Astrogator's Logs

New Words, New Worlds
Rest
Artist, Heather Oliver             

Double Edge

edge-22.jpg

6 Responses to “Double Edge”

  1. Marie says:

    What an absolutely breathtaking backdrop for this truly identifying poem. I have often wondered how people try to mold themselves into something they cannot relate to and wither in the attempt to conform. Wasting talent and drive in a lackluster position or one that stifles is definitely taking the simile of the penknife. Rusting in the sheath is a more satisfying proposition for the present because when the call echoes and the event arrives, the fire, anvil and whetstone are there to give sharpness, brightness and power back to the blade.
    Stunningly beautiful, Athena and so appropriate.

    Marie

  2. Athena says:

    Thank you, my dear friend. I agree, penknives are small!

  3. rocketscientist says:

    OOOOHHHHH!!!! Lovely!

    I may have to snag that and turn it into an icon. 😀

  4. Athena says:

    I’m pleased you like it!

    The backdrop is the Faerie formation in the Eagle nebula. The figure, of course, is Man-yu Cheung as Flying Snow in Hero.

    The poem comes from yours truly… adolescent in tone, I know, but I have not yet achieved the total pragmatism of true adulthood.

  5. intrigued_scribe says:

    Beautiful poem! The simile of the penknife is perfect and very appropriately underscores the turmoil and sorrowful edge inherent in any situation where one is faced with the decision of whether to conform–and let one’s fire and vitality burn out–or to follow one’s own path regardless of the greater risk and allow that fire to burn brightly.

    Also, the background image is nothing short of stunning, and makes for a breath-taking accompaniment. Lovely!

  6. Athena says:

    I’m happy you enjoyed the poem and its background! These formations were among the stunning images captured by the Hubble telescope.

    As for the stance… in my case, I honestly have little choice. Today I turned down a job offer that would have been safe, respectable and productive. My heart balked like an unruly horse. I wanted to continue my research, underfunded as it is.