h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: The Flame - A6162437
Author: David B, Singing Librarian Owl - U201818

A poem I wrote when struggling with clinical depression. I came across this in my room recently and gave it a bit of a polish before posting it here.

David

I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

Would be great to see the poem picked up by the powers that be and shown in The Post

Good Afternoon David,

I like this short poem. The flame is full of early pride and optimism of its power and brightness, which gives way to a later atmosphere of fear and doubt of its power to continue the struggle and about its own ability to avoid extinction. It stands alone, without help or shelter in the struggles of its life. It prevails in its quest for survival, saying that it must never be extinguished.
I feel that the last verse gives the impression that the life of the flame is infinite. But an end must ultimately come to everything, however important it may seem to itself, and to others, that it should survive. But I see the reason for that optimism as a metaphor for continuing life and recovery from trauma. The ultimate end postponed.

I see the poem in the context of the illness you were personally struggling with at the time of its composition. As a kind of allegory, ending with your full recovery and leaving you with a healthy optimism towards life and all that it offers.

Is my response 'eyewash'? Well, maybe!

Now why couldn't I have said that

Well Chips, you could very well have said that!

I've seen your responses to other poems and postings that tell me you can if you choose to do so!

Anyway Chips, what I have said might be regarded and rejected by others with disdain!

Ron

That's their problem if they wish to reject your opinions with disdain

Sometimes I feel an urge to write a World and Peace critique, but, mostly, I can't be M@C&Ad

Thanks for the comments. Regarding the final line, do you think it would be better if I said 'not' instead of 'never'?

I would have said 'the flame will never die'

And sorry, I think you meant to type 'nursing'...

Well, you're not alone there!

I, too, very often can't be a..ed to write at length!

Largely depends on how I feel emotionally and physically at the time, as to whether I go ahead and respond.

I see

You see Chips, I didn't notice that tiny error; but you did!
None of us are infallible!

I wonder what 'nuesing' means... Well spotted.

Now I feel a nit picker

And,if you are going to criticise, always start and finish on a good note

Strong metaphor. In my mind's eye, the flame got smaller and smaller, was pushed to the edge and was dying, but was *rescued* by that last stanza.

It always is incredible to me when someone chooses to open a personal piece like this up. I couldn't do it.