An Avalanche of Splendor
If I could stand in the midst
of it all
that is,
Be
Present
in the midst of my country,
my city, my neighborhood.
my home
my Skin
Be
Within
the universe of my psyche
and unfurl into the night skies,
navigate between constellations,
tumble safely through time,
run full speed through
the breadth of my imagination,
drink the waterfall of kisses
that comes from
embracing my ancestors
and
Be
Still
in the midst of all the sounds
entering my head over time,
catching every vibration from the air
hearing the music
and the songs
that carry me everywhere
and If I could do this
Be
Peaceful
in the midst of it all
and not see Earth as
a grave,
but rather
an avalanche of splendor
Then I might know
what it means to
Be
Alive
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The line “avalanche of splendor’
comes from the poem “Appalachian Elegy” (Sections 1-6)
by Bell Hooks, which inspired me.
9 thoughts on "An Avalanche of Splendor"
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Very philosophical. Good job.
Thank you so much for your comments.
A really interesting premise for a poet to tackle, I feel that this poem expresses the struggle to be “present” and yet remain calm or positive in the midst of so much going on.
I thought that the device of using the word “Be” at the beginning of most of the stanzas helped emphasize the message of the poem.
The stanza length varied, as did the rhyme and meter. It might be fun to find a neat rhythm for the poem, and then maybe shake it up a bit!
This is an ambitious poem and it succeeds! You took me from my home and into the cosmos effortlessly. I don’t quite know how you did it!
Thank you Linda for your comments and I was glad you shared that you could move effortlessly into the cosmos!
Thank you so much for sharing your responses and suggestions about this poem. I will think on what you said. Many thanks.
Really lovely how you give the sensation of tumbling and safety at the same time and alive in this place of splendor, human.
Thanks for sharing this and for “Be”
ing.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing your responses. It is so good to hear. Many thanks
Ann, YOU ARE AN AMAZING WRITER!!!! an artist of wordsmith mastery! BRILLIANT!