesty make it a noteworthy piece.

An Absurdity follows me

The image was ghastly, 

in shades of red

Mimi lay face down, 

most of her was embedded

It seemed like oil on canvas

This flesh on asphalt

The car had scooted to a stop

A leg stuck to the fender

Comical, yet gory her time was up

She held my hand

Her uppers seemed just fine

She asked if her dress looked ok

I nodded, and she knew I was lying

She smirked, rubbing my cheeks

I wasn't crying, but the driver was

I held her for a moment, of forever

A soul that exists, is no more now

And this moment will pass too

And I will too soon forget, Mimi

Come Monday, and all will be fine

I waited for her to leave, I knew 

For this is not something to walk off

I have seen this earlier, it's nothing new

So she died, after minutes like eons

I cleaned up my clothes,and showered

Her remains gone, left to memory

I brushed my hair, wore my suit

Went back to work, since Mimi was gone.

## Analysis and Critique of "An Absurdity follows me"

**Theme and Tone:**

The poem grapples with death and grief in a surprisingly detached and ironic manner. The speaker witnesses a gruesome accident, yet their response is a mix of resignation, dark humor, and a disquieting awareness of life's fleeting nature. This creates a jarring tension between the horrific event and the protagonist's almost clinical observation.

**Imagery and Symbolism:**

The imagery is vivid and unsettling, contrasting the vibrant "shades of red" of Mimi's blood with the mundane details of the scene: the car, the asphalt, the suit. The comparison of Mimi's body to oil on canvas heightens the surrealism, blurring the lines between life and art, victim and object. The leg stuck to the fender is a particularly impactful symbol of violence and violation.

**Structure and Form:**

The free verse structure mirrors the fragmented nature of the speaker's emotions. Short, punchy lines emphasize the shock and immediacy of the situation, while longer lines delve into introspective thoughts about loss and memory. The lack of rhyme scheme further contributes to the sense of disconnect and emotional numbness.

**Strengths:**

* The poem's originality lies in its unexpected approach to a morbid subject. The dark humor and ironic detachment offer a unique perspective on grief and the absurdity of life and death.

* The vivid imagery and stark contrasts bring the scene to life, forcing the reader to confront the reality of the situation.

* The poem raises interesting questions about memory, emotional processing, and the human capacity to move on from trauma.

**Weaknesses:**

* The speaker's emotional detachment might alienate some readers, making it difficult to empathize with their experience of grief.

* The poem's focus on the grotesque details of the accident could be considered gratuitous for some.

* The ending feels somewhat abrupt, leaving the reader with a sense of unresolved tension and unanswered questions.

**Overall:**

"An Absurdity follows me" is a thought-provoking and disturbing poem that challenges traditional expectations of grief and mourning. Its blend of realism and dark humor creates a unique atmosphere that lingers long after the last line. While not for everyone, the poem's raw honesty and originality make it a powerful exploration of life, death, and the human condition.

**Additional points to consider:**

* Is the speaker's emotional detachment a defense mechanism, or a genuine lack of feeling?

* What does the poem say about our society's relationship with death and violence?

* How does the poem's title contribute to its overall meaning?

I hope this analysis helps you delve deeper into the poem and appreciate its complexities.