Weary Wandering


Waning off the will to wield, to hold,

held, the hilt waiting for you to

want it once—

once more, but you whisper

the world still

silent, words slipping away.

Wading in the wake left by

wounds ripping

what was left? you

were wasted, always

wondering, must I

wander more,

finding the handle

held tight, holding tight

as weak wrists could

you wander on?

Old Version:

Waning off the will to wield, to hold,

held, the hilt waiting for you to

want it once—

once more, but you whisper

the world still

silent, words slipping away.

Wading in the wake left by

wounds ripping

what was left? you

were wasted, always

wondering, must I

Wander more,

find the handle

held tight, holding tight

as weak wrists, ask

could you be a hero again

Author’s Note:

Can you tell what kind of person this is? Am I making it obvious enough that they’re like a retired knight or something? Is that last line too on the nose?


5 responses to “Weary Wandering”

  1. Re, is the poem subject clear: yes

    Re, could I be a hero again line:
    Yes, too on the nose, but also it abruptly introduces a new idea about virtue/heroics into a poem about age, health, reminiscence, past achievement or ability.

    I like the ambiguity about what he wants – he’s not sure. “Must I wander more” is so great.

    Love weary in the title. Not sure about traveler. Could have a word with a more appropriately-flexible meaning.

  2. the hilt part told me it was a sword being discussed, but my brain went to a dark place with like a depressed person who couldn’t fight anymore (it’s been that kind of day! seeing all my patients in your poem) rather than a knight who was too tired to fight. but now that you say that, totally!!!

  3. I didn’t catch it was a knight on first read, but I see that now. I was more noting the rhythm and taking a general impression – it felt to me more of a metaphorical journey/struggle and decision whether to go on. The alliteration also reminded me of the Crosby, Stills, and Nash song “Helplessly Hoping” https://youtu.be/kyquqw6GeXk – especially the lyrics:
    “Wordlessly watching he waits by the window
    And wonders at the empty place inside”
    So maybe that association also influenced my reaction.

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