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| @skyloverpoetry Inspired by original zodiac tattoo design, Artist Unknown |
This poem is for my sister
who never was born
except as the other half of me
the sole companion of my mind
I see myself as myself and
some other more solitary woman
whose hands are empty but hold
my own through sleepless nights
Her voice in my heart beats
recognition in a purposeless world
and bids me remember the girl
who listened for the flower’s pulse
and know that one love is enough –
my undefeated sisterhood of self
This poem is a reworking of one I wrote earlier this year. I changed it quite a bit and turned it into a short sonnet and turned into Notebook Poetry.
Thanks for introducing me to that other part of yourself. A "close" friend is a good thing to have.
ReplyDeleteIt makes for great conversation!
DeleteYour drawing is remarkable. The poem is remarkable. I like the way you keep a notebook and put your thoughts into it. I can't do that. the last full stanza is beautiful in and of itself. Remembering the girl who listened to the flower's pulse...that line gives me shivers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Toni. I'm glad the poem spoke to you in a meaningful way.
DeleteThe "undefeated sisterhood of self" is such a wonderful way of expressing this solidarity with one's individuality — it's the first and foremost friend, the companion that lasts a lifetime. I loved the second stanza with its existential reverie and feminist narrative. And of course, the drawing is magnificent! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anmol. It's surprising how many years it takes for a person to become a friend to oneself.
DeleteThis is wonderful. It really takes a lot to get to know and love ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you've changed this up, although the originally was equally powerful.
ReplyDeleteAnd this poem is like a soft conversation, with self - with the other one, the one who perhaps, exists in the mind, but is held closely, in heart. And I think you've expressed this - "in heart" or spirit and soul, really well; it's hinted at, even if not directly mentioned.
And the opening, following through each stanza, is really amazing. I totally fell into this, especially from the second stanza on - and it's the use of "choice words' and phrases - like solitary, and empty hands, but holds my own, in sleep, etc. that really just make this poem sing, for me. And it sings with a quiet passion, understanding, deep love and comfort. And it's wholly intimate Kerry. And really, really beautiful. And as Toni noted, the line about being "bid to remember" the beauty within the pulse of a flower - wow! And the ending, is just so affirming - and powerful.
Absolutely lovely Kerry. Just so breath-taking in its voice.
Oh damn - I forgot to mention - the artwork - it's a wonderful compliment to the poem :)
DeleteThank you so much, Pat. I read your lovely commentary on Tuesday but have only now got back to my own reply and commentary.
DeleteThis is a remarkable rework with the form giving it strength and perfection... somehow I think we all have something inside that is a better self, a reminder of the girl who listened to the flower's pulse. The artwork complements and add so much to this...
ReplyDeleteIt is often a later discovery to know oneself as never anticipated before but it is always there. It takes that measure of sensitivity that you have given to the remake that makes it all the more a wonder. The drawing is great, Kerry!
ReplyDeleteHank
the girl who listened for the flower’s pulse... so important to find and embrace our other side(s).. love the way you say sisterhood of self..makes me think of the "me" that I probably lost or denied or never bothered to find over the years. Wonderful thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI like both versions, Kerry. In my experience, sisters aren't all they're cracked up to be and I also long for 'the other half of me
ReplyDeletethe sole companion of my mind' but I am now resigned to that 'undefeated sisterhood of self'. Your poem has touched me deeply.
Maybe all relations are mirrors of self, most fractured or partial but there -- how else do we come to know ourselves, but through the sight of us in another's eyes? My younger brother who died in 2008 I found to be my twin, separated by 8 years -- in the first couple of years after he died I did a deep dive into his life and persona (he wasn't well known to the family, so I did a sort of online memorial biography, getting to know him through his journals & photos & recollections of distant friends). Anyway that twinhood is an essential mirroring, that we know ourselves in the Other. Some people are survivors of a birth that killed their twin, others find their soulmate, others hear the echoes of that other in their sentences. And from all of that is the Gemini within, partner in a life that may stretch many lifetimes. Well done.
ReplyDeletejust a note to add my voice to the chorus of ayes, as Brendan might say ~
ReplyDeleteYour voice counts for much here
DeleteWonderful poem. I'm still getting to know myself and probably always will be
ReplyDeleteSo, many sides to self-as we live and unearth the puzzle pieces of our soul~ I adore your art and your words are captivating. I think of it being the way a flower opens-slowly with colt like legs, yet finds a way to blossom, after being in the shadows. A reminder we need to lean towards the light of our soul and know we are enough~
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