This circles such a poignant struggle for all writers, and indeed all creatives, I think. I often find myself questioning why I write, if anyone is even reading, why all this effort for something that will surely never “matter”.
I’m reminded of a quote from “Letters to a Young Poet”by by Rainer Marie Rilke;
“ Go within. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple “I must”, then build your life in accordance with this necessity”
We write because we simply must. Thanks for the reminder and for sharing
I’ve often wondered what it would be like living in one of these types of spaces… I love when poetry gives me a glimpse into human life totally different and foreign to mine. I enjoyed getting a little view of your world, thank you for sharing.
This poem has such a gorgeous, visceral opening- that image of honey coating the tongue and dripping to the bones is so sensual and healing, and the idea of it "gluing the cracked pieces" together is really powerful.
If I had to add a suggestion, I might say the middle could be tightened slightly. The lines about the shield that "gnaws on kindness" and will "devour you as well" feel a bit abstract compared to the physical imagery you start with. Maybe you could try leaning more into that body/physical metaphor throughout and see what happens?… like how does this person's touch actually feel against that armor? What does it look like when kindness gets "gnawed on"?
I thought the ending was perfect, looping back to the namesake and"my fragile skin" brings us right back to that intimate, physical vulnerability from the beginning.
I love how you contrast the fairy tale expectations we grew up with against the reality of searching faces "marred by time and experience" that mirror your own. That's such an honest, relatable moment.
The three "that woman" sections work well to show the different ways we imagine our future selves, though I'd suggest maybe tightening up the language a bit.. some phrases like "chains of fear and anxiety" and "ravages of time" feel a little cliche when the rest of your voice is so authentic and direct.
"letting hope and dreams dance in the limelight of possibility" is a lovely way to close it.
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