Email Poem

Your IP Address: 3.143.5.121
Your Email Address:
To Email Address:
Subject
Personal Note:
Poem Title:
Poem
I would have sought some beautiful retreat,
Remote from cities and the din of men, ~
Some tranquil shore where lake and forest meet
By limpid stream or flower-lit, sylvan glen,
And would have reared, where non could e'er intrude,
A shrine to thee, O precious Solitude.
                                                                ~ John L. Stoddard

Like poet, Stoddard, I've found beautiful places to retreat.
My safe havens are streets of solitude where I walk alone.
They are not paved of gold for it's not their wealth I seek,
nor do I feel cold when I step upon them in my bare feet.
My road is not laid with yellow bricks lined with poppies
It's not a wily wizard's help I implore from a city of green.
My streets are serene, and in solitude I find peace of mind.
I never have need to turn a blind eye to atrocities I've seen.

No sticks and stones are thrown at me when I wander there
Never do I feel the need to hurry along the paths with care
Sometimes I wind my way down a country lane 
where I can act totally insane without fear of retribution, 
or the need to find a solution for worries that weigh me down. 
In my personal places, I don't wear a furrowed brow or a frown,

One of the roads I often traveled is made of sand, 
where waves agree with my thoughts, and not with a reprimand.  
There are no rules at the ocean's side, no ebb and flow of a tide 
for only in myself do I confidently confide my sacred secrets.

No false facades face these streets to swirl and curl my toes.
No lies or alibis ever find a niche in corners or shadows,
for all that matters is that I believe my streets of solitude 
have the amplitude to make me well, 
as if releasing me from the depths of hell.  
I dwell on such a street in my time of need.
It happens when the outside world is focused on warring and greed.  
I erect barriers and blockades in my mind. No one can find me when 
my street is strong fortress strong, and no wrong invades my life.
In silence I refuse to hear the bitterness of mankind,
or the foolish words they speak, for they've been expelled.

I rediscovered myself, time and again when I cross the threshold 
to the corner of Alone and Contented. 
I've not rented a room on any of my streets for a shelter is never needed.  
I've heeded the call of a babbling brook to sit a spell and simply 
read a book or close my eyes never fearing reprise or wear a disguise 
in self-defense.

I can be idle or imagine I'm at a music recital, my fingers on piano keys. Please don't assume it's laziness I feel or that I'm antisocial, though sometimes being around others holds no appeal.  
It's my choice and I'm not being rude when I take a walk on my own.
There is solace to be found in solitude.  
The streets give me freedom to choose my own way...
           but never to lose it or myself.
CAPTCHA Preview
Type the characters you see in the picture
Required