JANUS - the god that sees two ways

JANUS

and what of time?
and what of space?
and what of dreams?
mired in uncertainty,
sullen toss of the dime
of father, relives each moment
of son, sun struck Icarus
and others, stuck for ever
a remorseless gyre,
an everlasting spiral
rewinds to oblivion!

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

What an intriguing blend of two classical tales, superb poetic device! To be able to spy on the inwrd state and thought process of Daedalus met with the bothways point of view of Janus. Later in thought, the reader imagines the rewinding into oblivion akin to the promethean loop. Well travelled journey with this poem. Thanks for sharing. Frederick.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for your very thoughtful review Frederick. You how taken more from the poem than I intended but I suppose that's the way poetry works.
All the best,
Alan

[Red Brick Keshner]

Aye, not one shy to travel here. And as soon as a tangent offers itself, the road not taken is in fact traveled on. Meaning no disrespect to the original intent and meaning. Perhaps for the reader, symbols and cues can be so loaded that an added journey is a very tantalising option. And perhaps it is an opportunity for a reread. Thanks again for being a magnanimous host to your reader. Frederick.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for all your time and amazingly thoughtful and pertinent input. You have certainly made me think about how words can be interpreted.
Thanks again.
Alan

[Arundass TP]

Powerful writing style. Keep it up

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Arundass and sorry for missing your review.
Alan

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

A fantastic poem in classic style and form which I find very delightful and the mention of Icarus was super. By oblivion I understand the afterlife place which is in oblivion to our mortal eyes. Kudos!!

Plz pleez do read and comment my newest poem too.

[alanwgraham]

Many thanks for your thoughtful review Zainab. I keep coming back to icarus because having two faces is common to most of us.
All the best.
Alan

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Yes Janus, the god divided...perhaps he is cursed to see the trail he leaves for infinity. And Icarus who forgot who he was and flew too close to what he aspired to be... Wonderful mix of metaphoric mythology in your words here Alan. And for the son, it all comes down to the father's coin toss. Yes. Brilliant work. Happy, healthy, hopeful, safe holidays wished to you and yours:))

[alanwgraham]

Somehow I missed your kind review Annette. Belated thanks.
Take care.
Alan

[Dave Brown]

I am rarely clued into where a poem is actually going, but what I see here is a God covering all his bets

[alanwgraham]

Apologies for missing your review Dave and many thanks for your comments.
Cheers,
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

It’s the toss if the dime; the way one sees life; some live by their memories, others are stuck forever in place, not moving, sullen in their outlook, and ultimately get lost in oblivion. That’s how I see it, hope I’m not too off!

[alanwgraham]

Sorry for my late thanks. You are right on the ball and anyway your interpretation is just as valid.
All the best. Alan

[Neville]

... There is always more than one way of looking at anything .. I say take a leaf out of Janus's book .. ask questions, check and then bloody go for it regardless ...

... Take care Alan my friend and do remember .. you aint spiralling down .. ya just digging in mate

All the very best of All Good Things,

Neville

[alanwgraham]

I just found your kind review Neville and you are certainly a guy to have as a friend. I've been on a roller-coaster over the last while but thankfully back on level ground. Thanks for your review. Take care yourself.
Alan

[Neville]

... and back at you my friend :)
Neville

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I absolutely refuse to let everything relate to the US election lol. In this I see a father's dilemma. The God of beginnings watching over the death of Icarus and not allowing him a future. Nicely written thinking piece.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks John. Good John, I think I used to worry about not understanding a poem but now I think we can read into it what we need to.
Cheers,
Alan

[barleygirl]

This is a brilliant piece of imagery that could mean many things to different readers. For me, it's a twisted symbol of day-after-election in the USA (checked date posted). Still days later we are suspended in this looking back/looking forward conundrum. The wing-wax melt reference reminded me of how Trump was so sure of his imminent victory, but then it melted away as the mail-in ballots got counted. And the last 4 lines are so true . . . no matter how this turns out, it won't be a picnic for anyone. This is an ongoing clusterfuck for years to come (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Margie , A c.f.indeed. let's remove the word T rump from the language. As for me I'm at present locked up in a psych ward (very nice) until I calm down. Attempting my version of ...cuckoo's nest hasn't helped. It will make a good story.Hope you are well.
Alan

[barleygirl]

I'm sorry you're in a psyche ward . . . there but for the grace of my 2020 homegrown bud harvest go I!