Sunday, 28 July 2024

And you being?

Sanctimonious monotheism
Make believe, and mortal morbidism
In an uncertain life, maraudered by populists
I reek of ease, in my unorthodox schisms

Between the Shepard's pie, a few rind scraped from oranges
And the sprinkle of liquorice dust into my evening tea
In a purist household, mangled by agreers
I breach every line drawn, in my wayward living

My oddities, mine, unshared and nonchalant
Against your want to engage at every drop of rain in monsoons
Amongst such chaos, ruffling me or lest trying to
I wait to watch the river carve canyons anew.



## Analysis of "And you being?" in the Context of Contemporary Society

### The Poem as a Critique of Modern Society

Your poem offers a poignant critique of contemporary society, marked by a pervasive need for validation, conformity, and a superficial pursuit of popularity. It stands as a counterpoint to these trends, advocating for individuality, authenticity, and resilience.

### Key Themes and Their Reflection in Modern Society

* **Conformity and Rebellion:** The "purist household, mangled by agreers" represents the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. The speaker's "wayward living" is a direct challenge to this conformity, mirroring the growing desire for individuality and authenticity in today's world.
* **Popularity and Validation:** The line "Against your want to engage at every drop of rain in monsoons" suggests a constant need for attention and validation. This aligns with the increasing influence of social media and the pressure to maintain a certain online image.
* **Uncertainty and Fear:** The "uncertain life, maraudered by populists" reflects the anxiety and insecurity prevalent in many societies due to political polarization, economic instability, and global challenges.
* **Individuality and Resilience:** The speaker's stance as an "outsider" embodies a growing resistance to societal pressures. This resonates with the rising value placed on self-expression and personal growth.

### The Poet as a Modern Anti-Hero

The speaker in your poem can be seen as a modern anti-hero, someone who rejects societal expectations and embraces their own path. This character archetype has become increasingly relatable in an era where authenticity and individuality are highly valued.

### Overall Interpretation

Your poem effectively captures the complexities of contemporary life. It offers a critical perspective on the pressures to conform, the pursuit of popularity, and the challenges of maintaining individuality. By presenting a counter-narrative, the poem encourages readers to question societal norms and embrace their own unique identities.


Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Misidentifying the Mugger on my terrace

There is a crocodile ony terrace balcony, 
And other such weird items in an assortment 
Placed randomly at places, I rent , but not at my own home
Comfort is a place I make, but the heart will always carry me to my own

The terrace came with a house, a broken bed and another half rusted, between battered and broken
And I dismantled both and made my bed on a mattress ordered online
I sometimes hop into the balcony, where the crocodile and I sit
We smoke and exhale into each other's faces, his snout saves his eyes, advantage crocodile

The rains here on this side of the state are fun, or I have been annoyed over and on about
A city that is less sensitive to humanity than a few others put together in my view
The cabs don't work, the nurses poke crossed holes in veins
But that crocodile thinks its funny, when I sometimes ramble about my woes

Why just today, out from the hospital when I reached to this place
The crocodile was sitting right there, all well fed and with no existential dread
I think it is not a real Crocodylus palustris, for they don't live on terraces
I think my crocodile is my hypertension caused by smoking , that I keep at regardless of it's harmful intent


## Analysis of "Misidentifying the Mugger on my Terrace"

Considering "mugger" refers to a crocodile in Indian English, the poem takes on a new layer of meaning.

**Literal Level:**

* The speaker lives in a rented apartment with a peculiar balcony ornament - a crocodile.
* They create their own comfort by dismantling a broken bed and setting up a new one.
* The speaker finds companionship with the crocodile, sharing smokes and venting about life's troubles.
* The frustrations include the city's indifference and daily hassles.
* The speaker suspects the crocodile isn't a real mugger as they wouldn't dwell on balconies, but rather a manifestation of their smoking-induced health problems.

**Figurative Level:**

* **Mugger:** Represents the speaker's health issues caused by smoking. 
    * Its presence on the balcony signifies a constant threat to their well-being.
    * Smoking together suggests a risky co-existence with the source of their problems.
* **Broken Bed and Dismantling:** Symbolize the speaker's inability to find true comfort in impermanent situations (rented apartments).
    * Creating their own bed suggests a desire for control and personalization.
* **Rains and City Annoyances:** Represent the general unpleasantness of the speaker's environment.

**Central Idea:**

The speaker struggles to find comfort in a temporary living situation and copes with the stress by acknowledging the ever-present threat to their health (the mugger) posed by their smoking habit. The crocodile becomes a reminder of their unhealthy choice. 

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The poem highlights the dangers of ignoring health risks associated with bad habits.
* It explores the creation of an unhealthy companion as a way to confront personal issues.
* The speaker might be longing for a sense of belonging, a permanent home, and a healthier lifestyle.

**Note:** The title "Misidentifying the Mugger" now gains a clearer meaning. The speaker initially perceives the crocodile/health issues as an external threat (a mugger) but later recognizes it as a consequence of their own actions (smoking). 

Friday, 19 July 2024

4 for the passing

It was easy to pass away, so he rolled to his side hummed his favourite tune
He spoke to his mother, and friends there off, wished a gentle goodbye
As he slept that night, his mind was clearer than the bluest sky
He smiled and waved at the ceiling of his house,in gentle gestures, a content filled parting 

He would not be found for a while, no one would have need of him for a while
And those who would, could postulate of either his engagement or passing
He smiled knowing that, this night was his own to choose 
He whispered a gentle prayer, he had laid out his possessions, and said the byes

When after a week, the neighbours may be discomforted, albeit slightly
From the fragrances he surrounded his body with to minimise the offense
They would break in and find a smiling shell of a man, asleep eternally
There would be some inconvenience but there would be money at his desk for his last rites

Then his memories too will fade, like he existed an unknown 
Amongst those thirsty to be known, a thing he abhorred the most
Yet he had no remorse for loving all that was around
He would have finally completed his circle of an unknown life.


## Analysis of "4 for the Passing"

**Theme:** The poem expands on the theme of death with acceptance, adding layers of planning and detachment.

**Structure:**

* The poem retains the free verse style with enjambment.
* It is now divided into two stanzas, with the second focusing on the aftermath.

