Sunday, July 19, 2009

One Single Impression -- Inner Voice


'Go with the wind,
walk facing the sun.'
These words she
inscribed in her heart
as she ventured
into the world;
driven by hurts
buried deep,
a subconscious
mine field,
kept love
beyond the perimeter.
She mistook
shadows
for truth.


©sgreerpitt
Sunday July 19, 2009

During my junior and senior years (1967-1969) in high school, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran was wildly popular. Everyone I knew had to have a copy. I went with a tiny black leather bound volume sans illustrations that I could carry with me everywhere. There were many passages that I reread frequently, even placing tiny dots in the margins so I could find them easily. Looking at the tiny volume today, I feel like a archeologist in my own life!

One of my favorite passages was this: "But you who walking facing the sun, what images drawn on earth can hold you? You who travel with the wind, what weather vane shall direct your course?"

For other poems on the prompt "inner voice" see One Single Impression.

15 comments:

Qaro said...

I wish I could use words like you. You make me sad and hopeful at the same time.

Geraldine said...

There are many a truth spoken in this beautifully written post.Thanks for the inspiring words Sue and a great take on this prompt.

Sherri B. said...

This was fantastic! You said so much with so few words, and it really struck me deep. Beautiful...

Nara Malone said...

Beautiful. I like the quotes you share at the end. A wonderful impression of inner voice.

Quiet Paths said...

I had an "aha" moment here reading your poem, Sue. The whole idea of making choices, being driven by fear or hurt. Sometimes entire societies do that -- mistaking shadows for truth. What a very unique approach to the prompt. I really liked this poem.

SandyCarlson said...

I have made such a mistake. A wonderful poem. Thanks for the words from Gibran, too, Sue.

poefusion said...

Your poem is great as is the line you borrowed of, from The Prophet.
Sometimes hurt can lead us to believe in false truths. Well done. Have a great night.

Jim said...

Sue, this surely can bring memories of 'venturing into the world.' Most of us were pretty mixed up when we did that. I was naive and went with the flow and the open doors.
Love wasn't through one of those doors for a long, long time.
..

Amias (ljm and liquidplastic) said...

I especially loved how you ended this -- how often, in my youth, did I do such a thing --- even now.

"kept love
beyond the perimeter
She mistook
shadows
for truth."

indicaspecies said...

Lovely.
Now, I'm now curious to know what happened to her after she ventured out.;)

Maggie said...

Many veils worn in our youth are removed with age and lessons learned in life teach us more of what voices to heed to and which to ignore.

Tammie Lee said...

your words read as if woven by the wind of wisdom~

Pam said...

I had forgotten the fad of reading The Prophet but what a wonderful quote. Your poem stretched it nicely exploring the light and darkness contained in your phrases.

gabrielle said...

I remember this. Venturing into the wide world with a wounded heart and Kahlil Gibran. Well done! Really took me back.

Tumblewords: said...

Excellent - the words ring true and the reference to Gibran's work is wonderful. I can imagine your joy at reading and dotting!