I never sought to unravel with every fiber
of my being
nor broke free of fetters of iron tied
round the legs by society,
this feeling is foreign,
yet, shafts of light beating against the glass
give me hope–
what lies behind these hills that cup
the valley?
What awaits on other end of the equation?
I am almost afraid to find out.
The hills begin to whisper as I approach;
duskiest in autumn,
their silhouette reminds me of shadows
we used to play with as children,
flat articulated cut-out figures
which, when held between a source of light
and a translucent screen
bring a whole other universe into existence,
they tell us stories
that strengthen our resolve— how I wish
I could return to simpler days;
how I wish I could return to simpler days.
It’s uncanny how one is always in a hurry
to join the world of adulting.
I pace myself, knowing soft interactions
become violently carved into memory,
it isn’t incumbent upon us
to blossom before it is time
nor is it expected of us to safely side-step
the downward arc of despair,
we are merely human.
I understand perfectly what it means to
just listen,
the soul is silent but is forever speaking.
What lies behind these hills
that cup the valley… I truly want to keep on going.
Photo credits: Landscape of hill and sea, Pexels.
Posted for Susan’s prompt ‘ The Hill of Hope,” @what’sgoingon?
Ah, what lies behind these hills? That is the question. I understand the fear of finding out, yet also the anticipation of finding out. I was never one who was in a hurry to join the world of adulting. Truly, I remember being sad to turn 10 (a two-digit number) and turning 21, though exciting, seemed frought with more responsibility than I wanted at that time. And no, one cannot blossom before one’s time. And one’s time is not regulated by any calendar. I like the idea of the silent soul that still speaks. I am glad you have made the decision to keep going, to find out what is beyond! Thanks for joining us, Sanaa. Your poetry always gives me something to reflect on.
I echo your sentiments, Mary! I was exactly the same .. never in a hurry to blossom before it was time. So glad the poem resonated with you! 💄❤️
That last line is determined, hopeful, courageous–for what is beyond? “Almost afraid” cannot stop you (or anyone). I love the child-memory in the middle–it goes with the traveler and feeds her. It’s almost as if behind these hills is adulthood, a space both foreign and familiar. I am enjoying the complexity of possibilities here. So brave! I’m so very glad you wrote to my prompt!
I was going for that, yes! It is indeed adulthood that lies behind those hills … bringing with it a realm of responsibilities that may seem overwhelming at times. Are we ready or not .. are we capable .. are just a few of the questions that come to mind.
Thank you so much, Susan 🥰 so glad you enjoyed it! 💄❤️
First, I love your photos! And I love your poem and wish that I, too, could return to simpler days. Truly, the way the world is now makes my life in the 50’s and 60’s feel like a dream even though those were hard years for me. Thse who rush into adulting before their time have a very hard decvade or so ahead of them. I love the idea of blossoming more slowly. I LOVE “the soul is silent but is forever speaking” – a truth you are very wise to understand as a young woman. Beautiful.
Awwww gosh! Thank you so much, Sherry 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️
I like the reference of shadow play as an analogy to the hills and the repetition of simpler times – complexity is the hill we must climb as adults.
Thank you so much, Rajani 😀 so glad the poem and its imagery appealed to you 💄❤️
“I understand perfectly what it means to
just listen,
the soul is silent but is forever speaking. “…This is such an elevated thought to give one strength ‘to keep going.’ The poem reads like an intense journey of a beautiful soul. So lovely to read you, Sanaa.
Thank you so much, Sumana 😀 the words came to me by themselves when I started writing for this prompt, so glad you liked it! 💄❤️
I enjoyed reading this poem too….a return to simpler times is important for me and I attempt to do this accordingly by life style. It is a possibility that I have not reached my blossoming into adulthood ….I may never grow up but I am definitely growing old 🙂
Awww gosh! Thank you so much, Rall 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️