**Figurative Language:**

* Simile: "clearer than the bluest sky" is repeated.
* Metaphor: "Smiling shell of a man" compares the man's body to a discarded husk, highlighting his peaceful departure.

**Symbolism:**

* "Fragrances" symbolize his attempt to maintain dignity even in death.
* "Money at his desk" signifies practicality and ensuring a proper goodbye.
* "Memories fading" represent impermanence and detachment from societal pressures.
* "Circle of an unknown life" suggests a life lived on his own terms, complete in its own way.

**Tone:**

* The first stanza maintains a sense of serenity.
* The second stanza introduces a hint of melancholy with "inconvenience" and "fade."
* The overall tone remains contemplative, with a touch of defiance against societal pressures for recognition.

**Interpretation:**

The title, "4 for the Passing," could be a metaphorical reference to a well-planned act, with "4" signifying the completion of a process. The poem delves deeper into the man's preparations. He uses fragrances to minimize the impact and leaves money for his final rites, showcasing both practicality and consideration for others. The poem highlights his indifference to societal expectations of fame or recognition. He finds contentment in the simple act of living and loves "all that was around." His death completes his "circle of an unknown life," a life lived authentically and on his own terms.

**Additional Considerations:**

* The number "4" could have a specific cultural or religious meaning related to death or completion.
* Exploring the speaker's perspective – is it the man himself reflecting on his death, or an observer describing his passing?

**Overall, "4 for the Passing" offers a poignant look at a planned death, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and finding peace in the unknown.** 

Saturday, 29 June 2024

At being Driven through the western Ghats

I am quite curious to know, about these hundreds of blue barrels arranged in a single row
A host of companies make these, am sure a lot of companies buy these too
My curiosity is not with their existence, it is with their current placement
How do these end up on the rainy highway home, do they use butyl acetate on roads now?

It is such an unromantic thought, to have to write about a certain what not
For these are not becoming of a poet and a poet should steer clear of these I know
Yet in this diametrically opposite world of my being, where I still question of love
How can my mind be free, truly free I must add if I didn't shoehorn these into a poetry somehow

Now the distant foggy road that shows, I will pass those in an hour or so
I will click pictures, switch from the poem blogging application every then and now
But such lackluster commodities, and the unromance'able oddities will always make me remark and write
Some I will write and romance about, some of these will be written out of spite.



Analysis by Gemini.
Short:



The poem is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Here's a breakdown of the poem's themes:
 * Industrialism vs. Nature: The poem contrasts the natural beauty of the Western Ghats with the sight of industrial waste (blue barrels) on the highway.
 * Disillusionment: The speaker finds the barrels an "unromantic thought" and feels obligated to write about them despite their lack of poetic appeal.
 * The Duality of the Poet's Mind: The speaker grapples with the desire to write about love and beauty while also acknowledging the harsh realities of the world.
 * Finding Inspiration in the Mundane: The speaker finds inspiration for writing even in unexpected and unromantic things.

Long:

A detailed analysis of the poem stanza by stanza:
Stanza 1:
 * The speaker is intrigued by the rows of blue barrels lining the highway, questioning their purpose and origin.
Stanza 2:
 * The speaker's curiosity goes beyond the barrels' existence and focuses on their placement in the natural setting. They wonder if these barrels are somehow related to road maintenance, perhaps containing a chemical like butyl acetate.
 * Butyl acetate is a solvent used in paints and varnishes, and its mention here adds a touch of irony, highlighting the intrusion of industrial materials into the natural beauty.
Stanza 3:
 * The speaker acknowledges that writing about industrial waste may seem unromantic and unfitting for poetry.
 * They recognize the traditional expectation for poets to focus on themes of love and beauty.
Stanza 4:
 * Despite the unromantic nature of the barrels, the speaker feels compelled to incorporate them into their work. This reflects the poet's struggle to reconcile their artistic inclinations with the realities of the world.
 * The speaker wrestles with the desire for a perfect, idealized world while acknowledging the messiness of reality. They find inspiration even in unexpected and unconventional subjects.
Stanza 5:
 * The speaker shifts focus to the foggy road ahead, indicating they will soon move past the barrels.
 * They plan to capture pictures, highlighting the coexistence of the natural landscape and the industrial elements.
 * The speaker concludes by reiterating their attraction to both the romanticized and the unromantic, finding inspiration in both types of experiences.

Sunday, 23 June 2024

Oh Mani..

I send e-mails at Nine PM, hoping it to be the first in the lot 
The attention it could get , I hypothesize
But my mails still land into support inboxes amongst thousands 
Will I ever be the first in line, have my complaints addressed
Mani ponders often, and I tease her about these cute innocent thoughts
Some delusions are fun to hear, they make you see a smiling child

Saturday, 22 June 2024

I see no mirrors

Sometimes, yes sometimes we must change, change from our hearts and accept
Accept changes, changes that bring us sentiments, that often echo loudly when we don't call out to them
I for one do not cater to sediments, for sentiments are just sediments that obstruct how I flow through life
Make it shallow and cause the sailing ships to get lodged and stuck 
I believe ships should sail, and they should keep doing so

While we have heard of love, have we really stopped for a moment to understand it
We dam it, and thus damn it, or drop anchors into the bed of the flowing raging river of love
Seeking to achieve some sort of permanence, and all that permeates is water through the hull
Sinking a bond that could have been so much better and easier, but we keep rowing to the same mistakes

I have learnt that the years of wear by my flowing life can carve beautiful memories on the landscapes passed
But none shall be revisited, I carry an essence, a fragment of each moment momentarily 
Dump it all into the open sea, that over the years shall grind to fine sand and deposit on unknown beaches
I do not see those being sifted, or built into castles, or see a lover writing names into it
I flow and meander, create oxbows , ponds, and tributaries until I shall dry out from where I spring.


## Analysis of "I See No Mirrors"

This poem explores the concept of embracing change and impermanence. The speaker rejects the idea of clinging to the past or seeking permanence in relationships. Let's break it down line by line:

**Lines 1-4:** The poem starts with a paradoxical statement - "I see no mirrors." Mirrors reflect the past, and the speaker doesn't want to dwell on it. They acknowledge the need for change, even if it brings difficult emotions ("sentiments that echo loudly").

