Rune, Invocation, Archaeology

A new language is a kind of scar and heals after awhile into a passable imitation of what went before. -Eavan Boland

I made myself          a flower

petaling at the hilt 

of actualization. My body 

brittle as the sun

makes everything          grow 

in measurement. Yes, I knew 

you would circle out of sight 

in a chariot (bearer

of light and shadow) 

and never return.          I

learned to speak and

in speaking learned 

how every atom 

can           rearrange 

itself to create 

another earth. Like Adam, 

in medias capto        asking

for an earnest companion. 

Someone who would lay 

an ear to the barrenness 

of his earthen heart 

and make it beat.           with her 

inner drum. Cleanse the bluebird

riven sky.           Yes

I learned to speak 

in a tongue           I am 

unable to loose 

from the foundations

of my inner fields 

                              burning for cultivation

Author's Note

2015

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This well written free verse seems to question the very essence and purpose of creation. Moreover it seems to suggest to me somone constrained within themeselves by teachings that subdued any other learning. Brainwashed perhaps by religious texts forced upon a fertile mind.

[Eilis]

Hi, John. Thanks, as always, for your insightful reading and for sharing your thoughts. It is indeed a reflection on the creative process. I’m interested in your second point and will reflect on that a bit. Always appreciate your visits.

[Robert Trakofler]

you are the embodiment of cultivation on myriad plains as are the words you string together in your plots you have a lovely lovely lovely mind. your invoke makes fine evokes please don't stop digging!

[Eilis]

Thank you, Robert. I can’t think of a better compliment than lovely mind. I don’t think I could stop digging if I wanted to, haha.

Appreciate your visits.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

This is super-ordinarily written, Eilis.
What this piece is telling me as an individual is that, I have to learn to know and also to know how to learn the way of life, I should appreciate every opportunity that comes my way; taking nothing for granted, and always believe in the power of language and tongue. Through them we can command positive results and through them a man could forever fall. Meaning, I also need to learn how to use my language and my tongue properly.

[Eilis]

Many thanks for your kind words, and your well-reasoned review, Kay. I love what you say there at the end. I think we can always learn more, even when we think we know ourselves completely.

Thanks for reading!

[Neville]

I have long admired the way you format each of your posts and dress the page.

I also like the way you make my head and my tongue vie for pole position and race to find the bottom of the page and then read again, only more slowly… Often each line is like a rich archaeological site, because of the way you format and punctuate. There is a real compliment in there somewhere.. you just have to dig a little..

What I mean is, when I read you, it is a bit like knowing that some treasure is within reach, a bit like cold cast mining, finding that treasure or meaning just below the surface… Well at least some meaning…

Furthermore, you wield and position (brackets) where I would never dare. And they work..

Anyway, these particular words speak to me of the perceived need or desire for resurrection or rebirth. and the speaking in tongues has a spiritual or religious feel. Maybe the voice or voices heard are those of an intrusive thought rather than a physical sound experienced as a voice.. but rather as a conscience thought..

I also sense a yearning to develop, learn and grow.. Again perhaps more spiritually than in the physical sense.. and possibly a fear of being left behind or on your own and isolated.. My one concern is that you refer to actualisation and though a goal for many.. Particularly those who have read Maslow but may not realise self actualisation is not a permanent state, but often fleeting and transitory… Phew thank Bodhidharma I got that lot off me chest… To conclude this long over due but hastily writ set of comments.. I reckon this is a little masterpiece that really does need to be read and read… because its worth it..

AGT’s N

[Eilis]

Ah, an epic review, Neville. Exciting really. I want to dissect it and see what it teaches me about myself and the poem.

Thank you for this, my friend. It's a lovely compliment to receive such a rich and reasoned and witty comment.

I think every poem I write is a universe of the moment. Seeking that transitory actualization.

Thanks so much for this.

[Neville]

............... :) and true

[Einstein Noodle]

read and re-read ... such a journey! especially like the call out to ol' Egypt and her sun god .. "...chariot (bearer of light and shadow) love that .. a lover who brings the double edged sword :( and this one is not coming back :(((
such a pains-taking process to recover ..no doubt about it ... and there they are in closing .. having a knowledge of deep feelings .. unable to quite grasp the healing ... sheesh! your poem has really involved me .. love this stuff!! so glad your speaker knows the hidden fruits of coming through the fire .. strong voice Eilis!
E.

[Eilis]

Hi, E, thank you for that lovely review and your compliments. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. It’s nice to meet you. :)

[gram linski]

A very thought provoking poem, Eilis, great sublime imagery, as ever, learning to speak in tongues, invocations, rune stones, trying to communicate any way you can

[Eilis]

Thank you, Gram. Your comments are lovely to receive. Thanks for reading my stuff.

[CD Campbell]

I will never understand the mind of God nor do I want to. Most of the time I don't even pretend to understand the god in my own mind, but I do understand the feeling of loneliness in creativity. It's as if this world, this universe is a great poem from the creator, but we're missing the point, the inflection, the metaphor for something bigger. Maybe he's just glad we're around to understand 2% of it. Sorry, just thinking of the creative process and our need to be understood, which at times can be equal parts dismal and exhilarating.
I like the chariot reference. (I feel like Apollo has been keeping his distance from me lately. boohoo.) I like that there is a plethora of meaning to unwrap from all that has been written in your dash of creative imagery above. The mention of Adam and his desire for companionship struck as me as a need for one to receive inspiration and to have one appreciate and understand the outcome of the inspiration. But that never really works out.
Anyway, I'm probably way off base with the above. That's ok I think, though. I felt it was a poem you pulled out deep from your bloody guts, and that's great. It was well written and far from boring.

[Eilis]

It was a bit of a spur of the moment poem, for sure. I suppose those are the ones that come from deep in the guts, haha. It was actually the quote that set me off. I am a proponent of the idea that we all have a language of our own and we're just searching for others who understand the words coming out of our mouths.

Thanks for your interesting, thoughtful review. I love all the things that the poem brought out in your comment. God and the creative spark are something I think about a lot as well.

I'm sure Apollo will circle around for you again soon, haha.. I just went through a lengthy period without writing--almost a year. The dry spells are always a challenge.

Thanks again

[Mark Mendoza]

Geeking out currently on the power in this. This peice speaks shortly in great depth to the great mystery of creation and inspiration. Wonderful read, thank you for sharing.

[Eilis]

Hi, Mark. Many thanks. You’ve captured the spirit of the poem exactly. Appreciate your enthusiastic comment.