Splendid Isolation

Summary

The website content presents a haibun poem titled "Splendid Isolation" by Marcus (Gregory Maidman), which responds to a poetry prompt and reflects on the theme of isolation intertwined with nature and spirituality.

Abstract

Marcus's haibun, "Splendid Isolation," is a creative piece that emerged from Ravyne Hawke’s daily special poetry prompt, requiring the use of specific words. The poem, which includes a prose section and a haiku, explores the solitary experience of a researcher in nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings despite physical isolation. The author uses vivid imagery to convey the researcher's sensory experiences and the serene beauty of the natural world at night. The poem is accompanied by evocative photographs and is influenced by the author's previous essays on philosophy, spirituality, and personal health experiences. Marcus also tags a number of friends to share the piece and invites participation in the prompt.

Opinions

The author views isolation not as loneliness but as a profound connection with nature and the universe.
Marcus suggests that solitude can be a form of self-treatment and spiritual awakening.
The poem implies that nature communicates and translates its consciousness to those who are willing to listen.
The author believes in the healing power of nature and its ability to provide a sense of belonging and understanding.
Marcus's work is inspired by his own life experiences and his philosophical and spiritual beliefs.
The act of writing the poem and engaging with the prompt is seen as a collaborative and community-driven process, as indicated by the tagging of friends.

Haibun response to Ravyne Hawke’s daily special poetry prompt

1851793 by silverjohn licensed from depositphotos.com

The Prompt: Choose at least five of the following ten words and write a poem. You can use any tense of the verb/any form of the word. One of the chosen words must be the title or a part of the title. It cannot be used in the body of the poem: tempt|inappropriate|treatment|translate|sensitive|researcher|insistence dismissal|consciousness|isolation

I bolded the eight words I used and italicized them in the poem and used the word isolation to satisfy the title restriction.

Splendid Isolation

Nature’s consciousness abounds and surrounds the researcher. Walking alone at 2 am on a cold snowy December night — this is his treatment. Dry leaves insistently clinging to their branches reply with crunches to the wind chimes on porches. Maybe that herd of deer will translate? No, they disappear as quietly as they emerged. At dawn, he feels the sensitive eyes of hawks and bald eagles upon him as the fresh snow on the frozen pond tempts him to lay fresh tracks onto last night's storm. Dismissing any danger. He walks miles on the ice.

Makes a snow angel Alone but never lonely Together they fly

41361181 by arkusha licensed from depositphotos.com

The song I had in mind when I chose my title, which I did many hours before I had any idea what poem would emerge (I hope you liked my first haibun):

This Patrick Paul Garlinger quote from my essay three days ago inspired the poem:

“we are each unique beings, with unique lives, desiring to express the truth of who we are, however, we might define that truth for ourselves, and at the same time, we are never separate, never disconnected, even when we appear to be in isolation.”

A piece from last December 2020 that influenced today’s:

Regarding the clause in the prose portion of the haibun, “this is his treatment,” you may read this story from January if it pleases or interests you to do so:

before one resorts to [brain surgery as I did]… or any other drastic intervention for any seemingly unexplainable medical condition, try to look deep within for an underlying spiritual malady and seek your path to spiritual awakening and awareness.

Tagging now friends with whom I want to share this piece and for participation in the prompt, with apologies to anyone I missed:

In Rama I create, with soul-energy surging through my body, inspiring me and breathing wind into my sails,

Marcus (Gregory Maidman)

Splendid Isolation

Haibun response to Ravyne Hawke’s daily special poetry prompt

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