**Lines 5-8:** The speaker criticizes clinging to "sediments" (metaphor for past experiences and emotions) that slow down their progress. They compare life to a flowing river, and these sentiments are like shallow spots that get ships stuck.

**Lines 9-14:** The poem shifts to the concept of love. The speaker criticizes those who try to control love by "damming" it (seeking permanence) or "dropping anchors" (clinging on). This metaphor suggests love requires constant flow. Love that is dammed or anchored becomes stagnant and ultimately sinks.

**Lines 15-19:** Here, the speaker reflects on the beauty of impermanence. The "years of wear" carve memories on the "landscapes passed," but the speaker doesn't revisit them. They carry an essence of each moment, but don't hold onto specifics. These memories are like sand deposited on unknown beaches - unanalyzed and unclaimed.

**Lines 20-23:** The speaker emphasizes their constant movement. They flow and create new paths ("oxbows," "ponds," "tributaries") but ultimately accept that they will "dry out" from their source. 

**Themes:**

* Embracing change: The poem celebrates the constant flow of life and encourages letting go of the past.
* Impermanence of relationships: The speaker views relationships as impermanent, like flowing water.
* Importance of movement: The poem emphasizes the importance of constant movement and adaptation in life.

**Symbolism:**

* Mirror: Represents the past and the act of dwelling on it. (Though not directly mentioned)
* River: Represents the speaker's life and its constant flow.
* Ship: Represents relationships and the danger of stagnation.

**Overall, "I See No Mirrors" is a powerful poem that advocates for embracing change and impermanence in life and relationships.**



Friday, 21 June 2024

Analysis and Paralysis

Fragility, is it now the norm of modern sensitivity where a man is indistinguishable from a woman
And to be labelled a misogynist is easy for someone uttering such, I am called so sometimes
For what? For asking someone to pick up after themselves, man or woman? These one sided charades of modern sensibility, or the lack of then; is to blame

I miss waiting on my mother's arrival to make me a serving of okra, I would have cooked rice already, I was a caring boy
Cooking is a life skill, not a gender appropriation and these complaints are laughable 
Of I am a woman who doesn't cook, nor clean, don't be in a life if you cannot 
The absurdity of cooking and cleaning being beneath is appalling 
Thus I laugh on these who consider such gender roles, treat these as Life Skills

So I ask you again, are you a man if you cannot cook and feed? Or a woman even? 
For life is not lived on an empty stomach and food that would remind us of why flavours exist
I would wish to be at the pots and pans of my kitchen all day, as I romance the spices
And clean up, to sit down for a meal with someone who wishes to share one with me.



## Line-by-Line Analysis:

**Line 1: Fragility, is it now the norm of modern sensitivity where a man is indistinguishable from a woman**

* The speaker introduces the concept of "fragility" and connects it to "modern sensitivity."
* They see this sensitivity as blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity.

**Line 2: And to be labelled a misogynist is easy for someone uttering such, I am called so sometimes**

* The speaker expresses frustration with being labeled a misogynist for expressing traditional views.
* They feel it's easy to be unfairly judged for simply having an opinion.

**Lines 3-4: For what? For asking someone to pick up after themselves, man or woman? These one sided charades of modern sensibility, or the lack of then; is to blame**

* The speaker clarifies their position. They're not against equality, but against a one-sided application of "modern sensibility."
* They see both a lack of responsibility and an oversensitivity at play.

**Lines 5-6: I miss waiting on my mother's arrival to make me a serving of okra, I would have cooked rice already, I was a caring boy**

* The speaker shares a positive memory of helping their mother in the kitchen, highlighting a traditional gender role they embraced.
* They emphasize their own willingness to contribute to domestic tasks.

**Line 7: Cooking is a life skill, not a gender appropriation and these complaints are laughable**

* The speaker argues that cooking is a necessary life skill, not something specific to one gender.
* They find complaints about "gender appropriation" in cooking to be ridiculous.

**Lines 8-9: Of I am a woman who doesn't cook, nor clean, don't be in a life if you cannot  
The absurdity of cooking and cleaning being beneath is appalling**

* The speaker expands their argument. If someone, regardless of gender, isn't willing to contribute to basic chores, they shouldn't be in a relationship.
* They find the idea of these tasks being "beneath" someone to be absurd.

**Line 10: Thus I laugh on these who consider such gender roles, treat these as Life Skills**

* The speaker emphasizes their stance. They scoff at the idea of viewing traditional gender roles as limitations, instead seeing them as valuable life skills.

**Lines 11-12: So I ask you again, are you a man if you cannot cook and feed? Or a woman even?**

* The speaker challenges the idea of masculinity and femininity being defined by domestic tasks. 
* They question if someone who can't contribute to basic needs can truly embody their gender identity.

**Lines 13-14: For life is not lived on an empty stomach and food that would remind us of why flavours exist**

* The speaker shifts the focus back to the fundamental importance of food and the joy it brings.
* They see cooking not just as a chore, but as a way to experience and appreciate life's pleasures.

**Lines 15-16: I would wish to be at the pots and pans of my kitchen all day, as I romance the spices  
And clean up, to sit down for a meal with someone who wishes to share one with me.**

* The speaker expresses a personal desire to cook and share a meal with someone who appreciates it.
* They paint a picture of cooking and cleaning as acts of love and connection.

## Overall Analysis:

This poem explores the concept of gender roles in the context of "modern sensitivity." The speaker feels that an overemphasis on sensitivity can lead to a blurring of traditional roles and a devaluation of essential life skills like cooking and cleaning. They argue that these skills are important for everyone, regardless of gender, and contribute to a fulfilling life and meaningful connections. 

Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Set that contrast knob to middle, will you?

The lemon slice drowns in a mist in the bubbling of melting ice, partially
Adding the gentle hint of taste that I seem to abhor 
Shame on me to have called for a Long island tea, I confess 
When I wanted a shot of rum or vodka in iced coffee, so I admit that fault too 
I ponder on such random choices, I make about drinks, and food also about poems that I scribble to be seldom understood by readers.

