In Solitude Poem
Every so often
I find that I arrive
In a place of solitude
Bereft and so tired
Exhausted from life
It’s pettiness and pride
The woeful self-centredness
Sanctity of community denied
How can it be
In a world so full of beauty
So many are alone
Living with sombre futility
Is it all meaningless
Outside of a relationship
Have we all abandoned
The power of kinship
Is it just a moment
To find the sanity within
To explore life’s meaning
Away from the din
The noise of distraction
The rush of demands
The importance of nothing
Away from commands
For here in solitude
I have freedom of choice
To truly be myself
And hear my true voice
My body remembers
When my mind does not
It screams at me now
Move and release the rot
Solitude is time
To refresh and renew
To redecorate
My mind’s own view
To see the gift
In a silent pause
To discover my truth
And my life’s cause
To humbly benefit
From time and task
To explore my soul
And serenely bask
Today is the day after Valentine’s Day and this month is the 20th anniversary of my 19 year marriage ending. It is a sombre thought. I would never have imagined that after all these years, I would still be single. From that very first day when I realised that I would be a mother four days a week instead of seven, I committed to making the most of the time when my children were not with me. I consciously chose to ‘use’ my time wisely and have been on a constant journey of education and sharing.
As I look back over those years, I can reflect on some of the amazing experiences and opportunities I have enjoyed. Equally, I am aware that my body remembers many disappointments even after my mind has processed them.
However, on the flip side, I have had time to write poetry and explore various creative pursuits. Art, nature, movement and time with my friends have all been extremely powerful healers. When I woke up today, I was tired, exhausted and slightly overwhelmed. So it was time to write. It helped. This poem came quickly and reminded me of what I do have. Time. Freedom. Choice. As I add this to my website and think of others who may read it, I hope it brings you peace. With love, Sue Ellson 🙂
You may also like to read my previous Solitude Poem.
Photo: Poinsettia plant in a wheelbarrow display at my friend’s house in Doncaster, Victoria on 12 January 2025.
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