Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
Islands of Man
Life had once been defined by linears and absolutes.
Our intersections well-combined; concentric pegs, ladders and chutes.
Cabin logs fit, notch on notch and oaken floors laid tongue-in-groove,
Alpha letters etched on blocks, built towers high to stand, unmoved.
Our party lines were wired hard, and gaslights lit by hand each night,
Electric links for trolley cars, with route lines linear and tight.
The water pumps in cities wide and far abroad, pumped clear and clean,
Until the ground was compromised by viral beasts; minute, unseen.
We trusted water flowed downhill; that east was where the morn began,
We trusted spring’s return until the polar vortex blew its plan.
Was it we who changed the plan, who damaged waters cross the plains?
Who built an ether-web to span each others lives and sagging brains?
No longer absolute or straight; each turn untried, leading where?
Were all connected, yet apart: No man an island, but no one’s there.
This was written for Speakeasy 151, using the provided opening line, “Life had once been defined by linears and absolutes” and making reference to the provided photo by Odon Czintos, ” The Blue Street Fountain”.
19 Comments on “Islands of Man”
I'd appreciate your feedback (Please, leave a comment)!
Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
Opal Reflections 
This is a beautiful and deep take on the prompts.
Like Suzanne, I loved the ether web/sagging brains line. Karen
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Thank you. Often I’ll read some of my own lines and wonder “Where did that come from?” Thanks for stopping by.
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You hooked me. I truly enjoyed it.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
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This is beautiful! The beginning had me thinking about childhood days, when worries were few. I like the bit about being well-connected yet apart.
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Thanks, Janna. I appreciate and respect your feedback very much.
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I love the last line! A lovely flow and rhyme to the whole piece, though.
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Thank you! And thanks for stopping by and taking the time to provide a comment. It’s greatly appreciated.
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This is fabulous, Joanne! I love the whole things, but this line really stood out for me: “Who built an ether-web to span each others lives and sagging brains?” Fantastic imagery and awesome rhythm.
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Thank you, Suzanne. Its ironic that there are a few downsides to all our expanded connectivity.
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Wow. That just flows beautifully. It cascades, almost like water. It was a real pleasure to read.
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Thank you. That’s a calming image – cascading water.
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Thought provoking questions there Joanne and as always loved the rich imagery in your poem-well done 🙂
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Thanks Atreyee. It’s always nice to see your name and face pop up. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem.
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🙂
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Really well done, excellent illustrations of the past and told so evocatively! Beautiful!
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Thank you! The opening line did get me thinking about how our world has changed, oftentimes not for the better. Thank you for your comment.
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LOVE THIS. I am definitely feeling similar sentiments right now, and you hooked me from the start with the wood working references. Beautiful imagery, I love what you did with the prompts!
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Thank you! I was struggling with it for awhile, but finally let it take me where it wanted to go:)
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