Walking In the Shadows of Why and How

For years, I guess the glass I used to see me on the outside
Revealed a clear sky that sang at one timid glance
From an occasional nod, I called my own
In some remembrance of this cross I wear
For my thousandth second chance

I wonder if the truth of my mortality has chosen now to meet
With the knowledge lifted from this Phoenix’s ashes
Or is it just as plain as the untouched places
Where loneliness now gives rise and fancy strays
To self-inflict a thousand lashes

I look once again into the glass and I see me on the inside
Full of love and the wonder of here and now
With the occasional nod, I call my own
I bravely cross the line I drew in sand so long ago
Walk within the shadows of why and how

Reviews

[roy mccarthy]

i like how this poem leaves a lot up to the reader to interpret,
there are some awesome lines,
'
I look once again into the glass and I see me on the inside
Full of love and the wonder of here and now
With the occasional nod, I call my own
I bravely cross the line I drew in sand so long ago
Walk within the shadows of why and how,'
i think it's a poem of promise neva,
great write!

[Audrey Howitt]

There is much here that must strike a chord with you personally--so many ways that this can be read really--but for me, it speaks to the bravery that we all must feel in really exploring those harder, darker places and feelings in our lives. Beautiful write Neva--

[Chloe..Across the Unive..]

Why and how? Questions we ask so often, Neva.
This poem really took my breath away for a moment- It is so
melancholy... As always a beautifully written poem from the heart.

Chloe

[Kenneth The Poet]

Man of war, this is brilliant. a powerful stirring heartfelt write.

[Da Filkman]

The synthesis of simile is a strong point here, as is shaping and steering the mind's imagination regardless of whether the reader is at work in a noisy environment or quiet before a fire at night. Heady stuff, this; but you score every time you shoot, woman...:)

[EMF]

Wow. A perfection of self assesment, honestly looking at past, present and future, but not stationary, moving forward at all times. Beautiful and open to so many interpretations.

[Ruth]

From such sacrifice, we awaken to rebirth, it seems....this is awesome! A lesson held within, it seems too, outstanding poetry! xx

[Solidad]

"For my thousandth second chance"

Where to start...? I love how this piece is reverse narcissism, the subject is beginning to understand their flaws not so much as embracing them as just being ambivalent about them. Almost like being stuck in purgatory. I love this one. J'adore

[Arthur Henn]

Neva The title along is superb

The whole piece read very openly and smoothly - This writing I can also connect with. Well written. I love the way you finished with the last two lines...

I bravely cross the line I drew in sand so long ago
Walk within the shadows of why and how

Wonderful

[Lilly Negoi]

what splendid imagery you instill in my mind and heart with your words...
"I wonder if the truth of my mortality has chosen now to meet
With the knowledge lifted from this Phoenix’s ashes"

[E.V. Black]

Hm, a little confusing. Definitely. But thought-provoking. I think that this is one of those kinds of poems that would have to be read more than once and then deeply analyzed to find the true meaning.