When the Soul Was Born

Hunters from the dark
dancers in neat bunches
consolidate together as shadow.
Waiting for first light, they wait
to see what they become.
Their hands work busily down
broad cavalcades of ochre;
flames glint on vigorous tools.
Maneuvering across, they move
with bright reverence
and their own deep purpose.
On the wide grassland
each thing gestures its appetite,
and its consequence.

Reviews

[Casey Truax]

What a fascinating subject to explore. Here the human soul emerges gradually into the world, like the dawn. "Their hands work" rather than they themselves, suggesting their consciousness is still developing. The last three lines tasked me the most. "Each thing gestures," not just animals but also anything that moves, perhaps suggesting the origin of animism.

[Beano]

Thank you, Casey! I hadn't consciously considered animism, but that definitely would have been the next step. I think you've read it better than I wrote it! X

[Roland Petrov]

When we started to become human, spirituality came along for the ride (for better or for worse is hard to tell). Your poem beautifully captures the beginning.

[Beano]

Thank you as ever dearest, Roland. Hope you're well!! X

[emmajoy]

Such thoughtful words, perhaps Destiny preparing a place for something meant to be? Is it the soul, is it the spirit, how do we see and understand what each is, how should be emotionally and appropriately recognised.

~ 'On the wide grassland + each thing gestures its appetite, = and its consequence.'

[Beano]

Thank you for your reading and your thoughtful comments, Emma.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think souls are born separately from bodies...
and they probably do have a different purpose....
and the dancers move with such grace...a grace or physical presence can never find.
j.

[Beano]

Thank you Jacob, your comments are poems within themselves. I hope you're well.

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Thank you Jacob, your comments are poems within themselves. I hope you're well.

Best, Jamie.