I’m not locked down anymore
But sometimes I feel locked in
Locked into myself
I wonder who my neigbours are
They know I’m a stranger
What if they find out
I write poetry
How strange then will they think me?
Why do I make up stories about my neighbours
Who actually seem pretty friendly?
Perhaps it’s because I’m a stranger here
Like the ‘extravagant and wheeling stranger
Of here and everywhere.’
Destined to forever gaze upon beautiful views
Out of successive windows
Never mine.
Written for dVerse poetics: Looking out of the Window
Even if you’re writing about your neighbour’s, what a view! I’m sure they’d appreciate having a poetess neighbor. ❤️💙💛
Haha thanks I hope so! I’m very lucky to have the view, I agree!
That’s a lovely view you have – and looks like your neighbour is out on their balcony watering the geraniums.
There’s a lot in this poem. I liked the ‘no longer locked down but locked in’ – phrase – a feeling many of us have. I also liked the dynamic in the poem – watching and being watched – full of uncertainty leading to the Othello quote – where Roderigo insults Othello as a shiftless wanderer – making the poem’s questioning even more pointed. There’s a wistfulness in the last lines – how beauty isn’t all that great if you don’t have a home. Thanks so much for sharing this.
You’re very welcome and thank you for your kind comments. I have moved around a lot, sometimes it feels like a blessing and at other times a curse!
I love the view. So jealous of you right now 😃
Yeah at the moment it’s raining maybe that’s why the negative tone but when the sun is out it’s marvellous!
Haha! No, maybe that’s the wrong reaction! Yes, just think sunshine and it’s sure to come sooner or later! ☀️
How immaculate everything looks – so typically Slovenian, at least in the parts of the country I have been. Even in the lesser ‘well to do’ areas I have seen ladies of a certain age sweeping outside their houses, and window boxes dressed in their finery.
That certainly wasn’t me 🤣
That is a stunning view, Ingrid! I identify with the feeling of being locked down, even out of lockdown; even after twenty years of living in a little village, I don’t really know many people, and the neighbours we did get to know quite well moved away last year. I too make up stories about my neighbours, fictionalise them and give them alter egos. In fact, I’m currently near the end of one. I think your neighbours would be very curious and thrilled to have a poet in their midst.
I’m pleased it’s not just me then!
A fantastic view, both out your window and into your mind.
Thank you!
I love the way you end the poem Ingrid … ‘Destined to forever gaze upon beautiful views
Out of successive windows
Never mine’.
Like someone finding it impossible to settle somewhere.
You got me!
Oh this is lovely Ingrid… yes I have similar thoughts sometimes… you’ve written it so beautifully.
Thank you Lia! It’s great to hear that other people go through the same kind of thing 😊
I enjoy your view, and the line that stands out to me is, “They know I’m a stranger.”
The view is lovely, but there’s something pensive about those last two words. Perhaps one day a window of your own!
Who knows! 😊
Can’t wait to hear what your neighbors think when they read your words in print… They’ll look up at you from the window saying “wow, how lucky am I that someone so beautiful and astute wrote about me”.
That is so lovely 😊 thank you, you have given me a boost when I needed it most!
you are so welcome! I’m happy to hear that!!!!
A very layered poem that gives a glimpse, not only out the window, but inward.
Thank you, that’s what I wanted to convey.
Lovely view Ingrid, it’s been overcast for over a week here in India where I live. Lovely poem too 🙂
Thank you 😊 I hope the weather brightens up for you soon!
A very good poem of contemplation. It is interesting that these days few people actually know their neighbors. I love your view from your window.
Thanks 😊 It is a beautiful view!
A fantastic view and wonderfully introspective poem. A pleasure to read.
Beautiful!!❤❤
Thank you 😊🙏