avatarJ.D. Harms

Summary

The poem "Re-solidify" reflects on the process of healing and self-discovery after being metaphorically fossilized by life's hardships.

Abstract

"Re-solidify" is a contemplative poem that delves into the emotional journey of an individual who has been metaphorically turned into a fossil due to past traumas. The narrative speaks of the relentless counting of wounds that never ceases, and the continuous activity of scarring, which both burdens and defines the protagonist. The poem describes how the once protective "stonework house" has abandoned the prairies in pursuit of survival, no longer sheltering the individual. The protagonist wanders into an internalized wilderness, confronting the darkness and the remnants of dreams, which move and then become static, symbolizing a struggle with the past and the stagnation of aspirations. The poem concludes with an unspoken fear of directly questioning the darkness that pervades the wilderness within.

Opinions

  • The poem conveys a sense of abandonment and the struggle to find protection after the loss of a once secure haven.
  • It suggests that the process of healing from past wounds is ongoing and inescapable, as the act of counting wounds is continuous.
  • The tapestry of scars is depicted as both a burden and a protective element, symbolizing the complex nature of healing.
  • The internalized wilderness represents the inner turmoil and the confrontation with one's deepest fears and dreams.
  • The poem implies a reluctance to directly confront the darkness within, indicating a fear of what might be revealed or the potential for further pain.

Re-solidify

A Poem

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

A preservation of your wilderness the fossil you became crushed & left to the side Counting wounds has never never stopped has never been a discontinuous activity but the tapestry the scars make holds something over you Holds your breath & hands at the same time The stonework house you thought was protecting you has since left the prairies en route to a satisfying survival no longer including you You wonder into the same wilderness you internalized but don’t dare to question directly the spotting darkness the sight of all the viscera of dreams moving once then standing still

J.D. Harms 2020

Poetry
Change
Image
Understanding
Recommended from ReadMedium