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Poetry
by Chris Zachariou
United Kingdom


Τάκης Ζαχαρίου

Ποιήματα

Γιαλούσα, Κύπρος

Writer's pictureChris Zachariou

Poets Come of Age | A Coming-of-Age Poem



We talk of poets and white doves

till sunrise

of blushing anemones, chilled juice

and ice cream and mother's apple pie.


A green wind is blowing—

green like the freedom of the pines

and strange like the words the poetess

whispered to the sea.

Lime scent and cinnamon grow on our lips

and Bacchus craves our youthful day.


The profundity of such curious poetry moves her and she plunges into our scarlet whirlpool until we cry out in joy, and the blushing anemones languish in a vase in your pink and white bedroom.


For many days she travelled on the river

escaping to the abandoned caves of the sea.

Incredulous, I searched for her till dawn

but never found her and her story was told to no one

still a mystery to me and to all her other lovers.


Each night I ask you to recite my poem

but you laugh at me and say it's no longer

avant-garde to have a melancholy soul.


You, who has the wisdom of the horizon in her eyes where is the blossom that stroked your thighs in March? Where is the blossom that kissed your eyes in April? Will spring blossom dance on your breasts again in May?

You mock me and say I'm debauched

but then you warm me in your Reynaud's mouth

until I kneel for you in your pomegranate dawn;

and even though you tell me I'm a man who is flawed

I will never ask for your forgiveness

or beg for absolution from your sainted mother.


Part of the mosaics cycle of poems


A few words about the poem…

Analysis of “Poets Come of Age” | A Coming-of-Age Poem

"Poets Come of Age" explores the transient nature of poetic inspiration, the passage of time, and the impact of relationships on the creativity of the two poets.


In this coming-of-age poem, the poet reflects on the ephemeral nature of poetic inspiration, which can be as fleeting as a conversation until sunrise. The mention of "blushing anemones" and "chilled juice" alludes to the sensory experiences that can trigger creative moments. The poem also touches upon the nostalgia of familiar comforts like ice cream and apple pie, which may serve as muses for the poet.


In the first instance, The "green wind" symbolizes the freshness and freedom that poets seek in their work, evoking the imagery of pine trees and the mysterious words of a poetess to the sea. The reader may ponder on the identity of this ancient poetess. The scent of lime and cinnamon on the lips adds a sensory layer to the narrative. The reference to Artemis and Pan suggests a connection between nature and poetic inspiration, highlighting the intertwining of the natural world with artistic creativity. In the second instance, the whole of this stanza could be interpreted as allegorical of the two poets stepping into the adult world and experiencing the first joy of sex.


The poem then delves into a more personal narrative, where the poet's work deeply moves someone, leading to passionate encounters. The mention of "blushing anemones" and the use of "languish" in a vase may be seen as symbolic of the first sexual act of the two poets.


The poem takes a more melancholic turn as the poet's lover appears to distance themselves from the poet's work. The poet questions the authenticity of the relationship and longs for the return of inspiration and intimacy. There's an underlying sense of loss and unfulfilled expectations. In the end, the poem portrays a complex sexual relationship between the two poets, highlighting the deep emotional connection to their love, craft, fluctuations in creativity, and inspiration that can occur.

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