For But One Dip

The mason asks but a narrow shelf to spring his brick from; man requires only an infinitely narrower one to spring his arch of faith from. - Thoreau

wistful and invalid

lame for ages

i sit by the natatorium

waiting for the still waters to be stirred

alas, there is no one to help me into the pool

my desperate sudor making the static syndication ever deeper

so close and yet so far

i talk the talk

when all i need do is pick up my mat and walk

Author's Note

"My actual life is a fact, in view of which I have no occasion to congratulate myself; but for my faith and aspiration I have respect. It is from these that I speak." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

There are definite undercurrents to this poem...it seems like physically you could walk to the pool alone, but you are portrayed as an aged man...so perhaps you are lonely as well... your mental set shows me that you are not only lonely and reclusive but in need of help, someone to hold your hand, chat with you, walk with you....touch you....
Warmly, B.

[Pete]

some astute observations. for the first time in a very long time, i have no significant other and the longing leaves me feeling lonely and needy. try as i do to accept it but it still has its effects. thanks for stopping by b. ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Pete; it's no fun to be alone!!
Warmly, B.

[Ookpik]

Thoughtful and insightful, as always Pete.

This one echoes of hermithood - very lonely in its tone, yet vigilant and steadfast in ways only a hermit can understand. I've had times like these, to be sure, and can appreciate the sentiment.

I've heard it said that hermits wander the hills to find knowledge - a pursuit that they undertake alone, difficult though it may be - and that, upon finding the answers that'd driven their questions, they inevitably return to the village, to share what they've found with those that lack the characteristics to undertake a journey like that.

I'm reminded of Thus Spake Zarathustra in that regard, as well as Thoreau.

I guess in light of that I'd have to give my assurance that, lonely though it may be, there are always others who might learn from things a hermit has undertaken - hard won lessons are often fruitful when shared.

Forgive me if I've assumed too much, but that's my takeaway.

All the best to you Pete,

-Ook

[Pete]

thank you. your mention of "hermit" is interesting because i do tend to be a loner with a need to analyze everything - nothing is superficial with me and i analyze things to the n'th degree. it is interesting that you gleaned that from reading this ... :)