Owl, an Ode

Summary

Jenine Bsharah Baines reflects on wisdom, ageism, and personal transformation through an ode to the owl, drawing inspiration from nature, personal health experiences, and a serendipitous encounter with a card.

Abstract

In "Owl, an Ode," Jeni Bsharah Baines explores themes of wisdom, intuition, and the defiance of ageist stereotypes, using the owl as a symbol of insight and resilience. The poem, structured with lines beginning with the letter 'o', delves into the author's aspirations and the beauty of the changing seasons, paralleling her own life changes, particularly her recent diagnosis of osteoporosis. Baines finds strength in the owl's characteristics, challenging preconceived notions about aging and embracing a spirit of renewal and joy. The work is a testament to the power of observation and the interconnectedness of life, as Baines acknowledges the inspiration drawn from a writing workshop, a chance discovery of a relevant card, and the supportive community of Paper Poetry.

Opinions

The author views the owl as a representation of wisdom, intuition, and the ability to transcend societal limitations associated with aging.
Baines uses her personal health condition, osteoporosis, as a metaphor for the challenges faced in life, yet she maintains a positive outlook by drawing parallels with the owl's characteristics.
The poem suggests a connection between the author's inner world and the natural environment, particularly emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the beauty of autumn.
Baines expresses gratitude for the synchronicity and inspiration she finds in everyday life, which fuels her creativity and resilience.
The author's experience at a writing workshop and the discovery of a card with an owl illustration are seen as significant and meaningful moments that influenced the creation of the poem.
Baines acknowledges the Paper Poetry community and her readers as essential sources of support and encouragement for her work.

Not giving a hoot & giving the boot to ageism

Image created on Canva by poet

Owl symbolism and meanings include wisdom, intuition, supernatural power, independent thinking, and observant listening. Kristen M. Stanton

Only those who know where to look or whose habitat too is stillness observe her — my avatar, my archetype

(okay, my Aspiration) perched on high, upon a limb of the live oak obsessed with outing itself within me.

One with the One spilling oceans setting – orange waves drenching green, oars of red and yellow highlighting obbligato notes of dew, of joy reborn even as October ever more obdurately orbits Sister Death’s star.

Odd, this recent diagnosis of osteoporosis — a crone’s disease.

Old one, offset my creaky joints with feathers obeisant, incited by wing-spun Orion to upsurge – out-performing predatory ossified expectations haunting me.

Onion-skinned craggy face, manifest one soft, thickened, quickened; oval pierced, pinched, and prodded over my crown into a heart shaped

open. Open, open — even when my sole option is not to give a hoot. Oh, Owl.

I began this poem about owls, wisdom, and ageism while at a writing workshop in Massachusetts. One lunch break, I went window shopping… and, lo and behold, I saw a card. The card tweaked in the illustration above.

Synchronicity strikes again!

Thank you, Indubala Kachhawa, for the prompt “O is for October.” As you may or may not have noticed, I set myself quite a challenge — beginning each line of my ode with “o”. Not sure if this is overkill, but Oh well.

Thank you, Carolyn Hastings and Suntonu Bhadra as well for the home at Paper Poetry. Most of all, thank you, readers. You water my inner tree of life perpetually.

please click here if inclined to ponder, play, dream with me.

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