One of my favourite scenes in The Odyssey came to mind when listening to this – Odysseus held captive on Calypso’s island where he despairs for his home …

‘She found him sitting on the shore. His eyes were wet with weeping, as they always were. Life with its sweetness was ebbing away in the tears he shed for his lost home.’

Hi Hollie – thanks so much for those really kind, preceptive, and useful comments. Its great to be able to contribute something to this exciting forum, and I hope it relates with a few readers. I wrote it thinking abut the commonwealth/life in general from a youth perspective.
It is so helpful to hear what people think of your writing – so thank you again!

So great to learn the context, which for me makes your poem both more relatable but at the same time frustrating when I’m part of the global north. thanks

Just shared a poem I’ve written for the Commonwealth poetry podcast (its on another thread if you are interested )

Thank you Gyles and Hollie – and yes I’ll share a poem

Thanks Binu for putting me on to Kamala Das – and this powerful and honest poem which has so much relevance still today. I’m reminded a bit of Sylvia Plath.

Wow I found this brutally poignant and beautiful – thank you Gerald8

I’m really enjoying listening to this podcast. Brilliant premise – wide ranging, mind broadening poetry which connects us with other experiences, but also reminds us what we have in common. Gyles asks what does poetry mean to you? I’ve tried answering in a recent blog… https://wearerestless.org/2022/06/08/poetry-in-practice/