Daedalus's Widow

When you realize you survived losing a dream and are better for it.

Once I swam in an ocean of words

Dressed my dreams in tartan

And crashing shores

I reached for heights

And wild coasts

Blue grey and mist laden

Like the eyes staring back

In the mirror

 

I looked for gods

In sheets and pages

Icons and heroes

Hiding in ink

The staccato crunch of consonants

Between the empty air

Hissing with vowels

And hints of contrition

 

I bathed in contradiction

An angel wrapped in barbed wire

And wicked wit

Playing peek a boo

Between my splayed fingers

All fire and fusion

And fearless grace

 

What remains when fire becomes sea

When dreams of height

And liquid accents fly you

Too close to an unforgiving sun

Do you gather the ashes of feathers

And melted wax

Becoming a creature of prickles

And haunted looks

 

I would say you

Cast off your wings

Flying is for fools and misfits

Freedom is a better place

Than all your soaring skies

 

Turning back to all you

Demanded I leave

I make friends with the earth

And know I am glad

I stayed behind

 

-Zoe Richardson 

Author's Note

Everyone who reads this is awesome. And a great writer!

Reviews

[Nusquam Esse]

I particularly like the second stanza, I all too often have this feeling. A nigh resentment for words in the way they constrict meaning, the way they carry an obsession. Much as Icarus pursuing the sun. In trying to fly higher, he was actually limited in his perspective. All too often we seek a meaning in words or life of something great and above, or for some greater meaning. Yet how often are our most profound moments those without words, meaning, or a lofty ideal. It is more than just a love of earth, but rather a separation from obsession, so that we can gaze to the stars, run our fingers through the loam, and realize that no horizon is absolute. (Well, in a metaphoric sense that is.)

[Zoe Richardson]

Words can indeed become an obsession. So can putting too much faith in what you read instead of what is real. When you look for a fictional hero, often you end up disappointed with other humans. Thank you for understanding, and for taking time to read my poem. Your words are much appreciated!

[Chris Shaw]

Making friends with the earth, investing in the beauty of the natural environment, who could possibly argue with that. Stanza two is up there with the God's. Fabulous writing Zoe.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you, Chris! I try to turn experiences, feelings, images into words. Like the turning wheel of a kaleidoscope, but in poetry. I am so glad you liked it!

[LostSage]

Staccato consonants? Hissing vowels? Contrition?... I'm supposed to be the best writer.... now shut up and go away. You are starting to bother me. You know I'm kidding. You know I adore you! Have the sweetest day! Jeff

[Zoe Richardson]

Shhh...it's just a little piece I wrote about the danger of reading too many romance novels! It does not impugn your work in the least! But, if it makes you feel better, next time I post I'll wear a disguise!

[LostSage]

You are just so (I don't have a word to put in here). can you dress up like cat woman. that would be a real turn on! as always my highest regards. jeff

[Zoe Richardson]

Amazing! It's my ambition to be cat woman. Oh, wait! Cat Lady. I want to be a cat lady. That's the same thing. Right?

[LostSage]

As far as I am concerned you are allowed to be anything you want. I will assist you anyway I can. do you know magic? all your fancy writing makes me tend to think you know magic. did you put some kind of enchantments on me? you know what... I have my own spells... whatever this spell is... I have the power to break it... I just don't wanna. I shall dream of cat lady tonight

[Zoe Richardson]

The only magic I have is Southern charm and clever comments. And a Southern accent. That's a pretty powerful tool, if used correctly.

[LostSage]

Maybe someday we can talk on the phone so I can make fun of your accent

[Zoe Richardson]

Here's the funny thing about my accent... It gets stronger when I'm around Southerners, and not as strong when I'm around outsiders. When I'm around Yankees I speak like a redneck just to confound them.

[LostSage]

I'll be your Yankee doodle boy