For April Poem A Day, I have decided to post to Writer’s Island and to go off prompts for the month, for the most part, and delve into poetry I’ve written over the past couple of years that has yet to see the light of day.
The Man Who Became An Island
Withholding his thoughts;
withdrawing day by day, floating away toward the sea
She stood by, calling him back away from shore,
back to this world,
the real world.
But he was “expanding from within,”
convinced that no one else could comprehend
his power, his vision, his wisdom.
“You are all ants,” he proclaimed,
“scurrying around a hill, dragging crumbs,
while I am destined for a higher purpose.”
He pulled in every corner of his being and
drew it around him into a cocoon of bizarre grandeur.
An island.
And later, as psychosis grabbed him by the throat,
a whole ‘nother planet.
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
RJ Clarken
Wow. How terribly sad. I guess Donne was wrong. (I’ve often wondered about that, anyway.) Anyway, this was a terrific read – but that’s no surprise. When did you write this poem?
Sharp Little Pencil
This was a few months ago, and it literally fell out of a volume of experiments. I edited a lot out and came up with the essential message, I think… And I love your comment about Donne! THanks, Randi… I’m on Writer’s Island, too, for the month. Amy
Sherry Blue Sky
Wow. So powerful. And sad.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Sherry. Kind of the end of my first marriage. That bad. He’s better now, thank God and serendipity…
booguloo
Tourists with big pockets welcome here. smiles..
Sharp Little Pencil
Just went to your blog and took up the challenge on the wasp thing. Enjoy!!! Amy
pamela
An intense write, Amy, glad to see you!
Pamela
vivinfrance
I’ve met people like that. You paint a painful picture.
Sharp Little Pencil
Have you been divorced from them? It is easier, looking back… thanks, Viv, and Happy NaPoWrMo^$#!! (I never get the phrase right)!! Amy
Elephant Small
I’d rather be an ant… Higher Purpose is a lonely place.
Great post!
Sharp Little Pencil
Well, join the club! I didn’t mind being called an ant; I was just afraid he would squash my anthill with his delusions of grandeur! Thanks, “Phant” (our family’s name for elephants). I’ll stop by and see you, too. Amy Barlow Liberatore
Debbie
I love the way you capture life, even the hard parts. You have such distinct style and voice, Amy. Such a gift. Thank you! I was going to ask you if you always wrote to prompts or not. Now I know for this month you won’t always be! 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
I have so many sources, and when I use prompts, I try always to credit the site, but yes, this month, I’m going COMMANDO!!!! Ha ha Amy
Tilly Bud
I guess it’s not true that no man is an island…nice metaphor.
Sharp Little Pencil
Linda, that resonated with many. Thank you for the compliment! I’ll buzz over and see what the Housewife is Laughing about today! Amy
David King
Well, it sure is time that one saw the light of day! Excellent.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, David. Total serendipity that it fell from the sheaf, but I was pleased once I cleaned it up a bit. Thanks so much for visiting! I’ll come over and return the favor… Amy
Ron.
Strong stuff. I have a friend who underwent planetization some time ago. Not pretty. You wrote that well.
And thanks for stopping by the eggs.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thank you, Ron., for stopping by… went back and raided the nest again! Just call me foxy. (groooooan)
Mr. Walker
“He pulled in every corner of his being” – that’s such a great image – and then followed by the next stanza, two words: An island. It’s sad to see someone so withdrawn, unwilling/unable to connect.
Sharp Little Pencil
Sadder still, it was the breakup of my first marriage. Fortunately, he has come a long way and we are friends, as are our second spouses! Weird how things turn out.
Thanks for your comments – as always, you are so clear and kind. Amy
pamela
Ok, I know I left a comment on this yesterday, I am so glad I came back, because normally I don’t. This is sad and so true of many relationships that go by the wayside. Communication is essential in any relationship.
Peace to you, darling,
Pamela
Sharp Little Pencil
Pamelita, I almost NEVER get back to second comments either! Yes, relationships are fragile enough sometimes without the illness… thanks so much, and peace to you too, hon, Amy
Madeleine Begun Kane
Wow! So powerful, and so sad. Amazing job!
Sharp Little Pencil
And it’s a true story… sadder still, huh? A