It is eleven minutes past ten, and the night is fading faster than a limping snail 
I see the moon is sort of full, hazy too due rains June is a month of many changes, what about yours?
But I digress as I always do, trying to hold on to some coherence of constantly derailing thoughts
Do you remember why you read this? It is an absurd cacophony! Oh, but you don't read my poems anyway but others find it meaningful 

That brings up another problem,the burrito bowl I ordered is a tiny portion, and weight watching won't satiate my hunger
You would remind me to keep it in check, because I would pant like a dog in an hour of our love making
It wasn't so, maybe it is my age catching up, or the smokes and food habits, read line five for the culprit 
But nevertheless, the night is young and I am being a nurse to you
You know it is impossible to be at ease when you are running a fever, so here I am at unease, away from work trying to be me and be the me you love.


## Line-by-Line Analysis of "Set that contrast knob to middle, will you?"

**Title:** "Set that contrast knob to middle, will you?" - This title sets the tone for the poem as one seeking balance and clarity. "Contrast knob" could be a metaphor for life's choices, emotions, or even the speaker's own perspective. Setting it to "middle" suggests a desire for moderation or neutrality. 

**Line 1:** "The lemon slice drowns in a mist in the bubbling of melting ice, partially" - This line introduces a sense of melancholy. The lemon slice, a symbol of sourness, is "drowning" in a "mist," hinting at a loss of clarity or purpose. The "bubbling" ice adds a sense of restlessness. "Partially" suggests the speaker is only partially experiencing this feeling.

**Line 2:** "Adding the gentle hint of taste that I seem to abhor" - This line clarifies the speaker's dislike for the Long Island iced tea they ordered. The "gentle hint" of lemon contradicts the strong dislike ("abhor"). This could be a metaphor for a situation that initially seemed appealing but has turned out unpleasant.

**Line 3:** "Shame on me to have called for a Long island tea, I confess" - Here, the speaker acknowledges their mistake in ordering the drink. "Confess" adds a touch of self-deprecation and regret.

**Line 4:** "When I wanted a shot of rum or vodka in iced coffee, so I admit that fault too" - This line reveals the speaker's true desire - a stronger drink, possibly for a pick-me-up. "Admit" reinforces the theme of acknowledging mistakes.

**Line 5:** "I ponder on such random choices, I make about drinks, and food also about poems that I scribble to be seldom understood by readers." - This line connects the speaker's choice of drink to a larger pattern of seemingly random decisions. "Scribble" suggests a lack of confidence or control in their creative process. 

**Line 6 & 7:** "It is eleven minutes past ten, and the night is fading faster than a limping snail / I see the moon is sort of full, hazy too due rains June is a month of many changes, what about yours?" - These lines shift the focus to the passage of time and the speaker's observations. The "limping snail" metaphor emphasizes the feeling of time slipping away. The "hazy" moon reflects the speaker's own lack of clarity. "June is a month of many changes" could be a general observation or a personal reflection on the speaker's own life. 

**Line 8:** "But I digress as I always do, trying to hold on to some coherence of constantly derailing thoughts" - Here, the speaker acknowledges their tendency to wander off topic and struggle to maintain focus. "Derailing thoughts" reinforces the earlier image of a lack of clarity.

**Line 9 & 10:** "Do you remember why you read this? It is an absurd cacophony! Oh, but you don't read my poems anyway but others find it meaningful" - These lines address the reader directly, questioning their purpose for reading and suggesting the poem might not be very good. ("Cacophony" means a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.) However, the speaker finds solace in the idea that "others find it meaningful."

**Line 11:** "That brings up another problem,the burrito bowl I ordered is a tiny portion, and weight watching won't satiate my hunger" - This line introduces a new issue - a lack of satisfaction, both physical (hunger) and possibly emotional.

**Line 12:** "You would remind me to keep it in check, because I would pant like a dog in an hour of our love making" - This line introduces a personal element, referencing a past intimate moment with someone who presumably cared about the speaker's health. 

**Line 13:** "It wasn't so, maybe it is my age catching up, or the smokes and food habits, read line five for the culprit" - Here, the speaker contradicts the previous line, suggesting their past stamina wasn't exceptional. "Read line five for the culprit" playfully connects the lack of stamina to the earlier mentioned poor food and drink choices.

**Line 14 & 15:** "But nevertheless, the night is young and I am being a nurse to you / You know it is impossible to be at ease when you are running a fever, so here I am at unease, away from work trying to be me and be the me you love." - These lines end the poem on a more positive note. The speaker is caring for someone who is sick, despite their own anxieties and discomfort. "

Monday, 17 June 2024

Then, and now are different times

I passed by the rail road, on my way to school watching men at work
Joining steel rails with thermite, those lovely sparks, splattering iron 
I always would wait until they finished, and removed the clay cast and then polished the rails
It was beautiful to see the fervor of thermite, and the welders and the welds

Those are times I miss, of being able to stand at an old paper mart
Collecting books for mere rupees and paise, I still have some of those
I have collected them like literal pages of old memories
Most are not fully read yet, and I often chance upon a random poet in one of those pages
I remisce in having to hold, a treasure and a literal page of my memories

I remember the train stations, though the plied distance was a full five minutes
I have somedays walked through, by the lanes of the train yard, observed shunting of coaches
Watched the Diesel trains, enjoyed their ear shattering horns and the smell of burnt fuel
I stood by to often watch people, working like clock work, people I wanted to become like

I often search for things around the house to fix, old broken furniture, watches, books
At home matches is my thermite , my patience the shunting buffers, and superglue and clothes pins are my couplers 
I don't miss my childhood, school was annoying anyway and I being an observer was a loner
I miss strolling by the train yards, old book shops, and walking through small shortcuts to reach places

I miss the absence of devices that chain us now, our modern distractions 
I miss the old struggle to gather knowledge and the glee of having found out 
The thirst being quenched after reaching out to many for an answer, when someone would explain something
I miss those teachers from the old times, always ready to illustrate 
I miss learning like that, I miss being focussed, I miss loving to go the extra mile that was needed then to know.



