Minotaur

broken mirrors

changing lines

a shifting labyrinth

of the mind

gentle Theseus

hanging by a thread

watching seasons turn

like so many pages read

galleries and gardens

a thousand open doors

drunk on pride again

sleeping on the floor

deformed and misbegotten

twisting on the rack

a hero came to slay me

and I never fought back

Author's Note

Another one from my writer's group. It probably needs a little explanation. We were asked to write a story about a mythical creature, but I'm terrible at short stories, so I wrote a poem. It's about psychosis, and being drunk and unmedicated. At least, that's the idea. The maze as a metaphor for schizophrenia. Strongly inspired by the Jorge Luis Borges story, "the House of Asterion".

Reviews

[Neville]

Whilst this might well appear to be a minotaur, it stands head and shoulders above so many others ..
and as far as I am concerned, this is my favourite John Sullivan to date and tho I have no doubt there shall be many many more, this one will always stand out .. Oh' and believe me John, I'm pretty sure I know where you are coming from .. Neville

[John Sullivan]

Goodness Nev, your continued kindness means so much. Thank you sir, as always, for reading!

[Thomas W Case]

Superb work. Nice job with the metaphor.

[John Sullivan]

Thank you so much! It's very heavily inspired by the Borges story, but I do like the piece. Thanks for reading!

[Chris Shaw]

a thousand open doors

and yet for many reasons we can find ourselves shut out

life’s journey can be troublesome and for many nothing but a struggle

you capture that feeling here John

Chris

[John Sullivan]

The struggle is real, but so is the hope. I wish you well, Chris Shaw

[Chris Shaw]

And I do you John. Have a great weekend.

[John Sullivan]

Will do. You too!

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi John
I think you used some strong words to show the reader your state of mind… and I agree with Winston, never apologize, you’re writing is important to you and each reader may find a unique meaning…. So you don’t have to explain……. Keep it up!
Warmly
B.

[John Sullivan]

Thank you so much Betty! Always a pleasure

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome
Warmly, B

[W. Barrett Munn]

John,
A strong effort. My personal opinion about poetry is it is like the Bank of England: never explain; never apologize.
Even more so now with easy internet access to look up what isn’t understood.

Winston

[John Sullivan]

Thanks so much Winston! I haven't been on the Cafe much recently, but when I return I'll definitely leave ya some reviews