avatarWilliam J Spirdione

Summary

The website content features a ghazal poem titled "I Will Land Squarely On Four Feet," which reflects on the dexterity and resilience of hands, metaphorically referred to as "feet," through the experiences of a squirrel.

Abstract

The poem "I Will Land Squarely On Four Feet" is presented as part of the Paper Poetry celebration within the Poemorama series. It is a ghazal, a form of poetry that originates from Arabic and Persian traditions, characterized by rhyme and refrain. The poem uses the metaphor of a squirrel's agile and versatile "hands" to explore themes of skill, adaptability, and endurance. The author, through the voice of the squirrel, expresses a confident and playful tone, celebrating the ability to overcome challenges and the wisdom gained with age. The poem is a response to a writing prompt from the Poemorama event, and readers are encouraged to engage with additional prompts and read related pieces by other authors.

Opinions

  • The author takes a whimsical approach to the concept of hands by personifying them as "feet," suggesting a unique perspective on capability and movement.
  • There is a sense of pride and self-assurance in the squirrel's ability to perform tasks with its hands, highlighting the theme of competence.
  • The poem conveys a sense of nostalgia and wisdom, acknowledging that while the squirrel may be older and "bruised," its intellect and skills remain sharp.
  • The repeated assertion that the squirrel will land on its "four feet" reflects a confident and optimistic outlook on facing challenges.
  • The inclusion of a direct response to the Poemorama Paper Poetry celebration suggests the author's participation in a larger poetic community and engagement with its activities.

POEMORAMA AT PAPER POETRY

I Will Land Squarely On Four Feet

A ghazal

Photo and caption by William J Spirdione

Why are you calling them feet, my two hands? They play a dexterous beat, these two hands.

I climb head first down the trunk of this tree. Pull corn off the cob, no feat, for these hands.

In the walls of this garden, I should stay. Many seeds and nuts to eat, with these hands.

Squeak, run back up maple tree to survey. Build drey of leaves and twigs, Sweet! With these hands!

They called me Squirrel back when I was young. They reached and fell for that treat, these two hands.

This old Squirrel may be bruised and broken. Still, the brains not obsolete, for these hands.

Yet I will land squarely, on these four feet. Meet any challenge, complete, my two hands.

My first Ghazal written in response to Part one, Prompt two of April’s Poemorama Paper Poetry celebration. Please read Carolyn Hastings piece with prompts 1–10 and instructions…

Part two is underway. One may write on any of the first 20 prompts released. Please read Suntonu Bhadra’s piece with prompts 11–20 and instructions…

Poetry
Ghazal
Poemorama
Paper Poetry
Photography
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarKris Gage
How to *really* know you’re in love

Because most of “the signs” they tell you are garbage

4 min read
avatarDevon Price
Laziness Does Not Exist

Psychological research is clear: when people procrastinate, there's usually a good reason

11 min read
avatarSufyan Maan, M.Eng
What Happens When You Start Reading Every Day

Think before you speak. Read before you think. — Fran Lebowitz

7 min read
avatarDavid Rudder
Musical

Madness.

1 min read
avatarJennifer Hartmann
The Question That Ended My Marriage

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I asked my husband this question, and knew I’d just empowered us to divorce.

6 min read
avatarUdit Tomar
How To Be The Most Healed Version Of Yourself

And more about it.

3 min read