Analysis.


The poem "Then, and now are different times" takes us on a journey through the speaker's memories, contrasting their childhood experiences with the present. It's a story about missing a simpler time.

**The good old days:**

* The poem starts with the speaker fondly remembering watching railroad workers. They were fascinated by the sparks from thermite and the finished, polished rails. This simple act of observing filled them with joy.
* Another cherished memory involves finding treasures in old bookstores – buying books for mere pennies and collecting them like pieces of their past. 
* Train stations were a source of fascination too. They'd spend time observing the shunting of trains, the powerful horns, and the unique smell of diesel fuel. These experiences fueled their curiosity about the world. 

**More than just memories:**

* These experiences weren't just fun; they shaped the speaker. They admired the workers, wanting to be like them someday. Observing and understanding how things worked sparked a love for learning.
* The poem cleverly compares the past and present. In the "old times," finding knowledge took effort. You had to search, ask people, and appreciate the explanations you received. Today, information is readily available, but the thrill of discovery seems to be missing.

**Missing the simple things:**

* The speaker doesn't necessarily miss childhood itself, acknowledging school could be annoying. They miss the freedom to explore and learn from the world around them.
* Importantly, they miss the lack of distractions modern technology brings. The "devices that chain us now" symbolize the constant busyness of the present, contrasting with the focus and dedication to learning in the past.

**The poem's message:**

Ultimately, "Then, and now are different times" is a poem about change. It celebrates the joys of the past while acknowledging the realities of the present. The speaker reminisces about a time when learning was an adventure and the world felt full of wonder. It's a reminder to cherish the simple things and perhaps find ways to rediscover that excitement for learning in our own lives. 


Also:
A bit more Analysis .

Yes, the text you provided is indeed a poem. Here's why:

* **Title:** It has a title, "Then, and Now are different times," which sets the stage for the poem's theme. 
* **Figurative Language:** It uses figurative language like similes ("At home matches is my thermite") to create comparisons and deeper meaning.
* **Sensory Details:** It employs vivid sensory details like "lovely sparks" and "ear shattering horns" to bring the memories to life. 
* **Structure:** While not adhering to a strict rhyme scheme, the poem has a clear structure with stanzas that group related ideas. 
* **Emotional Impact:** It evokes emotions of nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time. 

Overall, the text uses elements commonly found in poems to create a piece that reflects on the past and present. 




Saturday, 15 June 2024

Knock at the door

Why would I choose to be in a moment of drama
That is spun up, for no entertainment of mine
I refuse to play, I refuse to pay, and I refuse your complaining
I will wait and wave, and smile as I watch you walk away

For all of your insecurities, and your need for assurances 
That are just pointless creations, an indulgence of your thoughts
I refuse to fly into such incessant storms, and I ignore your muttering
I will let you be, as you fall into the dark of sad utterings


Monday, 10 June 2024

Mockuenting poets

I shalt not hear thy banter
For these poems left by, have gnawed my mind surly
Of difficult prose and words that hath been cloudy
Only for a lot to think a poem should toe

To such, I deplore with a strong sense of abandonment 
I find no need, to have mead follow
Nor would , be followed by my should
I will let the other copycats to such dredge

In abstract, ah poignant modernism, yet most is not
tis only a recycled lot, filled of poly plot
And I am a polyglot, who writes in three or more tongues
So I'll extend one, i forego to appeal to old poets as such

I only need to touch a frost, 
Maybe some Bishop, Dickinson, or whitman's lot
Not read, but revere them like I do, more Constantine 
I start my scribbling, unlike these copy cat rots

So come July, sing me a song of drudge 
When mercury falls, and rain form a terrible sludge 
I will scribble sitting under my roof, sans power, food, and undried linen
Mock you and hope you drown the pretentious poet brethren.


## Analysis of "Mockumenting Poets"

This poem takes aim at the perceived obscurity and pretentiousness of some 20th-century poetry. Here's a breakdown:

* **Style:** The poem uses archaic language ("shalt not," "hath," "thy") in contrast to its modern subject matter. This creates a sense of irony and humor.
* **Theme:** The speaker rejects the complexity and "cloudy" language of some modern poetry, preferring a more accessible style. 
* **Structure:** The poem doesn't have a strict rhyme scheme or meter, suggesting a rejection of traditional forms. 
* **Imagery:** The final stanza uses vivid imagery of drudgery ("drudge," "sludge") to mock the suffering artist trope some poets employ.

## Comparison to 20th-Century Poets

The poem critiques some aspects of 20th-century poetry, particularly:

* **Modernism:** The speaker disdains "abstract" and "poignant modernism," implying a dislike for free verse and symbolism. 
* **Complexity:** Phrases like "difficult prose" and "words that hath been cloudy" suggest a rejection of complex metaphors and allusions.
* **Elitism:** The speaker mocks the perceived pretentiousness of poets who follow trends ("copycats") and rely on obscurity for status.

Here's how the poem contrasts with some 20th-century movements:

* **Imagism:** Imagists like Ezra Pound focused on clear imagery, which the speaker might appreciate. However, Imagists often used free verse, which the poem seems to reject.
* **Confessionalism:** Poets like Sylvia Plath explored personal struggles in a raw and honest way. The speaker might find this relatable but may disapprove of the perceived self-importance.
* **The Harlem Renaissance:** Poets like Langston Hughes celebrated African American culture using accessible language. The speaker might find this more appealing, though the poem lacks any social commentary.

## Overall

"Mockumenting Poets" is a humorous and pointed critique of some aspects of 20th-century poetry. It champions clarity and accessibility but risks oversimplifying the rich tapestry of this period. 

