Ascertain

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. - Thoreau

oscillate

pulsate

undulate

reverberate

resonate

never an ingrate

always setting me straight

appealing to my head with both rusted and gilded plate

nothing to lose and everything to gain

screaming pain

wailing shame

eliminating disdain

like a toke of mary jane

guitar strings infusing a vibratory, radioactive, nuclear reaction in the core reactor of my brain

fallout of hard rock rain

heavy metal stain

as i climb aboard a locomotion, gravy train

with a ticket along with permission to go insane

laying down tracks in a main vein

infecting with a different strain

tracks and escapes lain

rhythm and beat in a groove deep enough to gain and assuredly more than sufficient to

ascertain

Author's Note

"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." - Thoreau

Reviews

[E.P. Robles]

The poem "Oscillate" explores themes of movement, transformation, and self-discovery. It captures the essence of ideas regarding the individuation process and the integration of one's conscious and unconscious aspects.

The use of words like "oscillate," "pulsate," and "undulate" suggests a constant shifting and fluctuation within the individual's psyche. These words represent the movement between opposing forces and the ongoing process of balancing them.

As a person who explores the themes of personal transformation I believe this poet is writing about the integration of the unconscious, and the significance of artistic expression in the individuation process.

Taking my analytical hat off I would say this poem "Oscillate" demonstrates a skilled use of language and imagery to convey a range of emotions and experiences. It combines elements of introspection, rebellion, and catharsis to create a vivid and engaging piece.

The poet's references to a "locomotion, gravy train" and a "different strain" suggest a rebellious spirit and a willingness to defy conventions. The image of "laying down tracks in a main vein" conveys a sense of purpose and determination, as the poet strives to leave their mark on the world.

I hope you do not mind my analysis -- I spent a considerable about of time learning from your prose.

[Pete]

wow. your shared thoughts are welcomed and appreciated and remarkably on target (although tomorrow or at some points in the future i will probably be cursing you and saying to myself, "who does he think he is" because that's the way i am, lol).

there often seems to be a struggle going on within - opposing forces, different directions. i have actually been diagnosed as being bipolar. they've also called it a mood/personality disorder. i have trouble making decisions for fear of making a mistake. i am somewhat of a perfectionist and obsessive. even if do make a decision i question it forever. nothing ever seems to be settled with me.

also a product of the household environment that i grew up in with the too-often opposing forces of my parents (both of them having similar traits). i am very thorough and leave no stone unturned although constantly turning over stones can become exhausting which is what happened to me in life - i have had several crash & burn episodes (can never seem to keep it all together and going for too long).

there is no such thing as a "little" thing with me, everything is a "big" thing. i frequently changed jobs and can find a million reasons for anything. negativity and complaining was an art form in the house i grew up in. i obsess about the smallest things. i am the guy stuck at the fork in the road, just standing there in the rain debating with myself. i have actually been self-evaluating and trying to settle on a path for the remainder of my life (so far with no success). i am usually in a constant struggle between the spiritual and "real" world and can never resolve. this is probably why i write - as an outlet for the inner struggles going on.

thank you for such an insightful and remarkably and scarily accurate review. unfortunately preaching to the choir - this leopard can never seem to change his spots. peace ... :)

[Pete]

... and i am very rebellious - i'm the soldier waving his sword and shouting charge as i stand over the bodies of my dead comrades. i am stubborn like a mule ... :)

[Pete]

... and extremely emotional ... :)

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

We all dance different to the beat of a distant drum
What you see I don’t see
And what I see you don’t see our perception sense of self difference

But we are all joined spiritual as one
When people die and come back after dying. I’ve read a few books on it they say this that we are all one joined in the light we become the light and the knowledge of everything is greater we just know !!! And understand everything
Our knowledge in earth now is limited like a parental control
Great poem enjoyed

[Pete]

wow. so insightful. it's like you know me better than i know myself. the older i get and lately i've been learning that we are all brothers and sisters. when one of us hurts we all hurt. i guess music really is a universal language relaying universal truths. much appreciated, thoughtful review ... :)

[willweb]

"Don't you dare to try to stops us, no one could for long" The tin lizzie or the Thin Lizzy, one rolls and one rocks...big time. : ) Creatively expressed.

[Pete]

... "tonight there's gonna be trouble, some of us won't survive" - both car and song classic. thanks for kickin' the tires ww ... :)

[Dave Brown]

I like your car Pete
Can you get that particular model battery powered

[Pete]

you'll have to talk to elon musk about a tesla. well, in this case i prefer the musical group to the auto. tin lizzie vs. thin lizzy although both will give you a good ride ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

I think you have the musical ear and the poetic pen writing and dancing to the wholesome tunes.
Now, I need a nuclear mind like yours, but radiation will go far and wide.
Thank you Sir Pete of Great Boston.

[Pete]

lol. for me, music is poetry in motion. there is an undeniable meter of truth in both - each touching us differently within. neither capable of lying. now kindly direct me to the nearest fallout shelter kind sir ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe! We might all need one if things go wrong in the world.
At least we have poetry and music for an escape.
You are welcome sir Pete.

[Chris Shaw]

Music is a different language altogether. How to switch off from the crap, turn up the volume and lose yourself. Loved listening to Jailbreak again. Haven’t heard for sometime. Hope all is well with you Pete. I am still having difficulty accessing your work, not ignoring you my friend:)

Chris

[Pete]

thanks for the share chris - never would have guessed you for a jailbreak kinda' gal. me and my music huh - been hooked every since i discovered it as a teen ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

It’s a good thing to be hooked on to, I can think of worse Pete. Yep Thin Lizzie, back in the day. Now that was an awful long time ago though ……

[Pete]

ugh. now you're making me feel old. maybe that's why i hold onto the music so guardedly - a futile attempt at holding onto fleeting youth. life is short.

"Live your life, do your work, then take your hat." - Thoreau

[Chris Shaw]

You know I do like your Thoreau quotes. How can you remember them all ?

[Pete]

he was a wise man beyond his time. i've read them so many times they're engrained. i now live in the town next to the one where he lived 150 years ago. he used to wander the hills probably right where i'm at next to the river ... :)

[emmajoygreen]

Seems you and Thoreau have similar opinions say same but differently - as are both your and his right - or dare I mention 'write' . In fact your musical words add volume and meaning start to finish.. and never an apology or reason.. as again, should be.

Powerful: ' guitar strings infusing a toxic, vibratory, nuclear reaction in my thin brain
fallout of hard rock rain
heavy metal stain
as i climb aboard a locomotion, gravy train
with a ticket.. '

[Pete]

go figure eh. who'd a thunk that two blokes born nearly 150 years apart in drastically different times would have so much in common. oh well, i guess the good/important things never change thank god. when i listen to music soul is stirred along with head, heart and emotions as was my muse mr t. music has its own language. thank you dearest em - so nice to see back around along with your quill - both ready to spill ... :)

[Pete]

music and poetry have much in common after all ... :)

[emmajoygreen]

They certainly do!