Downy blankets of white softly settle,
Nature gratefully submitting to slumber
as the Earth bids a seasonal adieu.
Inside, my body craving hibernation,
curls into layered bedding, draws shades
against the snowy scene, wills respite.
My soul, a cat, lulled by the miracle
stretches wide paws, arches, ready
to discover some mystic wilderness.
She is primordial, a snow leopard,
camouflaged, elusive, a silent stalker
instinctively hungry for nourishment.
Weakened, I yield, certain she will prey
on this near lifeless flesh, leaving me
bloodless, hide-less: a mere carcass.
Then I shall lay down in the frigid warmth
of winter’s illusion and surrender rotting
self to the Earth’s core; pray for rebirth.
(Soul Stalker first appeared here in January of 2016. I am submitting it for dVerse’s prompt: Confessional poetry, hosted by HA.)
I love
‘lulled by the miracle
stretches wide paws, arches, ready
to discover some mystic wilderness.’
you’ve captured a cat quite well.
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Thank you, Nora!
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The dominant psyche consumers the weaker, and often the remains are guilt, remorse. This was a vibid engaging write VJ. Enjoyed it!
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Thanks, Rob. Appreciate it.
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Our secret selves…a cat is a good one to have. (K)
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I suppose….thanks.
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Excellent poem 👏 My soul is stretching its paws for you !! 🤝
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Nice! Thanks.
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Nice sound in this line: “bloodless, hide-less: a mere carcass” and the phrase “winter’s illusion”.
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Thanks Frank.
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I love this V.J. And how ironic that you are allergic to cats, being a Leo and all. Leos are good people- I married one- my Big Viking!
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Oh, I’m married to a Viking too – although he calls himself “A Big, Fat Viking” lol.
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LOL! 🙂
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“Weakened, I yield, certain she will prey/on this near lifeless flesh, leaving me/bloodless, hide-less: a mere carcass.”
Oh, that pricks and shatters the illusion of a body which is in control. It’s intriguing how you explored this consumption by your own soul. Loved the desolate winter images and the lasting hope for a rebirth.
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Thanks Anmol. My body had lost all control at that point and I contemplated what happens next – dreamt that she pounced. Appreciate the prompt and your feedback.
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A chilling reality of life and death! I liked the line… Then I shall lay down in the frigid warmth!
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Thanks – life is full of so many paradoxes, as we poet’s seem to express.
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The opening alliteration really drew me in.. Excellent write.
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Thanks, Violet.
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I love that your soul is a cat. Love the seasonal changes, specially the rebirth after winter.
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Thank you, Grace.
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It seems like you are afraid of the imbalance of one (body) with the other (soul), but in the poem you succumb and are safe, which suggests your soul means you well…
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Oh, I like this interpretation – thank you. I dream often of this wild cat, stalking me.
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happy if it helps
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It does!
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Love the imagery in this. It starts out so gentle and comforting then takes the reader on an unexpected twist.
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Ah, the cycle of life. A wonderful poem and image.
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Thanks so much
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Welcome.
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I love the line “Downy blankets of white softly settle,” since it is so true of a first snowfall in particular.
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Thanks
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Your soul, your totem is the snow leopard, and its powerful inner presence, though frightening, is part of you; that part to help you cope with winter’s miseries and life’s issues. So dig it–I can hear you roar from here.
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Well… I am a Leo. Thanks Glenn
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I feel a soul like this is almost like ambitions our flesh cannot cater… a soul too grand for our bones….
but in the end the opposite would be worse. A petty soul in a body of steel also exist, be proud of your cat.
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Nicely put – thanks for that
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Love; “Downy blankets of white softly settle,” such exquisite imagery in this one, V.J! ❤️
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Thank you!
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To be eaten by one’s own soul is the stuff of nightmares. I wish you a peaceful hibernation 🙂
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Thanks Jane. This harkens back to days when illness restricted movement
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The imprisoning aspect comes over very strongly.
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So glad your soul is a cat, V.J. – mine is too.
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Well it is for this poem, lol. Allergic to them in real life.
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That’s a shame.
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It is.
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