Saturday, 8 June 2024

I am to be bent your way

Another breath emerges, from the want of selfishness
And it is cast as sacrifice, yet most know the truth
It is only a form of control, created to be moulded 
And then be a part of acceptance

There are those who project, fail at one of blood, and pretend
Showcase as great for having borrowed from an unknown another
What is the purpose really, if one should ponder
It is only control, and to be accepted

I would not understand, I am told over and again
Yet I so well do, beyond the pretentious parading of sacrifice
It is to become of some value, aliging to ideas sold
Since their own first breath, a mould they wont break themselves

For those hoping my own would have thought so
I welcome you, as I turn around and ask too
For in this fakery of existing as someone stereotyped
It is not love, but a vote of belonging that is sought


Analysis

The poem can be interpreted through the lens of pretentious motherhood, but it's important to see it as a critique, not an endorsement. Here's how the themes apply:

* **Sacrifice as Performance:** Motherhood often comes with genuine sacrifice, but the poem criticizes the idea of using that sacrifice as a badge of honor or a tool for manipulation. It suggests some mothers might portray their struggles as a way to control situations or gain sympathy.
* **Borrowed Greatness:** The poem criticizes those who brag about their children's achievements, implying that these mothers might be taking credit for something not entirely theirs. This can be seen as a way to inflate their own image and seek validation through their child. 
* **Misunderstood Motherhood:** The speaker rejects the idea that they can't understand the pressures of motherhood. They see through the "performance" of sacrifice and suggest some mothers might use it to claim a higher status. 
* **Breaking Free from Mommy Stereotypes:** The poem criticizes the pressure to conform to a specific image of motherhood. The speaker suggests some mothers might be trapped in a mold of expectations, prioritizing acceptance over genuine expression of their own identities.
* **Yearning for Real Connection:** The poem might be longing for a more authentic connection between mothers, not one based on competition or playing a stereotypical role. It seeks a love and respect that goes beyond simply being a mother.

**Important to Note:**

* The poem criticizes the *pretentious* side of motherhood, not motherhood itself.  
* Not all mothers behave this way. 
* The poem doesn't negate the genuine challenges and sacrifices of motherhood.

This analysis offers a critical perspective on how motherhood can be portrayed in a way that prioritizes control and acceptance over authenticity and genuine connection. 

Thursday, 6 June 2024

Drama, a staple pin that piked
 in between those chips one munches
And it hurts the tingue, breaks the tooth enamel ever so slightly.
Waiting, knowing it will cause decay pain 

Wednesday, 5 June 2024

Fading in and out

At some point the moon shall fade
In fifteen days, as I believe
But in those fifteen days
I will have been losing my mind for another few years

Maybe the seas would be stormy
In another ninenty days, I would gather
But by those ninenty days 
I will have been missing you for another few rains

In a dim lit cabin upon the hills, I shall sit
In another year of my forty's passing
But in the fourth of my forty
I will have been wilting everyday for another four years

Maybe the final bits of me died, that day
In the breezy evening of our falling apart
But the year that passed reminded me
I had been dying every step of the way.



Here is an analysis of the grammar used in the poem.

--------------------------
For Grammar:

Let's break down the poem line by line and analyze the tense of each verb:

**Stanza 1**

* **"At some point the moon shall fade"** - 
    * "shall fade" is **future tense (other persons)**, indicating an event that will inevitably happen at some unspecified time.

* **"In fifteen days, as I believe"** - 
    * "believe" is **present simple (other persons)**, expressing the speaker's current belief. 

* **"But in those fifteen days"** - 
    * This phrase doesn't have a verb, but it introduces a timeframe using a prepositional phrase.

* **"I will have been losing my mind for another few years"** - 
    * "will have been losing" is **future perfect continuous tense**, indicating an action that started in the past (losing mind), is ongoing in the present, and will continue until a specific point in the future (fifteen days from now).
    * "another few years" clarifies the duration of the ongoing action.

**Stanza 2**

* **"Maybe the seas would be stormy"** - 
    * "would be" is **conditional mood**, expressing a hypothetical situation where the seas are stormy.

* **"In another ninety days, I would gather"** - 
    * "would gather" is again **conditional mood**, suggesting a potential action the speaker might take.

* **"But by those ninety days"** - 
    * Similar to stanza 1, this phrase doesn't have a verb but introduces a timeframe.

* **"I will have been missing you for another few rains"** - 
    * "will have been missing" is **future perfect continuous tense**, indicating ongoing missing that started in the past and will continue for "a few rains."

**Stanza 3**

* **"In a dim lit cabin upon the hills, I shall sit"** - 
    * "shall sit" is **future tense (other persons)**, indicating a specific future action the speaker will take.

* **"In another year of my forties' passing"** - 
    * "passing" is a **present participle** describing an ongoing process ("my forties") within a larger timeframe.

* **"But in the fourth of my forty"** - 
    * This line is a bit ambiguous. It could be interpreted as:
        * "in the fourth year of my forties" (**present perfect tense**) - This clarifies the timeframe within the speaker's forties.
        * "by the time I reach the fourth year of my forties" (**future perfect tense**) - This puts the emphasis on reaching that specific year. 

* **"I will have been wilting everyday for another four years"** - 
    * "will have been wilting" is **future perfect continuous tense**, indicating an ongoing decline ("wilting") that started in the past and will continue for another four years. 

**Stanza 4**

* **"Maybe the final bits of me died, that day"** - 
    * "died" is **past simple tense**, indicating a specific event in the past (the speaker's metaphorical death).

* **"In the breezy evening of our falling apart"** - 
    * "falling apart" is a **present participle** describing a past event ("our falling apart").

* **"But the year that passed reminded me"** - 
    * "passed" and "reminded" are both **past simple tense**, indicating completed actions in the past.

* **"I had been dying every step of the way"** - 
    * "had been dying" is **past perfect continuous tense**, indicating an action that started in the distant past ("every step of the way") and continued until a specific point in the past (being reminded).
-------------

For analysis

## Analysis of the Poem and Comparison to 20th-Century Poets

The poem utilizes a variety of techniques to create a sense of despair, loss, and the passage of time. Let's break it down further:

**Themes:**

* **Mental Deterioration:** The speaker mentions "losing my mind" and "wilting everyday."
* **Longing and Loss:** The references to missing someone ("missing you") and the metaphorical death ("final bits of me died") highlight a sense of loss.
* **The Inevitability of Time:** The use of future and future perfect continuous tenses emphasize the relentless passage of time.

