Naturalistic Observation

there is a certain beauty in insanity

it's like being houseguest to something

you can't comprehend, like 

an eclipse

of all rationale

or a school of fish

the size of a neighborhood

all swimming manically in the same direction

all it takes

is two words

Yes, but

letters that shrug, knowing who you are as they do so

and you try, lightly, nudgingly, to push back, to mumble

to yourself that

most humans

do not eat only cauliflower for breakfast and still

feel baby-teeth of guilt and

most humans

do not push and pull their bodyweight like

well water day after day and

most humans

do not make food plans and pretend there is not gnawing pain in the knee

or the back or the hip or the wrists

on four-mile runs

and then

the sky clears

there is a prairie-quiet

and, in it, a few songbirds begin to chirp a simple two-note melody that reaches your ears

Yes, but

Yes, but

Yes, but

Author's Note

This one was more for me than for anyone else, so you won't find as many poetic devices and technical applications in here :)

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

I was particularly taken with the ending of your poem. It was when those song birds began chirping, I imagined the melody. All thoughts of what might have been in your muddled brain disappeared. I heard only bird song. That is what nature can do for you. It is a healer.

Chris

[Olivia R.H.]

Chris, thank you for your review. I like your interpretation. Originally, I meant it to be an irony that the words in my head (the denial of my own irrationality in the way I tell myself "Yes, but") were similar to the soothing, peaceful chirps of songbirds. I meant to emphasize how something so repeated can be either beautiful and only ever true to itself (like songbird music) or maladaptive like mental health problems and the brain's own delusions. I like seeing your take on it though. I will keep that in mind and perhaps revise it!

[Chris Shaw]

Poetry is really subjective. It means different things to different people. No two people will interpret a poem in the same way :)

[becauseshewrote]

I am at a complete loss of words. Poems like these remind me why I love reading and writing in the first place.
The somewhat insanity in your writing really set the mood and the direction your poem took. It seemed much like the way I talk to myself.
I absolutely love your poems and I look forward to reading more from you. :)

[Olivia R.H.]

Thank you so much. Words like yours really solidify my trust in my own writing, especially in the times of my strongest doubts. Your review and remarks have both made my day and, more importantly, brought me hope and encouragement for my future as a writer! I look forward to checking out your content as well!

[becauseshewrote]

I'm glad I could be of any help:)

[mattavelli]

Hello, Olivia! :)
This was an interesting read. Ive never been very healthy. Lately, ive been cutting sodium and alcohol from my diet. It feels good. Is your conscience ever conflicted?

[Olivia R.H.]

Yes, my conscience is still occasionally conflicted, although luckily not as much as previous years. Being "healthy" can mean so much more than the stereotypical representation, and it's hard to pinpoint what the individual needs (society put on the back-burner). I'm glad you feel proud of your progress though! Actions that are good for the body and soul can truly lead us towards becoming better people. Good job to you!

[KeithMansfield]

It means a lot to you. Hold it dear as you should.