avatarMarla Bishop

Summary

The webpage features a poem titled "Languid I lie in My Bed" by Marla Bishop, which reflects on the state of being relaxed and unmotivated due to illness, yet still creatively productive, and it is inspired by her own experience with a fever and sore throat, as well as words from another piece called "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly."

Abstract

Marla Bishop pens a contemplative poem that captures the essence of a lethargic day spent in bed due to illness. Despite feeling the effects of a virus, which she refers to as the "dreaded C," the speaker embraces a state of serene idleness, using words like "languid," "mellow," and "lackadaisical." The poem contrasts the appearance of laziness with the speaker's underlying vigilance and creative output, as they record their thoughts "like the stoic of peace." The piece is a response to the author's bout of fever and sore throat and draws inspiration from the meditative pacing suggested in the essay "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," which emphasizes the abundance of time in our lives. The webpage also includes a challenge to use ten specific words in a poem and lists related reading, showcasing Bishop's other works. Bishop, a relationship coach and writer based in London, invites readers to follow her work through various mediums.

Opinions

  • The author conveys a sense of tranquility and introspection that can emerge from the necessity of resting when ill.
  • Despite outward appearances of inactivity, the speaker is internally active and creative, challenging the notion that rest equates to unproductiveness.
  • The poem suggests that even during times of reduced physical capacity, one can still engage in meaningful and reflective activities, such as writing.
  • The inclusion of "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" as an inspiration indicates the author's appreciation for a slower pace of life and its potential for deeper insight and creativity.
  • The 'Poetry Salvage' section, which encourages the

Languid I lie in My Bed

A poem

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

Languid, I lie in my bed

No choice now

but to be slothful

The dreaded C has left me

mellow

Lackadaisical to the point

of impassive

Yet lazy I am not

nor placid

I will not dillydally

Prone from my pillow

I record these words

like the stoic of peace

that I am

Inspired by a fever and sore throat, and words from IdeaStream Slowly, Slowly, Slowly

Poetry Salvage

Use the following ten words in a poem!

Lackadaisical

Mellow

Dillydally

Languid

Placid

Slothful

Peace

Lazy

Stoic

Impassive

Related Reading

©️marla bishop 2020

Marla Bishop is a relationship coach and writer: On medium.com she is the creator of Lilith and an editor of The Bad Influence, The Get Fit Gang, and The Narrative. She lives in London UK with her husband and youngest two children. You can follow her here.

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