In Awe of Ataraxia

This is my favourite poem! It’s by Vladimir Nabokov, a Russian novelist/writer. I like to call it the “Poem of an Introvert”. I’ve matched a picture to go with the poem. Click on the image for full-size.

I love this poem! I wrote it while peer tutoring an English class, just for fun. I hope you enjoy it!

An Arthurian Tall Tale

Something that could never be,

buried, as if

beneath the sea

A hope for fire, burning bright,

lost within

the gloom of night.

“Return! Apprentice, to your work”,

says the master,

with a smirk.

Denied the chance, he sits alone

a ridiculous dream

a sword to hone

is snapped! again,

by he that grins

demanding and forcing

his mannikin.
———Part Two———–
His resentment simmering,
he stares at the pot,
A chance to have glory!
… but all for naught.
Still, he mulls over
possibilities had
from that elixir, that potion!
Of Sir Galahad.
A knight of knights, yes,
pure heart and pure mind,
Galahad the Good was as fair as was kind
So Morgan Le Fey, that wicked witch bold
extracted an essence
from Sir Galahad’s soul.
But back to our apprentice!
That eager young mage
His story needs telling;
“The Release from the Cage”
————————
I know it’s not finished… but I might finish it someday.

Dinner by a candle’s light,
Twinkling of the eyes,
This couple sets
twin hearts alight
Burning ‘neath night skies

Romance known but not defined,
freedom to love and to be,
Eternal hope, ineffable joy,
their happiness easy to see.

Is this the known?
Can this be mine?
It feels, surreal, and yet
a dinner over candle’s light?
An intimate tête-à-tête?

The question, asked,
defies itself
And irony rolls her eyes
for how can love be of the head;
heart’s domain ain’t compromised.

Sorry for the cheese