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!

[Pollyanna]

ditto

[Sylo's Rose]

i like this one. it was very nice and very true

[Robin]

across the sands of self-forgiveness , footsteps that find direction ..

[Tate Morgan]

The essence of father time has a way of making us humble and forcing knowledge upon us

[unknown]

How and why? often questions that do not get answered...I'm glad they reply eventually. Lovely poem Neva :)

[Omar]

Oh lovely. I guess it's always a choice, and all lashes might as well be self-inflicted. Good write :)

[Sel Whiteley]

This is stunning. The line "my thousandth second chance" is outstanding as is the way you've managed to employ the classic symbolism of everyone carrying their own personal cross. You can see the self-torture in the tone of the poem, as well as in the "to self-inflict a thousand lashes". The final stanza offers such as carpe deim, that you are able to overcome the shadows of why and how, to attempt to trust. This poem brought tears to my eyes, it's so astonishingly resonant.

[Chris Smith Welshpoetcs]

Your poetry is always a pleasure to read.