Fairytale Poetry

Quiet
ropes
swing
in
the
distance
revealing
nothing
of
their
past;
singing,
laughing,
crying,
cursing,
each
rope
speaks
only
to
those
who
listen

Loud
noises
crunch
the
whispering
winds
of
solitude
pulling
the
other
into
reality,
forging
new
relationships

Short
and
Tall,
here
and
there,
high
and
low,
now
and
then,
their
essence
lives
forever
in
present
and
absent
beings

Smiling
patiently
for
all,
puffy
Paper
Tigers
set
hollow
decrees
of
compelled
existence,
straining
others
with
simulated
happiness
crushing
the
present

Blood
Spills
quietly
on
the pavement
as
the
other
surrenders
to
an
unchosen
fate;
listening,
praying,
hoping,
cursing
a
temporary
forced
existence
along
the
Red
Rocks

The
draw
bridge
lifts
and
some
stay
while
others
go
in
an
eternal
round
of
travelers

Scents
of
the
past
echo
In
the
peaceful
room,
drawing
the
Other
into
open
eternities
spilling
counsel
over
all
Present,
Creating
a
new
Echo
for
One

These
Hallowed
Halls
Ring
Hollow
And
Shine
Brightly
To
The
Intoxicated
New
And
Old
With
An
Elect
Few
Compassionately
Relocating
The
Influenced
Manipulating
Masses

The poem “Cracked Seal” is a pithy work that prompts a critical evaluation of its significance. On the surface, the poem seems to convey a sense of hollowness or vacuity, despite the existence of a few individuals who are capable of manipulating others for their own benefit. However, it also suggests the actions of these few may be motivated by a genuine concern for others rather than a desire for personal gain or power.

The opening lines, “These hallowed halls ring hollow,” immediately establish the poem’s theme of disillusionment, as the description of the halls as “hallowed” and “ringing” suggests an aura of sanctity and substance that is belied by the reality of their emptiness. The following line, “And shine brightly to the intoxicated new and old,” adds to this impression, as the description of the halls as “shining brightly” implies a false or superficial brilliance that is only visible to those who are blinded by their own inebriation or experience.

The phrase “an elect few” in the seventh line is a significant pivot in the poem, as it shifts the focus from the masses to the individuals who possess the power to manipulate and control them. The use of the word “compassionately” to describe these individuals adds complexity to their characterization, suggesting that their actions may be motivated by a genuine concern for others, rather than a desire for personal gain or power.

The final line of the poem, “manipulating masses,” serves as a succinct summary of the poem’s central theme, highlighting the power dynamic between those who control and those who are controlled. However, the use of the word “influenced” earlier in the poem suggests that this control may not be absolute, and that individuals may retain a measure of agency despite their manipulation.

In conclusion, “Cracked Seal” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of disillusionment, power, and agency. Through its use of vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem challenges the reader to question the true nature of power and control, and to consider the role of compassion and agency in human interactions.

Short
and
Tall
young
and
old
seep
into
new
lives
from
the
distant
past
finding
neither