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Balefire

Balefire What glory is a lighthouse with no storm to weather? For there is no solace in harbouring a harpooned wanderer Truth be told, I am the jaded sea-torn sailor Yet they sing to me and call me the Balefire Doldrums Doldrums Dear doldrums you call….. In endless seas jetsam thoughts seek out the siren’s forever Despite smooth tides and the steady marauder Truth be told, I am the sea-sick star-gazer Yet the sing to me and call me the Balefire Doldrums Doldrums Dear doldrums you call….. Washed ashore, these barren lands may guide me asunder I can forget my qualms in search of treasure Where windward dreams shall starve the fever Truth be told, I am the moody-marooned mariner Yet they sing to me and call me the Balefire Doldrums Doldrums Dear doldrums you called….. They say the ocean is home to many souls lost at sea The Doldrums tell me there is no greater death than the one within me

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Christina Bowring

Date: 10/7/2023 12:34:00 PM

This is great writing Charlie. So well written and expressed. Like Tom says, it is like a seafarer’s song and tells a great story. It flows very well and you mention the tide- I think you’ve achieved that. I love the last two lines. Very profound with great impact. Look forward to reading more of your work. Thank you for sharing. Smiles to you :) :)

Charlie Mackenzie
Date: 10/23/2023 9:44:00 PM

Thank you Christina. I am glad it tells a story and although it wasn't originally my intention to write a seafarers song, it is interesting how the poem has translated as this. Thank you for your compliments.

Beata Agustin

Date: 9/19/2023 7:22:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Welcome to Poetry Soup. I welcome you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.

Charlie Mackenzie
Date: 9/19/2023 9:52:00 AM

Thank you Beata

Tom Woody

Date: 9/17/2023 3:03:00 PM

I didn't realize you were new. Welcome to PS. This feels more like a seafarer's song than free verse. Either way it's good stuff

Charlie Mackenzie
Date: 9/18/2023 1:56:00 AM

Thank you. That is exactly what I was trying to achieve and for the verses to feel like the ebbs and flows of the tide. I wanted it to feel almost nostalgic too. The saying ' down in the doldrums' inspired me'. The poem is about the fluctuation between ADHD paralysis and ADHD hyperfocus.