My poem: the bangle: gen

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Title: bangle
Rating: Gen
Length: 101
Poetic form: English sonnet
Notes: This is based on one of my spiritual guru's metaphors. The idea that self-will (ego) over times creates shackles which prevent the spiritual aspirant from moving along the spiritual path.

these bangles round the wrists were forge of much
indulgence, blows of self-will repeated.
these rings clamped tight round swollen limbs, of such
constriction; freedom, blood flow impeded

their jingle, reminder of choices made,
their jangle, life’s companion sound, and yet
they won’t go, they won’t be shattered or frayed,
these lovely shackles coaxed on and then set

restraint, denial of will, the only cure,
to think not of oneself, but others’ needs
then little by little, forbearing lure,
engorged ego deflates and bloat recedes.

then bangles can be slipped off, cast away,
and limbs, unfettered, spread to greet new day

Comments

[smallhobbit]

What a lovely poem - you've captured the idea perfectly!

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Thank you. He uses a lot of metaphors which lend themselves to verse, I think.

[debriswoman]

This works very well as a sonnet:-)

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Thank you! I was uncertain about the form, so I appreciate your comment very much.