Consolation

POSTED IN contemporary poetry June 25, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolation

 
I could be consoled with much less effort
than it takes to chase a fly from my face –
a smile, a nod of approval, the touch of a hand.
I prefer not, I rather prefer clinging
to this self-criticism of mine –
useless, shameless, a prison of guilt.
Natural in human terms,
a desire like the gravity of the earth –
pulling, holding its own, escape disallowed.
Supernatural in human terms,
an ability to rend the chains and fly –
free flight, passing the clouds, transcending the rules.
I prefer this, prefer to conclude
escape from this habitual gravity:
look up, reflect on life, transform into gold.
I could be inspired with much less effort
than it takes to take one step forward…

Garnet Shaw Robbie