**Techniques:**

* **Tense Shifts:** The poem employs a variety of tenses, particularly future perfect continuous, to create a sense of ongoing decline and actions reaching a culmination point in the future.
* **Conditional Mood:** The use of "would" creates a sense of hypothetical situations that might not come to be, adding to the speaker's despair.
* **Imagery:** "Dim lit cabin," "breezy evening," and "seas would be stormy" paint a picture of isolation and potential turmoil.
* **Ambiguity:** Lines like "another few years" and "the fourth of my forty" create a sense of uncertainty about the timeframe, adding to the speaker's emotional state.

**Comparison to 20th-Century Poets:**

This poem shares some characteristics with several 20th-century movements:

* **Modernism:** The poem's fragmented structure, use of free verse, and focus on internal emotions are reminiscent of Modernist poetry, which often challenged traditional forms and explored individual alienation. Poets like T.S. Eliot ("The Waste Land") and Ezra Pound ("The Cantos") explored similar themes of fragmentation and societal decay.
* **Existentialism:** The sense of meaninglessness and despair resonates with Existentialist themes explored by poets like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. The poem reflects on the speaker's struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. 
* **Confessional Poetry:** The poem's raw and personal exploration of loss and mental decline has similarities to Confessional poets like Sylvia Plath ("Daddy") and Anne Sexton ("Wintering"). These poets often bared their emotional vulnerabilities in their work.

**However, this poem also has its own unique qualities:**

* **Focus on Nature:** While the poem reflects on internal struggles, it also incorporates natural imagery ("seas," "rains"), adding a layer of symbolism and connection to the external world.
* **Emphasis on Time:** The poem's focus on the relentless passage of time and the future perfect continuous tense sets it apart from some other 20th-century poetry that might be more present-focused.

**Overall, the poem is a well-crafted piece that utilizes various techniques to explore themes of loss, despair, and the passage of time. It draws inspiration from 20th-century movements while maintaining its own distinctive voice.**


Tuesday, 4 June 2024

I can always close my eyes

Opulent darkness so profound 
Won't you clothe me and surround
Hide me in silent persistent wail
For this living for me is another ail 

When the sun in it's grandiose leap
Rips apart my wish of endless sleep
Hide me in your unreleasing clasp
For this living has stung me a wasp

Love gentle, when it knocks at door 
Hiding it's true nature of being a sore
Hide me in your unfaltering embrace 
For this living has become a disgrace 

Though,  ever so often do let me out
Let me find the futility in souls about
Hide me agan as quickly as you should
For this living fails me everytime it could.


## Analysis of "i can always close my eyes"

This poem, titled "i can always close my eyes," delves deeper into the speaker's struggle with existence. Here's a breakdown with comparisons to English literature poets:

**Themes:**

* **Despair:** The central theme remains the yearning for escape from the pain of life. 
* **Mortality:** The title "i can always close my eyes" hints at the inevitability of death, a potential final escape. 
* **Cycles of Hope and Hopelessness:** The repetition of "hide me" and "let me out" suggests a recurring pattern of seeking refuge in darkness followed by glimpses of futility.

**Literary Devices:**

* **Metaphor:** Darkness continues to represent escape, but the title adds a layer of finality. 
* **Personification:** Darkness might be seen as a comforting presence offering temporary shelter. 
* **Simile:** The wasp sting remains, highlighting the speaker's perception of life's pain.
* **Juxtaposition:** "Love gentle" contrasted with "sore" emphasizes the speaker's cynicism about love as a source of solace.

**Structure:**

The simple four-line stanzas and ABCB rhyme scheme persist, creating a sense of familiarity amidst the emotional turmoil.

**Comparisons:**

* **Romanticism:** The poem still shares the Romantic interest in darkness, but here, it's a place of escape rather than beauty. 
* **Modernism:** The sense of disillusionment remains, aligning with T.S. Eliot's portrayal of a broken world. The cyclical nature connects to recurring motifs of despair and rebirth in modernist works.
* **Confessionalist Poetry:** Similar to Plath and Lowell, the poem offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the speaker's emotional state.

**Key Differences:**

The title deepens the poem's thematic exploration of mortality and finality. However, it still lacks the specific stylistic features of the mentioned movements.

## Overall

"i can always close my eyes" strengthens the original poem. The title adds a layer of finality to the speaker's desire for escape, hinting at death as the ultimate refuge. While the poem shares themes with various movements, its focus on raw emotion and the cyclical nature of despair creates a distinct and powerful voice.

Wednesday, 29 May 2024

Sans the need for love

If this week shall be my last
Then I would go happy knowing
I have loved, and rejected being loved
For I have loved without wants
I was always to be not spoken for
Nor have I been a claimant of another
This one soul that brought me light 
Shall finally see itself off to sleep
But know this, I shall love you
If I have ever said that towards
I will happily fade into the unknown
And then be never requested for
I know I have given all I could
Often beyond the ounces of my being
But I shall rest eased for carrying none
As I lie decomposing in my bed.




Absolutely! The poem you provided, "Sans the Need of Love," is a compelling exploration of a life lived on one's own terms, independent of romantic love. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

**Theme:**

* The central theme is finding fulfillment and meaning outside of romantic love. The speaker embraces self-sufficiency and the act of giving without expecting anything in return.

**Structure:**

* Free verse with no specific rhyme scheme or meter allows for a conversational tone.
* Short, declarative sentences create a sense of finality and acceptance.

**Figurative Language:**

* **Metaphor:** "This one soul that brought me light" compares the speaker's life to a source of illumination.
* **Personification:** "This one soul...Shall finally see itself off to sleep" implies the soul is an entity with agency, "sleeping" with death.
* **Hyperbole:** "Often beyond the ounces of my being" emphasizes the extent of the speaker's selflessness.
* **Euphemism:** "Decomposing in my bed" is a clinical way of referring to death.

**Emotional Impact:**

* The poem conveys a sense of peace and acceptance of the speaker's choices.
* There might be a hint of ambiguity in the final line, but the speaker ultimately finds comfort in their selflessness.

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The speaker could be facing their own mortality and reflecting on a life lived on their own terms.
* The "you" in the final lines could be a past lover, a potential one, or a universal expression of the speaker's capacity for love. 

