Solitude

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Mavis Jackson.

A whole chunk of my life is missing from this poem. That is because I did not often find peace and solitude during the 18 years that I nursed in NHS Trust Hospitals in the UK.

From inside myself I feel in humility
That wondrous sense of awe within my mind,
A special transcendence into tranquillity.

My memories rise to the surface to remind,
I’ve lost reality in the silence.
Travel through recollections of the past to find

My childhood, that distant, sweet time of innocence
Never alone, imagination led
Me to fantasy lands where truth made no sense.

I did not have to dream tucked snugly in a bed,
I could journey anywhere in the world
Solitude, for me, never has held any dread

For I was happiest when I sat small and curled
Safe, while in my head adventures swirled.

Years later, solitude became a welcome friend,
As children clamoured hungry for their tea.
Mind frazzled by the day, I’d stand at my wits end

Then find a solution, distract them with TV.
Find solace in the kitchen, meal in pan, 
Stare out at the garden with eyes that did not see.

Drift away to the whirring of extractor fan,
Not see jumbled toys piled beside the shed.
There was no direction for wilful my mind ran

Until a noise reminded me, kids to be fed,
Interrupted dreaming, no time to brood;
Children’s teas, husband’s dinner, bath then up to bed.

Oh what luxury the chance of solitude
Snatched moments in busy days, a short interlude.

Now solitude stretches from morning until night,
And in early hours of creeping morning
In the peace of darkness I like best to write.

Inspiration often comes as day is dawning
Shining brightly, golden as the sky,
The birth of a new day often ideas spawning.

Now I can be alone I do not have to try
Sitting in a crowded room, walking in a field,
I’ve learned to view with outer and inner eye.

Solitude, that place to chaos never yields
For it is the essence of blissful life,
Often I find that my sanity it shields.

It keeps me safe from all the daily strife,
And brings to me peace of mind when evil runs rife.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.