Ithaca, my Pledge

From what far shore, unseen, with arms of welcome
Penelope sings yearning words of home?
Across the sea, wine-dark with ancient story,
the storm obscures desire. I am bereft
of wisdom that would know the arrow’s flight.
What path my boat would cleave no longer matters.
A random journey, mine, and blind my haven.

I will not seek her warmth, nor claim her comfort,
where wild ambition veils my surer step
in obscure lusts for hope that stands unfounded.
Needless goals removed – without fulfilment –
I seek the aching songs of solitude
to know my deeper heart, my larger conscience.
A certain journey, mine, but not its ending.

© Simon J Ashcroft, 2022

#sjashcroftspoems #poem #poetry #mywork #mywords