Leofina Jane

EMPTINESS

In Art, Contemporary English Poetry, Contemporary Poetry, English Poetry, Ethnopoetics, Literature, Lyric Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Poems, Poetry, Poetry by Filipino, Prose Poetry, Surrealist Poetry, Verse, World Poetry, Writing on May 9, 2009 at 11:19 pm

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POETRYCASTLE

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You’ve said that
now is here-yet, I
don’t see or feel the
breath of the present.
Is this sheer
blindness?

I am here, all the while
fighting in vain to capture the
elusive glory of the present- while
the whole world grieves for
the death of serenity.

The essence of
knowing has been lost-
within the mocking spaces-
that exist in between the
unseen comforts of
before and after.

I wish to be here
right now, but still I
remain to be-
nowhere.

©2009leofinajanegalleta
All Rights Reserved.

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  1. I really am not a fan of poetry but your poems are really very good although you use symbolism, its not really so heavy that the reader can grasp the underlying meanings in your representations. I’ll read more of your poems drippingmind.

  2. Wow, such gracious thing to say Euane, thank you so much! :-) .

    Some people tend to think that poets intentionally write poems in a complicated manner. Predictably, this mode of thinking may lead for some to view poetry as less than interesting stuff to read- and quite possibly, the appeal of this “art” would be most likely reduce into a much lesser degree in the process.

    In my case however,although my poems are mostly intended as an artful self-expression, I see to it that the intended theme for each piece would be clearly magnified- in symbolism, in imagery, metaphors or whatever that I use as sort of “representation” for art’s sake. In addition to that, I have to say that I do intend to stimulate the readers to reflect in their own ways- with what could possibly happened in their own lives- and that, I hope, would basically make my poems as “mirrors” of some sort- which is actually one of my hopeful intent. :-)

  3. ‘while the whole world grieves the death of serenity’
    this line said it all for me. too true for comfort. beautifully done, ljane.
    sarah

  4. Your poem has captured my moment beautifully. I try s hard to be here now, but it seems to take so much effort just to be here. But how can we not be here? How can it e an effort?

    Forgive my rambling. Your poem was perfectly on target.

    So far as symbolism and allegory and artistic reference is concerned – that’s how we learn to study writing in school. I think, when we start writing, we consciously try to put all of that into what we write.

    Occasionally I still do. A symbol pops into my head and demands to be expressed in words, or vice-versa. More often I find them in my writing after-the-fact. Such things are not consciously inserted, but simply seem the most appropriate way of saying what is being said at the time.

    I love your stuff. I love this perfect poem. I love your response to the first comment. It has all made my day a very nice day.

  5. Hi Sarah, :-)

    Thank you so much, i do love your writings as well, :-)

  6. Hi Jon, if all kinds of ramblings are as thought-stimulating as yours, I’d love to hear all about it, lol! Those lines of thoughts inspired this poem, actually.

    It just happens sometimes, like I feel the need for some kind of “essence” to get going.. with anything that I have to do- or maybe when doubt seeps in, and I need more concrete reason to convince myself that what I am doing is worthwhile- or sometimes, when I am in the process of doing something that I must do, yet my mind is set for something else.. – Isn’t life complicated, lol. Yeah, I think so, in a very interesting way, that is, :-)

    Now that you mentioned it- I totally agree with you,Jon. The unconscious way of incorporating some kind of symbolism while in the process of writing poems. It could be an art in itself, don’t you think? :-)

    You’re too kind, Jon, really. Your poetry is extraordinary, you know, and I love those as well:-) But hey, it’s always great to be able to talk about this art, it’s kind of inspiring in a way, :-) Thanks a lot Jon, :-)

  7. lovely poem and lovely reminder which you have added below. people misuse this so much.

  8. Nice to have you here, trisha- and thank you for your comment- Yes indeed, I myself had that lapse- taking for granted a certain state of being wherein things doesn’t seem to have any significance- it’s not a wonderful thing, that’s for sure, lol! Most of us may not see its relevance, thus ignoring the existence of such and just brush it off thinking maybe that it will pass- yet, not all the time that everything corrects itself- one has to know, or attempt to see reasons for possible fix-at least.

    Thanks a lot,its a real pleasure to interact with someone who has the same passion, you do write good poems yourself, :-) . Cheers! :-)

  9. Thoughts often like the evening of a sunny day, sadness, joy and thankfulness

  10. i’m sitting there before the tree
    watching those clouds passes me
    full of dreams and marvels within
    never asking what could have been
    cause present i couln’t really see
    i’ll be so honest; it’s inside me

  11. To: The Totton linnet

    Hi Suz!

    Indeed, amen to that girl, life is a mirage in itself. :-)

  12. I missed reading your verses, Manong Eugene, :-)

    Refreshing- as always
    the echoes that are
    your thoughts.

    :-)

  13. The surrealists must be proud to include you in their midst. You write explosive surrealist poems. Well done, Poetess Leofina Jane.

  14. Hello Bo,

    Thank you so much, :-) . I’ll try my best- and I’ll keep on trying, :-)