avatarSylvia Clare MSc. Psychol, mindfulness teacher

Summary

The poem "The song of ME" reflects on the personal journey of self-discovery and the profound connection between the individual and the universe, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all experiences and emotions.

Abstract

"The song of ME" is a contemplative poem that delves into the depths of personal experience, exploring the duality of life's sorrows and joys. It questions whether the speaker has truly lived, experienced the world, and found its wonders within the confines of their own life, especially during times of isolation like a lockdown. The poem ponders the beauty of nature, such as the blackbird's song, and the transcendent moments of joy, like swimming in the sea. It also touches on the innocence of a child's touch that can stir deep emotions. The speaker muses on the uniqueness of individual perspective and the shared humanity beneath the stars. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the self is an ever-evolving tapestry of experiences, constantly in a state of becoming, and destined to merge with the cosmos upon the end of life's journey.

Opinions

  • The poem suggests that the depth of life's experiences, both sorrowful and joyful, are akin to the vastness of the oceans.
  • It conveys a belief that the wonders of the world are mirrored within oneself, and that these can be discovered or rediscovered during introspective periods such as lockdown.
  • The blackbird's song is used as a metaphor for the profound beauty that can be found in the simplicity of everyday life.
  • The speaker expresses a sense of oneness with nature, particularly in moments of pure joy, like swimming in the sea.
  • The poem reflects on the purity and emotional impact of a child's innocent and loving touch.
  • There is an acknowledgment of the subjective nature of experience and perception, emphasizing that each person's reality is unique.
  • The poem posits that despite our individual journeys, we are all part of a larger, shared existence under the same stars and recycled air.
  • It philosophizes that the self is in a constant state of transformation and that life is an ongoing process of becoming until it culminates in a return to the universal essence.

The song of ME

Poem in response to a prompt by Christina Ward on POM.

Photo by Hédi Benyounes on Unsplash

This life, has it shown me both sorrow and joy of the deepest, widest oceans and left me gasping for breath each time?

Have I known the earth and its glories, travelled to see this and that, and found them all already within myself, within this simple life that opens to me now with lockdown?

Have I read every poem ever written, heard every song sung, each time I stop and listen to the blackbird singing in my garden at dusk?

Have I forgotten who I am in a moment of sheer joy, in the sea, swimming, so that I am one with the water and no longer human?

Have I lost my heart to the innocent hand of a child who looks at me with mischief and love, adventure and wonderment?

Who can see what I see or feel what I feel but me, though all inhabit the same planet, live under the same stars, breath the same recycled air again and again and again?

Who am I but you, and this, and that, always becoming, never arriving, never finished, until the end and I once more become everything that ever was and ever will be.

Christina M. Ward

Pomprompt
Poetry
Life Lessons
Self
Spiritual Awakening
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