gallop through a prairie
horse white mane
soft morning light
the sun rose up again
without a saddle
free as a bird
bolting wildly
away from the herd
where is he running
what awaits there
devoid of direction
he may not care
joyous movement
through time and space
on his own terms
far from the race
never mind the trophies
now all given up
new sense of freedom
forget Melbourne cup
speaking is listening
let that sink in
when we speak
we hear our own voice
so
let’s speak to another
the same way
we would like to
be spoken to
as
we are the main
recipient of
our words
now
choose
wisely
choose
kindness
Why is it that we prefer to read a few pages long text rather than a short poem?
We live in an era where our screen time is measured in hours, when our attention span is limited to a few seconds and when we are generally more attached to the screen than to our loved ones.
When it comes to reading, we often prefer a few pages of text to reading a short poetry.
What reading does
As we read, there is a voice inside our head, which spells out the words in the text inside our head. The thing is, that voice is there if we read or not. However, if we are not reading the voice may often sound like a negative self talk. While we read a written word, either on the screen or in a paper book, it gives us an opportunity to supplement our own self-talk with an alternative material.
What makes poetry such an outsider to our reading time
Let’s postulate here that poetry is hard to read. Is that true?
The hardest part of a poem are the gaps that the reader has to fill.
Poetry offers a helping hand on a journey within one’s mind. That being the mind of the poet, as well as the mind of the reader. There are, of course, different types of poetry, and each poem reflects the state of mind of the poet as they composed the words together.
Poetry is usually succinct. As much as possible is written in the least number of words. The words that are written in a short poem are very carefully selected for their value and combined with the other words to deliver a punchline, or to evoke specific feelings.
Now, the reason we may pass by poetry is that while it does deliver, it first needs our direct involvement. It requires us to feel. To let memories flow freely. The reader becomes part of the poem.
And that can be an unnerving and challenging experience for many of us. To feel, means, to let flow the stuff that is below the surface. That is often subconscious. That is carefully pushed down and protected from being felt.
While most media we generally follow mainly hypnotize and numb our minds into stupor and inactivity, poetry, as if magically, does the very opposite.
However, it may bring up more than our conscious mind wants to digest.
So, are you ready to lift the veil and unlock the secrets of your unconscious mind?
Just beware that the ride may not be what you expect, though it surely will be transformative.
atop a mountain
secret hideaway
expansive views
crystal clear lake
only a few know
this special spot
still less can reach it
being that remote
timeworn hut stands a witness
to the ever-changing elements
at such high altitude
unique climate for sturdy plants
local animals make their burrows
in the shorter brown grasses
while adventurers hiking further
set up a tent for a chilly night
freezing cold can be experienced
with a snow falling any time of the year
warm clothes real necessity
four different seasons in a day
the less known part of
the land down under
where furry wombats
give a good night
