Transcendence

Summary

A poem titled "Transcendence" describes a girl's profound journey into a transcendent state, observed by a boy and a druid, leaving a lasting impact on all witnesses.

Abstract

The poem "Transcendence" unfolds the tale of a girl who embarks on a mystical journey, captivating onlookers as her eyes transform into opaque veils, signaling a departure from the physical world. A boy, entranced by her, attempts to connect with her during this transcendent experience but meets only despair. The girl, under the guidance of a druid, encounters divine beings, which leaves her yearning for more. Upon her return, the druid acknowledges her unique gift, leaving the observers in wonder about her fate. The poem is inspired by a chapter in Giles Kristian's novel "Lancelot."

Opinions

The author, Melissa Speed, conveys a sense of awe and disturbance among the onlookers as they witness the girl's transcendence.
The boy's feelings of hope, despair, and enthrallment suggest a deep emotional connection and concern for the girl.
The druid is portrayed as a mysterious figure with the power to facilitate the girl's journey, yet his intentions and the nature of the journey remain ambiguous.
The girl's experience is depicted as both enlightening and addictive, implying that such transcendence might be a double-edged sword.
The silence of the room after the event reflects a profound impact on the witnesses, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the occurrence.
The druid's recognition of the girl's gift and his subsequent departure with her hints at a larger narrative or destiny for the girl.

A poem

To where did she journey on that fateful day? Was it her mind that wandered or her soul that went astray? She let herself transcend there, while all looked on in awe, transfixed by what they witnessed, disturbed by what they saw.

Her eyes no longer windows but white veils between two worlds, which did set apart the onlookers and this unearthly girl. One dared to look into them in hope he’d find her there, but all too soon his hope did turn into despair.

Where had she gone? He wondered, and felt the panic rising, then gazed at he who held her, with eyes so much despising. He longed to free her from his grip, as, together, they transgressed, their minds and bodies cleft in twain as if with souls possessed.

How could she trust this man to guide her spirit as it soared? The boy looked on, hopeless, for the girl had him enthralled. When they returned to their bodies, from wherever they had been, the room was silent as a crypt, so shocked by what they’d seen.

The druid relaxed his grip, the girl fell to the floor, she’d seen the gods in all their glory and already longed for more. “She has the gift”, the druid said, then calmly walked away, leaving all to wonder where he took her to that day.

This poem was partly inspired by the chapter Journeying in Giles Kristian’s novel, Lancelot.