Among my favorite poems are those that end with a line, or a few words, or one word, or even a visual that surprises, awes, teaches, or reminds—or all four at once. Many, many poems, of course, do this. But still, your poem here delights. A reminder of the fact that whenever we have the courage to add our voice to the world, because we are courageously vulnerable, we want the world to echo back to us a commingling of voices that affirm: “Yes, we hear you. And we are glad you are here. Welcome back to yourself.” Sadly, for many, the echo can be less than benevolent. May those brave souls persist and continue to share their voices—those who care to listen…will hear. Thank you Anagha!
I love how you explore the idea of the echo in the poem. I may be wrong in this observation but the almost broken punctuation gives the impression of an echo within the poem.
I think the in-line slashes are cool. They remind me of the side of a mountain, where (in your case) two words meet to push forth this great poetic strength into the sky.
Also love the theme of recognizing that we are an indelible part of nature, and when we call out with confidence, the universe sings with us.
The style and which you have crafted this entire post is so, so beautiful! Your guidance through the whole process is graceful, inviting, and soothing…
Nice exploration using the punctuation in that way, it was interesting to first read it without first knowing what you were trying to achieve and then to read your explanation and read it again. I think you achieved what you were going for, initially I saw those /s as scenes or cuts in the imagery but that they were all linked... Also, perhaps I was wondering if they were creating that rhythm of call and response that you get with an echo in a wide open space... Either way a really interesting and engaging poem as always, thank you for sharing
Mountain Top Inquisition
Hello!
Who are you?
Where are you?
Who am I ?
Are you hiding?
From what?
I don't understand.
I only hear echos.
(Pause)
Ok.
Bye.
Among my favorite poems are those that end with a line, or a few words, or one word, or even a visual that surprises, awes, teaches, or reminds—or all four at once. Many, many poems, of course, do this. But still, your poem here delights. A reminder of the fact that whenever we have the courage to add our voice to the world, because we are courageously vulnerable, we want the world to echo back to us a commingling of voices that affirm: “Yes, we hear you. And we are glad you are here. Welcome back to yourself.” Sadly, for many, the echo can be less than benevolent. May those brave souls persist and continue to share their voices—those who care to listen…will hear. Thank you Anagha!
Also the slashes are literal cliff-edges.
The format has made me consider switching it up in my own poetry. The slashes places emphasis in an innovative way I never would have thought of.
My elders used to say: the world is like an echo in the forest… what you shout out will come back to you.
Thank you!
I love how you explore the idea of the echo in the poem. I may be wrong in this observation but the almost broken punctuation gives the impression of an echo within the poem.
You write beautifully in short form as well!
I think the in-line slashes are cool. They remind me of the side of a mountain, where (in your case) two words meet to push forth this great poetic strength into the sky.
Also love the theme of recognizing that we are an indelible part of nature, and when we call out with confidence, the universe sings with us.
The style and which you have crafted this entire post is so, so beautiful! Your guidance through the whole process is graceful, inviting, and soothing…
To share a voice with a mountain canyon and a response that returns with resonance to assure you that you are heard is a marvelous gift of nature.
Nice exploration using the punctuation in that way, it was interesting to first read it without first knowing what you were trying to achieve and then to read your explanation and read it again. I think you achieved what you were going for, initially I saw those /s as scenes or cuts in the imagery but that they were all linked... Also, perhaps I was wondering if they were creating that rhythm of call and response that you get with an echo in a wide open space... Either way a really interesting and engaging poem as always, thank you for sharing
Oh how I love nature poems, especially ones that give nature a voice.
Thanks for this one, Anagha! It's brilliant!
An exceptionally lovely poem! Thank you for sharingX
Thank you!!
My Elders used to say: the world is like an echo, whatever you shout out will come back to you.