Cate

For Whom The Wheel Turns

by Cate

Monday 7th September 2009 9:52 am (first posted Saturday 5th September 2009 5:56 pm)

The wheel grinds slowly

But grind it does.

Inexorably, imperceptibly

Fraction by fraction

It turns.

Moons wane, suns die.

It turns.

Icebergs rain, oceans dry.

It turns.

Planets birth, stars explode.

It turns.

Mountains earth, lavas flow.

It turns.

So you think you’re safe

My dear

In your snug improved

Little semi?

Black tentacles reaching

Spiderlike to drain

Your victim?

So you think you’re safe

My dear

On your law woven

Wily web?

Poison threaded strands

Reaching out to trap

And tear?

Shshsh…..listen closely

Do you hear it

In the distance?

A faint rumble

An awakening, a stirring?

Do not rest easy

In your dreams

My dear.

Do not smile secretly

In your sleep

My dear.

For I am your wheel.

And I am turning……

◄ Sunflowers

Taj At Sunset ►

Comments

Yvonne Brunton

Fri 4th May 2012 19:40

powerfully ominous. Indeed for whom the bell tolls there is no escape. XX

Yolande

Mon 7th Sep 2009 19:27

Hi Cate
A very powerful poem. Makes me glad I am not that wily spider when it gets the wheel of fortune spinning full circle.
Loved it.
Yolande

Francine

Mon 7th Sep 2009 15:25

Hi Cate!
Have read this many times over the last few days - as I often like to do with certain poems that make me think ; )

Indeed, as others have mentioned, it's underlying message for me is based on the concepts of Existentialism and Karma...
We are responsible for the choices we make, so make them wisely...
Basically - What goes around, comes around : )

Oh!
I forgot to mention that for me, the 'Wheel' is the conscience.

Isobel

Mon 7th Sep 2009 12:49

Yes - I think you're right with that one Cynthia - though I hadn't originally thought of the philosophical term for it. You bring to mind all the French literature I studied many moons ago. Sometimes it feels good to be the one with 'Les Mains Sales' - on that note, I'm off to Asda...

<Deleted User> (6484)

Mon 7th Sep 2009 11:58

as with all the other reviewers I am happy to have read this piece, the wheel of time, hmmm,agree with what Cynthia says.
Thanks for this well written and interesting piece.
Bernie

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Mon 7th Sep 2009 10:20

Existentialism? Have I got that right? Total responsibility for one's own actions? Haven't time to look it up, but I think that is one of many 'umbrella' words for the philosophy. Knock me flat if I'm wrong. Would expect no more.

Cate Greenlees

Mon 7th Sep 2009 10:03

Thanks for your comments folks... much appreciated! I agree with you Cynthia, and could see the change would make it more powerful, so Ive changed it. Thanks for your input.I can see where Steve and Antonioni are coming from too. I know there are two very distinct styles here, but I was aiming for that. I wanted to show that the Universal law of Karma which affects the Cosmos, also scales down to our "little lives" and that if we set it in motion by our own actions, then on our own heads be it.Cate xx

Dave Bradley

Sun 6th Sep 2009 21:28

Hi Cate

This has rightly got a lot of comment. A crafted, thought-provoking poem that I would love to discuss with you. Possibly your best yet. Thanks for yours on mine.

<Deleted User> (5646)

Sun 6th Sep 2009 12:40

Brilliant turns of phrase in this Cate.
I had an image of the grim reaper in the first stanza which grew to a kind of grisly knowing towards the end of the poem. I was quite pleased with my initial re-action and imagery but the under-lying image of the grim reaper scared me a little.

I'm in the belief that we shouldn't fear the reaper and face our fears but only when we're good and ready to do so.
Sorry, i went on a bit there and there's so much more i could say i think it's best i stop now. :-)

Janet.x

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sun 6th Sep 2009 12:06

By the way: clever title. One that draws in readers by association, to see what you have to say.

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sun 6th Sep 2009 12:04

Fabulous! All-absorbing. Crafted with real style. Sense of inexorability well maintained.
The tiniest pickiest point imaginable - I would reverse 'Moons wane, suns die' to emphasise immensity ... more like a poke - kick! than a kick! - poke'.

Isobel

Sat 5th Sep 2009 22:55

A very well written and thought provoking poem Cate. It would be lovely to think that 'what goes around comes around' but there isn't always much evidence of that - unless one has the wheel in one's control that is...

garside

Sat 5th Sep 2009 20:45

Hi Cate

have read this a few times and think that the middle stanza stands alone as the poem and with the title and the last two lines of the final stanza feels more complete

think that the resdt of the words used here could make a further poem with a related title

Cate Greenlees

Sat 5th Sep 2009 20:35

Hi Steve, great comment.. thanks. Im glad it makes you uncomfortable.... its meant to. Its not an age thing at all.Its a personal thing.I dont want to explain it and spoil the atmosphere Ive hopefully created for other readers. I ll email you later an explanation.
Cate xx

steve mellor

Sat 5th Sep 2009 20:26

Hi again Cate
I loved the poem, but could you let me know what 'law woven wily web' means.
For I am your wheel, and I am turning ...
For some reason I get a sort of uncomfortable feeling deep down. Is it an age thing?
Steve M. :-)))

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

Please consider supporting us

Donations from our supporters are essential to keep Write Out Loud going

Bringing poetry to people

Click here to donate now