Goodness, thank you, Sam! That's certainly the first time I've ever been compared to Walt Whitman! To be fair, the form of the poem does seem to dictate a certain archaic rhythm, so I can't take all the credit. Nevertheless, I'm working very hard to take a compliment when I receive it, so thank you again for reading. I do appreciate it!
Thank you so much, Hana! (It is, Hana?). Yes, the mythical themes were a result of the first line. I'll refer you to the answer I gave Andres here if you're interested in my thinking. And as for the closing line, I'm so glad you liked it. The restrictions of the sestina meant the line had to end specifically. But, as I've found learning about different forms of poetry, often these requirements seem to create more poetic choices. So, the end line seemed to fit with the tone. Like you say - a lament.
It’s almost as if the speaker is summoning the power of the gods (the power to be a god) just to force themselves to remain where they are, in that comfortable solitude. Even the stubbornness is a godly trait. I love all the imagery too. ❤️
Thank you, Andres! Yes, the mythical imagery really came out of the word 'Titan'. The idea that it takes a monumental effort to try and shape the universe to one's will in the futile hope that conditions can be made to be just right to attract love from the ether. But, of course, this is enforced solitude. And many exuses are made along the way. That it takes too much of a heroic effort to seek Love; and that it's dangerous and fraught and can be doomed anyway. Better to be lulled by comfortable solitude. Better to be on an island than brave the stormy waters that are necessary to traverse and seek connection.
Your use of words amazes me! Wow! Pensive and full of emotion.
Rea, thank you! This was quite a challenge, as the form is so strict. So if some meaning manages to come through then that’s a big win!
OH I LOVE IT!
It feels like a classic, something Walt Whitman wrote.
Goodness, thank you, Sam! That's certainly the first time I've ever been compared to Walt Whitman! To be fair, the form of the poem does seem to dictate a certain archaic rhythm, so I can't take all the credit. Nevertheless, I'm working very hard to take a compliment when I receive it, so thank you again for reading. I do appreciate it!
And thank you for supporting my works too!
This reads like a lament spun from myth itself. ‘Unless it is I who out to sea will row’—what a closing line!
Thank you so much, Hana! (It is, Hana?). Yes, the mythical themes were a result of the first line. I'll refer you to the answer I gave Andres here if you're interested in my thinking. And as for the closing line, I'm so glad you liked it. The restrictions of the sestina meant the line had to end specifically. But, as I've found learning about different forms of poetry, often these requirements seem to create more poetic choices. So, the end line seemed to fit with the tone. Like you say - a lament.
Yes, Hana! And I love how the sestina’s structure itself mirrors the speaker’s struggle, that circular reasoning of solitude.
It’s almost as if the speaker is summoning the power of the gods (the power to be a god) just to force themselves to remain where they are, in that comfortable solitude. Even the stubbornness is a godly trait. I love all the imagery too. ❤️
Thank you, Andres! Yes, the mythical imagery really came out of the word 'Titan'. The idea that it takes a monumental effort to try and shape the universe to one's will in the futile hope that conditions can be made to be just right to attract love from the ether. But, of course, this is enforced solitude. And many exuses are made along the way. That it takes too much of a heroic effort to seek Love; and that it's dangerous and fraught and can be doomed anyway. Better to be lulled by comfortable solitude. Better to be on an island than brave the stormy waters that are necessary to traverse and seek connection.