Bold One

This is the first work of poetry I've generated in a while that I don't hate. Written February 2020. It's about one person in particular... it's sort of obvious who it is.

I don’t suppose you will ever read this.

I find it a comfort, but a small one,

For I do dream that I could meet you--

I have the words I would say planned out

(These words are not them 

Because you will never see these,

So I shall say something else now).

 

I do not know what compels my verse...

Perhaps I want what you had

When you were my age--

The wisdom I shall never attain

To charm pain into art,

And courage to sing of “Hope”

In its own language.[1]

Then again, why should I try?

For I am nothing to you,

Compared to you:

Your sister’s younger sister,[2]

Lusterless and simple

Against your "Glowing Sun.”[3]

 

My thoughts of you always waver--

You give me joy and dread

Like bright skies that bring,

“Good weather for air strikes”.[4]

I adore you more than you deserve.

There’s more I want to say….[5]

Maybe that is why I write,

To make sense of the mess

You have unwittingly made me.

For that I cannot blame you….

 

Yes, it was chance I found you

That “Indian Summer”[6] night,

But not that I was enamored

At first sight by you holding

Your beloved[7] so tightly,

Feathers ‘round your faces.

I wish I had someone who

Looks at me the way you do him,

And with whom I could craft

Such masterful art and “Happiness".[8]

 

In that moment it was decided;

There could be no doubt.

You were in my life from then on,

To bring beauty and inspiration

Even in the darkest of forms.

I was under the spell woven by

Your voice and your bow.[9]

I suppose it must have been,

“A good beginning,”[10]

But I don’t believe it’s ended yet…

 

It took too long for you to come back,

But like spring you did-- and with spring

When I see golden mornings,

The green creeping on the hills

And the glittering upon the ocean,

With, “the wind in our hair,"[11]

I can hear your song again,

“Playing endlessly…” forever.[12]

I am dancing to a rhythm

That only you can make

(and I am, “all alive”![13]).

 

Grateful yet guilty, I overlook much--

I cannot help myself--

For your fire is too admirable,

Your enigma is your appeal.

Why be like us when you can be you,

Your most beautiful self?

I waste my time fearing judgment

From those who will never see me.

I’m sure you’ve never known the feeling,

For you create your own truth,

Unspeakable yet unshakable,

Like your “sculptures” of sound.[14]

 

As I wander the streets you used to haunt,

I wonder if fragments of your genius

Still linger on the pavement:

Forged in fire and ice,[15]

Forgotten on New England’s shores.

If I were lucky enough to see them 

I’d leave them be, because, 

My "Bold" Muse,

You have left me something better.

It isn’t just my art you inspire,

But my own truest self you illuminate.

For that I say “takk…”.[16]

---

[1] “Vonlenska” (Hopelandic) is the “language” of sounds and phrases sung on many Sigur Rós songs and albums (e.g.  “( )”  [2000]).

[2] The band Sigur Rós was formed around the time Jónsi’s younger sister was born, and was named after her.

[3] Translation of “Glósoli” (from “Takk... [2005]).

[4] Translation of “Viðrar vel til Loftárása” (from “Ágætis Byjrún” [1999]): a phrased used by an Icelandic radio announcer during the war in Kosovo.

[5] See forthcoming essay on the album art from “Go” (2010).

[6] Track from “Riceboy Sleeps” (2009).

[7] Alex Somers, Jónsi’s long-time collaborator and significant other.

[8] Track from “Riceboy Sleeps” (2009).

[9] Refers to the cello bowing method used in much of Jónsi’s guitarwork

[10] Translation of “Ágætis Byjrún” (from “Ágætis Byjrún” 1999).

[11] Translation of lyric from “Gobbledigook” (from “Með Suð I Eyrum, Við Spilum Endalaust” [2008]).

[12] Very loose translation of lyric from “Við Spilum Endalaust” (from “Með Suð I Eyrum, Við Spilum Endalaust” [2008]).

[13] Lyric from “Animal Arithmetic” (from Go [2010]).

[14] Jónsi often describes his work as  “sound sculptures” (see KEXP interview).

[15] Iceland is referred to as “a land of fire and ice” by various tourism agencies and NatGeo, among others.

[16] Icelandic for “thanks”.

Reviews

[...]

I can say this have very interesting flow and developing of meaning. It's more like nature observation within human relationship. I can feel passion and wonder.New exploration of inner self and loved one. it's certainly got very good vibes and I feel like listen to some good music .By the way my favorite Iceland artist is Soley.


It's quiet interesting when you explain to reader all your symbols and expressions. I guess for some of them it's can really help. But I actually like to guessing and put my own meaning. But that's just technical details. This is was very refreshing and creative . Well done.

[Belle O'Tricks the Strange]

Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to read my work.

[Robert Trakofler]

Very pretty penning and lovely sentiment placed in it

[Belle O'Tricks the Strange]

Thank you!

[Unspoken poet]

welcome to the cafe... This is very interesting and intriguing, much enjoyed

[Belle O'Tricks the Strange]

Thank you very much!

[Unspoken poet]

not a problem