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Silverback

Posted: Thu May 26, 2022 6:50 am
by AlienFlower
Silverback
 
Hold me less precious in your hands
and see as awards this dappling, this graying
I have become. I am the pilot left white-locked, 
a paid toll from overflying spewed volcanos; 
I am the sprinter of my dream who wins again 
despite her gaping chest hole. I am
Silverback
who still grasps paths 
surely.
Give me space to open my arms.

Re: Silverback

Posted: Thu May 26, 2022 3:40 pm
by Mark
Raw and impacting writing.

Re: Silverback

Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 11:07 am
by indar
Hold me less precious in your hands
and see as awards this dappling, this graying
I have become.

Hi Jackie,

Stunning first line. I especially like the implied loss of a certain youthful preciousness that does not serve the individual as well as the more realistic way one is seen later in life. The graying one becomes--yes! Once gray, one is defined more by one's age, less by gender for one thing. 

I am caught however on the use of the silverback gorilla as the metaphorical victor over adversity (I believe that's the thrust of this write). It conjures up an image that seems somehow combative---or territorial more than expansive as the last two beautiful lines suggest.

Re: Silverback

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2022 12:21 pm
by AlienFlower
Mark — Thank you for kind words.

Linda — I am glad to know the parts that work for you. 
Once gray, one is defined more by one's age, less by gender for one thing.
Yes, but more than that one is often over-protected from imagined harm. The elderly of any gender bear a lifetime of scars earned from achieving the best they can and N prefers they be left free, if they wish, to continue to do so until they are struck down. A silverback is male among the gorillas but here represents elderly leaders in any context.

I need to make my meaning clearer, I think.

Thank you both for your help.

​​​​​​​Jackie

Re: Silverback

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2022 6:31 pm
by Colm Roe
Not sure how much clearer you need to make it, Jackie.
I certainly got the sense and intended shape of it; 'chest hole'...I see two meanings, but both work.
Sing it, Jackie...Grey Pride  :D
Nice write.
 

Re: Silverback

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2022 7:08 am
by Eric Ashford
It took me awhile to come to grips with this one, but it was worth a few reads.
The silverback image holds well for the trevails of aging
and the scars of life.
An original look at this legendary exitance of ours.

Re: Silverback

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2022 5:24 am
by AlienFlower
Thank you, Colm and Eric. I'm glad the message comes across.

Jackie

Re: Silverback

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2022 11:35 am
by Matty11
As always Jackie, a freshness of approach, that made the assertions that more compelling.
Hold me less precious in your hands
and see as awards this dappling, this graying
I have become.
Yes, there is beauty in truth for both.
Give me space to open my arms.
I can hear the breathing in that release.

thank you for sharing

Phil

Re: Silverback

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2022 11:10 am
by AlienFlower
Thank you, Phil. I'm glad it has meaning for you and I need the encouragement right now!

Jackie