Laura Breidenthal | + Follow Poet |
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Never Alone

The icy winds subdue my soul with a livid will to live
Warmth against the frost, dwindling in the enshrouding grove
We are scattered on this earth, cold, warmed and in-between
And here I stand amid the shy sun and the bold but fragile icicles
Where it shines not enough to sooth the gasps and blows of bluster
I am aware of our gravity, sinking my feet into the snow
This is how I am never alone
How furious I now groan. . .

How I must be alive to be close to the erosion of mastered solitude
To taste the regions of feelings never felt!
How I crave for your pristine awareness to diminish
So I may bask in the enlightenments all my own
Yes—I am bright in your presence
A flickering flame of ever-more
Secretly lost in the wastelands of never—nevermore!

Never alone,
See my dilemma, how it wrinkles like frosted vines
Clinging to the coldest iron in your hearts!
You feel it—how I hate it that you do!
Impaled, determined prevailing
The detestation of my winds wailing! 

Oh, Understood!!!
Understood….
I am Element Unknown,
Passing the entails of the irksome groan
We are scattered, but I am ever among,
The restless writhing brethren of the knowest beknowest known
Still remaining, cold, lost and scathing skin to bone—
Never Alone

Copyright © Laura Breidenthal | Year Posted 2015

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Maurice Yvonne Date: 12/30/2015 10:49:00 PM I have an incredible fear of being in social situations where I am expected to perform. I have also avoided close relationships recently. Alone I find myself happy in my solitude. Having said that, I end up reading this poem pulling out understandings that relate to myself. I think the best poems allow the reader room for their own interpretations. This is a marvellous piece that leaves space for interpretation. I love it. Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 12/30/2015 11:09:00 PM I love that you can relate to this poem, and make your own interpretations. So glad to have your reviews for these ones in particular. Thank you for your kindness! ~Laura

Justin Bordner Date: 12/23/2015 7:41:00 PM This poem possesses an an abstruse anger along with a scathing will to fulfill an all consuming purpose. This, "Element Unkown" I interpret to be the inner need of everyone's sense of self worth, perhaps even a vainity or megalomania that has a passion for revealing it's abilities Laura. I think this poem is about having something to prove, which can be very healthy for us."How I must be alive to be close to the erosion of mastered solitude..." very deep Poetess...J.A.B. Login to Reply Justin Bordner Date: 12/26/2015 12:18:00 AM Your explication of this poem's soul is very deep, provocative, and beautifully philosophical...your mind is so seductive in it's creative wisdom Poetess...J.A.B. Laura Breidenthal Date: 12/25/2015 4:21:00 AM Very interesting analysis, Justin. I tried to establish the one truth of our existence that we live this life not for ourselves, even if we wanted to, but for each other--even if we are scattered to far ends of this earth- we are constantly among, and never fully alone. For some, this is a comfort. This frustration and determination for mastered solitude is a futile task, but one that I fervently seek after at times. Some like to be estranged, so that no one but themselves may witness their greatness or enlightenment(that's where the vanity of this piece sets in)...but even when estranged, we are among, and we are known. Element Unknown, to me, is a ghost of a dream that, once woken up from and pulled away from, I greatly grieve for. I like your interpretation, especially your point on self-worth. You always amaze me with your keen understanding. ~Laura

Duke Beaufort Date: 12/19/2015 6:39:00 AM Solitude and aloneness. We approach it. But we are part of a bigger thing. My mind always has something going on. Something intruding. It's not easy to just go to a peaceful place, but your poetry and kindness help to take me there. And so, until there is more, may I thank you for the lovely words and works you have placed here. Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 12/21/2015 3:59:00 PM Thanks you : ) You're always so encouraging. My favorite line is - "We are scattered, but I am ever among, The restless writhing brethren of the knowest beknowest known"...Element Unknown may be invisible to most of the world, but it is indeed, never alone. Even when we die, we will be among the fellow dead. How pleasant, yes? (: Love ya dear. ~Laura

Eileen Manassian Date: 12/18/2015 6:20:00 PM Love the way you play with the words in this, Laura...had to read some again....Wow! I loved the line that starts with "Secretly lost".....especially the Poe ending. You are stunning in this avatar....beautiful, young, and serene. Hugs, dear. Wishing you every happiness. Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 12/21/2015 3:56:00 PM Yes, Poe's "Nevermore" was ringing through my mind as I wrote this. Also, Wintereise, a song-cycle by Schubert (the best song cycle in my humble opinion) was an inspiration to this crazy verse. It is easy to feel like Element Unknown, when smitten and challenged by a cold, lonesome wilderness. We are never alone, and sometimes that truth maddens. ~Laura

Beautiful Scars Date: 12/18/2015 4:34:00 PM Wow..*love* this Laura, so emotive, and raw and I love that in poetry...:) Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 12/18/2015 4:44:00 PM Aw, thank you Laura (: So glad you got to stop by for this one. I really felt this one today. Element Unknown... I like the sting of the cold. It makes me feel alive. I love that you love this kind of poetry! ~Laura