The Yearning for Ataraxia: A Sonnet of Tranquility and Solace



In contemplation of a place unknown,
A locus of tranquility and peace,
The yearning of my soul doth now bemoan
An absence of a solace never ceased.

Ataraxia, a place of serenity,
A haven yet to be beheld by mine eyes,
A longing for such bliss doth now enmity
My heart, for this, my soul doth now surmise.

Since birth, I have not known this place of rest,
A locus of which my heart doth long to see,
For in its presence, I am truly blessed,
And all my worries cease to be.

But alas, this place remains a mystery,
An unrevealed haven of serenity.

About this poem

The sonnet "In contemplation of a place unknown" expresses the speaker's longing for a place of ataraxia, or serenity. The speaker's soul "doth now bemoan" the absence of this solace, which they have never experienced since their birth. The idea of ataraxia is portrayed as a "locus of tranquility and peace," and a "haven" that the speaker's eyes have yet to behold. The longing for this place creates an "enmity" within the speaker's heart and soul, causing them to "surmise" about its existence. Despite the fact that this place remains a mystery, the speaker believes that in its presence, they will be "truly blessed" and all worries will cease to be. The final line of the sonnet reinforces the idea that this place is an "unrevealed haven of serenity." The sonnet's use of complex English terms such as "bemoaned," "locus," and "enmity" adds depth and sophistication to the speaker's longing for this place of ataraxia. 

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Written on January 16, 2023

Submitted by Mawphniang.Napoleon on January 16, 2023

Modified on March 18, 2023

35 sec read
10

Quick analysis:

Scheme AXAX BCBC DBDB BB
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 547
Words 119
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 2

Mawphniang Napoleon

Mawphniang is a person who is always striving to live life to the fullest. He is someone who is always open to new ideas and ways of living and is unafraid to take risks in order to explore the unknown. He is passionate about life and is always looking for ways to make use of his time and energy. He has an inquisitive nature, and is always looking for answers to life's mysteries and questions. Though Mawphniang does not pretend to have all the answers, he is determined to taste life and live a simple life, without overcomplicating things. He's a person who appreciates the small moments and cherishes the little things in life. He enjoys spending time in nature, exploring the world, and connecting with people. He is a person who is always up for a new adventure and never stops learning. He is on a daily journey of self-discovery, trying to make sense of the world and his place in it. more…

All Mawphniang Napoleon poems | Mawphniang Napoleon Books

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