The shadow of the mind follows
the shores of the distant sea.
The dreaded gulfs and the invincible waves,
forging an array of perils.
It matters not what powers I possess
It matters not what strengths I carry.
But the boundless hopes that I possess,
and the limitless dreams that I carry.
Surged by the beckoning spirits,
hopes of enlightenment and freedom.
The powers of frailty will endure no longer,
the crates of despair will be buried forever.
I cannot be deterred or be frail,
I cannot be deferred or fail.
For I am the commander of my will,
and I am the master of my mind.
-akancha
PS: Have taken ample inspirations from my favourite poem ‘Ulysses‘ by Alfred Lord Tennyson and also from ‘Invictus‘ by William Ernest Henley.
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Good one, Adarsha
It is a curious mix of hope, apprehensions of what lies ahead- but at the end hope allays all those apprehensions. Tennysonian theme and Henley’ structure !
Tennyson’ theme is more often than not very hopeful; remember reading some of his works in school. As strange as it is, my themes have always seemed more in tune with Edgar Allen Poe and more recently, Slyvia Plath – kind of manic depressant, as it were; always ensconced in the allure of dusk and miss the magic of dawn, so to speak.
Ah, I have already rambled on a lot and I think I should spare myself the embarrassment by stopping my rambling here.
Thanks for the good poem. Keep them coming.
Very best wishes
Hello Aparna,
Sorry, could not reply to you earlier. A very detailed review indeed, I enjoyed reading it than the poem itself! Thanks a lot!
Some times even though the theme it-self is devoid of hope, for the reader (including the writer), the after-thoughts bring a sense of hope. That’s what amuses me.
You are very kind Adarsha. But I guess I don’t deserve such high praise.
I must thank you sincerely, for you read my comments and spend a part of your time to reply to them.
Thanks a lot again.
You are right, as strange as it may seem, themes devoid of hope do strangely convey hope. I wonder if it is the effect of catharsis. What could sometimes be termed only as an epiphany, we do realize, hope and lack of hope do mirror each other and every moment shall pass – good or not so good. Or it could just be me conjuring up things ?!
Very best wishes
One poem a month will be a good idea, no?
A start of a lasting trend – precision poetry.
Many congratulations Adarsha. Keep up the most commendable work and the most novel ideas your foundation is built on.
I got to know here:
http://www.tu-harburg.de/isatuhh/news.html
Best wishes for your endevours
Aparna
Thanks a lot Aparna! I was off of internet for sometime…
Can anybody be a part of that initiative, Adarsha? Any info forthcoming would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I am currently setting up a website and soon would update you with the details…
Thanks a lot. Will look forward to it …
Many good wishes on this day, Adarsha.
(Hat tip: Google biography and the section Euphonic dialogues; sorry for bothering !)