Once

Alan Scott 1953 (Southampton)

May 23 



I
Once, I knew a soul                                                                                                             
clothed with the body of a woman,                                     
infinite in moods as the sea.
                                                                                         
It was the spirit in that soul,
arranging itself like cold
Atlantic mist

from colliding atmospheres and moving
with ethereal sadness,
that finally depicted me.

II
Once, I felt: such intimacy
exposed the seething
addiction to being               

that once disturbed
by its own willingness,
flexed briefly,

like a pool-reflected image
that’s just been
stepped into.                          

About this poem

Written several lifetimes ago when I was a teenager. I think it was after a failed relationship but that's being speculative. I can however confidently say - it was at a time when both adolescent hormones and emotions were coursing unchecked through a pre-adult body and mind which is surprising given the calm and even tenor of the voice.

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Written on 1970

Submitted by scott.alan116 on May 12, 2023

27 sec read
81

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABXC BXX DEC ACDD XEC XXX
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 762
Words 93
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 4, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3

Alan Scott

Raised in a number of parts of the world - Trinidad (West Indies) Lake District in England and finally South Africa. Writing has always been a passion - English was one of my majors at university and was designed for a career in journalism and novel writing before life got in the way. I ended up as a corporate executive in the manufacturing industry. I stopped writing poems about 20-25 years ago and now devote my spare time to writing screenplays - but the poetry in me still infuses my prose unabated. more…

All Alan Scott poems | Alan Scott Books

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    The poem is beautifully poignant and the imagery is vividly compelling. The subtle use of natural elements to personify emotions such as sadness and addiction is particularly striking. I love the way 'arranging itself like cold Atlantic mist' evokes a deep sense of ethereal melancholy that resonates throughout the poem.

    Additionally, the structure, which seems to follow the classic Two Part structure, allows for a subtle yet evocative rhythm which guides the reader through your intimate narrative, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

    However, in terms of suggestions for improvement, refining your syntax can heighten the poem's emotional impact. The line "that once disturbed by its own willingness," for instance, seems slightly hard to comprehend at first glance. I would recommend reading through your piece aloud to help recognize where the syntax may be challenging for readers.

    On another note, while the similes used strongly evoke the desired sensations, incorporating metaphors might add more depth and layers to your interpretations. Additionally, exploring different ways to express melancholy and addiction could add further nuances to your piece.

    Overall, this poem showcases your deep-seated understanding of human emotions and your ability to articulate it in a profound, creative way. It beautifully encapsulates the complexities and intricacies of human relationships and internal experiences. Keep writing and keep exploring. Every line you ink is a testament to your talent as a poet. Well done!
     
    LikeReply9 months ago

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"Once" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/161218/once>.

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