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I Once Was Myself
by Max BouilletWhile looking at the bottom of my shoe, I whispered,
"Walt, you don't look so good lately."
I once was myself
but not knowing, opened my self
and read.
My host seduces me and opens me fuller
Fear fills me as I clutch for my veil,
Too late, I blush at my naked soul.
Fragile and timid my host grips me close
My senses engage...
I taste the sea foam from upon the ferry-
I hear the warble of the bird frantic for its mate-
I feel her hands from aft the blind groping
my sinew, my groin...
I smell the lilacs.
I see the leaves fall from the little boy's fists-
Each scene tugs till my flesh is full taut-
I falter, and am scattered.
Arteries pump blood, pump blood
into the leaves of grass.
I embrace my host fully.
And finally within the bowels of the earthworm
within the muck of the eddies
under the surge of the current
under the boot-soles of your feet
lies my soul; my host
my brother
Truly I become
a multitude
Fatally embraced and
embracing.
06/08/2003 Author's Note: Tribute to Walt Whitman
Posted on 06/08/2003
Copyright © 2024 Max Bouillet
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Sam Roberts on 06/12/03 at 12:02 AM I'm liking your style hehe, Your way with words is magnificent.
Brilliant poem, beautiful yet disturbing images.
x |
| Posted by JD Clay on 06/12/03 at 12:03 PM Earth-born poetry, Max. Healing through surrender, Nature within its grasp. Nicely dedicated.
Peace... |
| Posted by Graeme Fielden on 06/12/03 at 04:05 PM again very strong imagery that conveys intensity as though the words could issue forth from the reader's mouth - nice work |
| Posted by Jessica Yen on 06/14/03 at 03:53 AM you have a unique and gripping style; amazing. vivid imagery as well. |
| Posted by Patricia J Reed on 06/14/03 at 06:52 PM great poem, i love the line "I blush at my naked soul"-
patti |
| Posted by Rusty C Arquette on 06/17/03 at 05:32 PM My kind of imaginistic poetic stuff..Wally would be quite elated! - RCat |
| Posted by Amanda J Cobb on 06/23/03 at 07:36 PM Agreeing with those fortunate to have read this before me, this piece has wonderful imagery and a lyrical flow. I feel odd saying that this piece is very poetic, because it is, after all, a poem - but some poems capture the beautiful sense of language better than others. This one has nailed it, well done. |
| Posted by Michele Schottelkorb on 07/02/03 at 07:56 PM vivid imagery... it is difficult to peers at oneself, naked both physically and mentally... you have descibed it well... blessings... |
| Posted by Susan Q Tomas on 07/06/03 at 07:39 PM Cryptic yet discriptive, until the end when I fully understand. Wow. |
| Posted by Alex Smyth on 07/12/03 at 02:52 AM Child of the universe, indeed! |
| Posted by Ginette T Belle on 08/22/03 at 06:38 PM
beautiful...wow...how the hell do you do that?
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| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 08/23/03 at 07:34 PM I can sooo relate to the title and this magificently introspective poem. Superb working in of one of my favorite poets also; a truly spiritual human being...as are you. |
| Posted by Don Coffman on 08/24/03 at 07:16 AM Well done, touching on Whitman themes and putting together items from various works. |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 08/27/03 at 06:53 PM I think Walt Whitman would appreciate the tribute! Both introspective and earthy. |
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