We who with songs beguile your pilgrimage / And swear that Beauty lives though lilies die, / We Poets of the proud old lineage / Who sing to find your hearts, we know not why ... (James Elroy Flecker)

1.5.20

Hermit

Hermit

I line my cave
with books, poems
(to read and to write)
television dramas, 
crafts (both magical 
and just plain woolly)
and interesting food.  

It’s good here, living
self-sufficiently. I’m 
not panting to emerge,
to embrace the world 
and the people. Here
I am free; no-one 
has expectations.


Written during self-isolation in the first months of the pandemic.

Sharing in Writers' Pantry #49 at Poets and Storytellers United.

22 comments:

  1. I feel very cosy reading your poem A great freedom that is

    ReplyDelete
  2. Being a hermit does have its bonuses doesn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Loved this poem so much...my feelings exactly...was going to say Hermits Unite...but that defeats the concept somewhat:)

    I bags using O for your poem next Wednesday...O dear o goodness o everyone is going to use o:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha, yes that does rather defeat the concept.
      Doesn't matter if people use the same letter.

      Delete
  4. This is such a familiar situation, wrapped up neatly in your hermit cave, Rosemary! Although, I’d like to see my daughter and grandson some time soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't see my family very often anyway, as they live in a different State. But we do now meet on video from time to time – so the pandemic has actually increased our access to each other!

      Delete
  5. Pretty much my world through this lockdown... and I too have no complaints!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Resigned to solitude with the surrounding love. How wonderful
    Stay Safe

    Much❤love

    ReplyDelete
  7. Me too Rosemary - I have no problem with solitude.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I feel the same. I have tons to keep me busy and as an added bonus my family really does get along fairly well. LOL, not that we don't have bumps here and there, but I've read about and heard some dire stories, and I feel blessed that I have a cozy home, with lots to do, and people I like spending time with near me. LOL, and Zoom too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes, and going into winter...the only thing I'd change about working from the sunroom is that it's *too* close to home. Means I can be online at night if I discipline myself to work outdoors in the daytime. Also means I'm not walking enough miles per day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, not keeping up the walking is an indulgence too easy to slide into.

      Delete
  10. Sometimes we find things to be not so bad, even wonderful when our options are limited.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Freedom is doing the things you love.
    i don't have a problem with the lockdown. i catch up with cleaning the house, manage to write more, and become cook to the family. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. We're all learning more about hibernation while keeping company with something larger and unseen. Great to peek into your cave.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love, love, LOVE this one, Rosemary, and feel the same way. I've always enjoyed my own company (as long as there are books and things to clean, lol). And although the pandemic has taken away a lot of choices--and that's never comfortable--having more time to spent with me and my books feels just right.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I wonder how it might read if you followed with an update (now?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Much the same – except that I'm regretting being too self-indulgent with the 'interesting food' and lack of exercise! But after all, I can remedy that without compromising my safety ... and in any case, the strictest isolation is no longer necessary.

      Delete
  15. To have reached a statement of contentment with one's own company is a wondrous thing, Rosemary. I'm there too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I feel a bit calmer, reading your poem. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. sounds like more than a cave - but a sanctuary. I think those who have hobbies and interests are far better equipped during these times of Covid-19!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh, yes a spot-on write on the state of self-isolation! I relate, too. The last line of your poem, "no-one has expectations" is one of few benefits offered by the pandemic. How I enjoy my own company!

    ReplyDelete

DON'T PANIC IF YOUR COMMENTS DON'T POST IMMEDIATELY. They are awaiting moderation. Please allow for possible time difference; I am in Australia. ALSO, IF YOU ARE FORCED TO COMMENT ANONYMOUSLY – do add your name at the end, so I know it's you!