The wild never

The sky does not understand 

never. Its glassy blue body 

is an illusion hanging over everything. 

I can not shake it. And. 

Why would I want to. Except 

for the way it never, it never

disappears. Sometimes I fool myself. 

I believed the trees 

would not turn this autumn. That 

the weather had stolen the alteration 

and left instead just 

the crisp brown of dying. But here 

they are now, an apothecary 

of crimson hearts and stars 

dangling over every landmark 

my eyes can touch. I had almost 

managed to forget the way it felt 

to be plunged through by wildness. 

But here I am again: a forest

sized ache, waiting to be 

swallowed by that wild/     never-sky

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This was very different from most things I read about nature; even different from a personal perspective of a self-proclaimed transcendentalist. I enjoyed the different view. I was reminded of a song (I always am) by country singer Leeann Womack titled, "I Hope You Dance" and a line contained in it where she says, "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean". I think that natural wonder and awe is a good thing to maintain as well. I enjoyed the read.

[Eilis]

Thank you for the kind words, Fabian. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem.

[Vol]

Eiles,
I am so happy to have found you here... Of the many who are on this site, I can think of very few that will, hopefully make it to a later generation's "Norton Anthology" (Ha) studied for good reason, like what really happened to kill the postmodern era of meaningless drivel. Or what it was like when poets dropped all those constraints of the past for wisdom, beauty, and meaning. Would it not have been nice if those who know poetry had kept up with the twernty-first century. All through history there were some who could not wait for another for another volume to be published of someone they followed... Yeah, dream on! But, that's what poets do!
(Okay, I've gone back and reread this three times so far, and each time it was like drinking honey... I supose someone could deconstruct it, and list the imagery, but it would be like asking for an ingredient list of a fine wine.)
(One more thing, if they had this poem when the time came, the color blue would have been the first with a name, rather than the last)
Brilliant stuff, indeed, and I have been plunged through!
Vol

[Eilis]

Thank you, Vol. That is high praise indeed. I have many volumes of Norton anthologies on my shelves. And do still look forward to many volumes of favorite poets. Hopefully we can keep carrying the word forward. Sometimes I despair for the future of poetry but places like this can restore my faith. The great poets you can find working away here gives me hope. Thank you for your enthusiastic thoughts shared.

[Throwing Romeo]

Your words are inspiring.
Changes in tone like
nature shares itself.

Thank you for sharing.

[Eilis]

Thank you very much for reading

[Twilight]

That idea of hoping against hope, and asking for what can't happen; even whilst knowing that something can't be so. It's what makes this piece seem different, to many other writings out there; which happen to cover nature and the great outdoors (and often just referencing how pretty and politically correct "green" it all is).

It has a slightly surrealistic side, as well. For example, in your bizarre yearning to be swallowed brazenly; by that "wild never-sky"...

[Eilis]

Hi, thanks for sharing your perspective on this. It’s a sense of escapism or freedom that is embodied in that concept of being swallowed for me. The impossibility of an idea sort of drives me to imagine it more. I’m not sure why, but I like to imagine things like that. What they would look like or feel like. Poetry affords me that space to bring the ideas into an imagination map, I think. I appreciate your thoughts.

[Twilight]

Yes, that all makes sense. I write short stories too, where there is more opportunity; to stretch the boundaries of reality - further still. Sometimes, I borrow from history or known myths; and then create a story which includes some of those features inside it. My poems cover a variety of different themes, such as horror, philosophy, nature and others. Perhaps, the sheer challenge of seeing how far, imaging the impossible might take you; is partly what tempts you to explore it further (with greater depth)..?

[Eilis]

I do those things as well, yes, embracing the history of human stories to better understand my is. And I think you are correct that it is that ‘seeing how far’ that drives me further.

[Twilight]

OK. Generally, I have avoided real historical figures; in preferences for legendary or entirely mythical ones. A bit of both kinds, in my "Grim Weaver" poem. And, more than one poem about Jack The Ripper. However, the brevity of a poem; is inevitably much more restrictive for how far one's imaginative side is able to explore. I think that if I wanted to focus, primarily on what motivates realistic stories to develop; then I would stick to real historical figures - or draw directly from my own life experiences. I look forward to reading more of your writing, and it's probably good that you accepted my friend request. Best wishes, and keep on pushing your boundaries; in new and interesting ways. Indeed, we have boundaries of our own; as writers? In addition, to the barriers of physics which govern physical reality itself..?

[Eilis]

Thanks, best wishes to you too

[Pryde Foltz]

I took a audible breath after this. The subject matter itself and how you handle it are superb. But what you did with enjambent created a delayed beat and syncopation that made it feel to the reader(me) that I was falling and when the beat did hit ... wow.

[Eilis]

Thank you, Pryde. I’ve really been interested in how people have embraced this poem. I’ve loved reading the variety of rights on it. Appreciate your visit.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

headed by an intriguing title, it is a captivating work. it explores the theme of mortality in such a subtle yet unrelenting way. 'the crisp brown of dying' is a line that evokes fear and pain. this moment as you wrote this, conscious of death, is harrowing and full of regret. reading it pulled my heart down lower in my chest, but that only means that it works. fierce yet elegant writing.

[Eilis]

Thank you, Ern. This was written before I started therapy and every morning I’d awake between three and five am and could only manage to sleep again if I wrote. Writing was a good therapy then. I’ve sort of lost that thread now, but reading these old poems makes me hope I can find it again. The ability to express those deep anxieties. I appreciate your feedback on my poems. It’s good for me to revisit these older ones again.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i'm glad to hear you started therapy and that it's been working. i've done i myself and i tell others not to feel ashamed of it. writing in depressiion certainly gives your work a different vide, but if you can write well while depressed you will certainly be able to write marvellous works when happy. i found that getting better has helped me to focus more on the language and techniques that has given my works a different quality, although i still like my depressed poems.

[Eilis]

Thanks for the thoughtful words, Ern. Deliberateness with writing in this stage does seem important.

[Matthew Daalling]

your writing is incredible. your my favorite writer on here, bar none. Thank you for sharing.

[Eilis]

That’s very kind, thank you

[Cherrie]

The great illusion is that we can tame the Wild. But that act and or attempt stripes away some of its beauty (for a season). Until nature reclaims her possession.
A wonderful poem.

[Eilis]

Thanks so much, Cherrie. I love your response

[Matthew Daalling]

Very abstract. I like the idea of eternity in the sky. Nice.

[Eilis]

Thanks again, Matthew!

[red93]

Fabulous - this is the real stuff. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Eilis]

Thank you for reading!