The wind has died down
and the seas
are calm
inside the eye
of this storm.
He has struggled through this maelström,
fighting
the waves
and the spray
and the winds. His sails
have been torn, his oars
smashed, not that
he’d have the strength to row
anyways.
Through pockets of clarity
in the clouds to the east,
he sees land
waiting for him, so close.
He doesn’t know if it’s real
or just an illusion born
from his own worn out
mind.
So he ties himself
to the mast and prays
to whatever gods still exist
and waits—eyes open,
heart waning, fending off
the allure of despair, the sweet embrace
of a numb oblivion—
for what’s
coming, for the fate
over which
he has no
control; waits
for this maelström
to erupt
or subside.
Beautiful description, love the imagery ! And loved the reference to Poe’s maelstrom.
I’m glad you made the connection 🙂 Poe’s great! Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
Yes, powerful is how I reacted to your poem, also. When you feel you’ve done all you can, letting go to a trust in something outside yourself, strengthens, and helps you grow regardless of the outcome.
These words are appreciated immensely. Thank you. And thank you for reading 🙂
This is so real…very captivating as I lived momentarily through the sailors experience!
I liked this poem quite a lot. It is very descriptive and paints clear images, I find. I like the way you have integrated the German title Maelström into your poem, but have not overused the word. I think the poem creates a very ethereal feel. –Lola Elvy
spreek uw nederlands, broetje? ik vind jou gedicht snijdt diep in mijn nederlandse hart! ik hebt zin om je heen te zijn! dat klinkt echt voor jij ook?
Alas, I am not Dutch (but my grandmother is), so I may need an English translation. I’d use an online translator but they’re terrible!
Reblogged this on Night Shiftings.
Thanks for reading and the reblog! Very much appreciated!
Sup! I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Please, see my blogpost titled ‘Liebster Award’ to find more information about this. Congrats! =D
Thanks so much! I feel a little honoured! I’ll check it out 🙂
Very nice… Smooth read… Gripping too… Liked it
Oh, the effect this has…
Thanks for reading. I hope the effect wasn’t a bad one!
Not at all!
I was able to find a lot of my past feelings in this poem. Keep up the good word; because, you are inspiring ambitious aspirations.
Thanks, man. That means a lot to me. Thanks for reading and for the share. I’ll keep writing. I have to.
[…] This Maelström. […]
Very powerful…. I connect with your words and your rhthym. Part of the beauty of life is waiting out the storms and the peace thereafter.
Thank you.
I agree wholeheartedly. Sometimes the only option is to wait.
Thanks for the comment 🙂
Your words are very powerful. Does he have to wait for the maelstrom to subside? I get the feeling that he is a fighter.
Thank you. Such storms occur inside everyone. Sometimes, once you’ve done all you can do, you just have to wait and see how it’ll all unfold. This time, the storm subsided.
Thanks for reading 🙂