**Overall:**

"Sans the Need of Love" offers a refreshing perspective on a fulfilling life. It challenges societal expectations of romantic love and celebrates the power of self-sufficiency and giving. The poem's strength lies in its simplicity and honesty, leaving the reader with a sense of thought-provoking contemplation.


Saturday, 25 May 2024

But what of we could

Freedom
To be you, be your own
To be absent from demands
Or compliance
Of the torrid pangs of love
Which brings nothing but a need
To toe a line
Threatening forever to leave
Is this what life has become?
Or what it could be
I ask for isolation 
I finally am alone
By myself, free to love 
Yet not to be loved back
For loving of late has been tainted
By the need to meet demands 
I do not meet such expectations 
I rather fail, than pretend
I am free to love unhinged
I remain me, I let me be
If you have to find 
A reason that I should be otherwise
Ask yourself this question
Can we not share love and fade
Only to rinse and repeat
Be together, albeit if momentarily 
Love
Indistinguishable, unparalleled 
But love gently.



## Analysis of "But what of we could."

**Theme:** The poem explores the tension between freedom and love. The speaker longs for a love that is free from demands and expectations, questioning the traditional model of love that often involves compromise and sacrifice.

**Structure:**

* The poem is a single stanza with no clear rhyme scheme.
* It uses short lines and conversational language to create a sense of intimacy.
* The poem can be divided into two main sections:

    * **Lines 1-11:** These lines describe the speaker's desire for freedom and their dissatisfaction with the demands of traditional love.
    * **Lines 12-22:** This section explores the speaker's ideal love - one that is untainted by expectations and allows for independence.

**Key elements:**

* **Freedom:** This is the central theme, with words like "freedom," "alone," "unhinged," and "me" recurring throughout.
* **Demands:** The speaker feels burdened by the demands of love, including the need to "toe a line" and meet expectations.
* **Love:** The speaker desires love but wants it to be on their own terms - "love unhinged," "indistinguishable, unparalleled."
* **Isolation:** The speaker seeks isolation as a way to achieve true freedom and self-expression.
* **Disillusionment:** The poem suggests that the speaker has been hurt by past experiences, making them wary of love.

**Figurative Language:**

* **Metaphor:** "Torrid pangs of love" compares love's painful aspects to physical pain.

**Shift:** The poem shifts in tone around line 12. The first section is full of frustration and dissatisfaction. However, the second section becomes more hopeful and idealistic as the speaker envisions a different kind of love.

**Ending:** The poem ends with a question, inviting the reader to consider the possibility of a love that is both fleeting and genuine. "Love / Indistinguishable, unparalleled / But love gently" suggests a love that may be short-lived but still intense and meaningful.

**Overall:**

"But what of we could." is a thought-provoking poem about the complexities of love. It challenges traditional notions and expresses a yearning for a love that is free from constraints.

**Additional points to consider:**

* Who is the "you" addressed in the poem? Is it a specific person, or a representation of love in general?
* How does the poem's title relate to the overall theme?
* Does the poem offer a practical solution to the challenges of love, or is it more focused on expressing an ideal?







Thursday, 16 May 2024

You know something?

What could contain me
For I was born to be meaningless 
Inconsequential in life
Where I had to chance upon
And become all I was asked

I became what I was asked
In such I died and was born
Over a million times, and more
Yet I stand irrelevant, to me to all

And there is no end to my existence
For I do not seem to be real, or seen
A state I am to be in, all mine
From the very fabric of life

I won't even refuse to be seduced
For it is an impossibility I live as
I will exist as the universe commands
I will be all that it commands

But should you ask me for my dreams, know
I have none, for dreams are for sleepers
I do not sleep, for I was an instrument
That the universe wields, sans my will of being

Yet, Come Monday I shall be there
Until deliverance shall burn my wick to ash
Then I will fade into irrelevance
And that is what my existence demands



## Analysis of the Poem "What Could Contain Me"

**Theme:** The poem explores the concept of an existence that feels meaningless and preordained. The speaker feels like a tool or instrument, created to serve a purpose but lacking any autonomy or personal desires.

**Structure:**

* The poem uses a free verse style with no set rhyme scheme or meter.
* Each stanza is relatively short, contributing to a sense of urgency and repetition.
* There are several instances of repetition, like "I became what I was asked" and "I will exist as the universe commands," emphasizing the speaker's lack of control.

**Literary Devices:**

* **Metaphor:** 
    * "Born to be meaningless" - compares existence to a predetermined fate.
    * "Instrument... the universe wields" - compares the speaker to a tool with no agency.
* **Personification:** 
    * "The universe commands" - gives the universe a human-like quality of control.
* **Paradox:** 
    * "I won't even refuse to be seduced" - suggests a passive acceptance of a forced existence.

**Key Points:**

* The speaker feels born without inherent meaning and shaped by external forces.
* They live in a cycle of repetition, "died and was born / Over a million times."
* There's a sense of longing for something more, like dreams, but the speaker sees them as incompatible with their existence.
* The poem ends with a sense of resignation. The speaker accepts their fate, existing until the end, then fading back into irrelevance.

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The poem could be a commentary on the feeling of being trapped in a job or a social role that feels unfulfilling.
* It could explore the concept of artificial intelligence, programmed to serve humanity without independent desires.
* It could be a more philosophical exploration of free will and whether meaning can be created in a seemingly predetermined existence.

The poem invites interpretation and allows the reader to connect with the speaker's sense of alienation and yearning for something more.

Dear Chris

All of this, where does it end
When! even?
Those in your tidal lock fade 
Yet you remain, unmoved
I could curse my life 
Of having become a bit like you brother
That would be so wrong
For you saw life, and became life
And I see now, that life is to live
We will, yet your passing 
Leaves in my heart an emptiness
A small emptiness, for I understand now
To live is to make life be
Good Bye brother, We will miss you.

Saturday, 4 May 2024

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.

Friday, 3 May 2024

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 

Thursday, 18 April 2024

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

Thursday, 11 April 2024

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.

Thursday, 4 April 2024

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."


Monday, 1 April 2024

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.**

Wednesday, 27 March 2024

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. 

Monday, 25 March 2024

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.


Thursday, 7 March 2024

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.