A ‘Garland’ Shadorma
I've returned
from imposed exile
that my child
may belong
that she never need reclaim
a lost legacy
even as
freedom's native son
belonging
eludes me
pulled between societies
nearly stretched to shreds
homeland-born
never asked to be
raised away
far, so far,
from grandparents, aunts, cousins
from my truest self
the worst- was
not realizing
that I was
a stranger
navigating my life through
a foreign culture
as a child
with home so distant
my mind was
wholly filled
with romantic ideas
inherited hopes
adulthood
realizing dreams
new viewpoints
painful blows
having what I thought I knew
shattered; built anew
I've returned
freedom's native son
raised abroad
a stranger
with romantic ideas
shattered; built anew
‘Garland’ Shadorma?
The ‘Garland’ Shadorma was created by Sylvia Cognac, modeled after the ‘Garland’ Cinquain. Essentially, it is a Shadorma series of seven stanzas, with the seventh and final stanza being composed of lines from all six previous stanzas.
d’Verse Open Link Night
I am sharing this poem for today’s OLN at d’Verse.
Let’s write poetry together!
When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.
–Ben Harper (b. 1969)
Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!
The Skeptic's Kaddish ๐ฎ๐ฑ 
This is incredibly moving and deep!! ๐๐๐
๐ค๐๐ป Sanaa ๐๐ป๐ค ~ thank you so very much.
~David
both moving and sadly touching.. love the repeat! ๐
BTW – since you turned off comments on your last post – I love the collage and poetry! โค
Much love,
David
Thank you so much Dear David! โฃ๏ธ
Having chosen this after living elsewhere makes it all the more meaningful.
๐๐๐ป Merril ๐๐ป๐
Although these immigrant communities of exiles and refugees are more tightly knitted.
Well not all, but with certain nationals they are able to form a home away from home and in so doing pass on traditions, culture way of living and ultimate build a legacy outside of the country.
My tummy knots as you write about these feelings of being torn between two worlds.
Yet oft when thinking of motherland for many it is a charred mess, why go home, to do what.
What a privilege to travel and to return to a safe country, a warm and comforting bed. Family and friends there to welcome, eager to listen to your globe trotting stories. A bright contrast to leaving home with uncertainty
And after so many years
Returning home
That strangeness feelings can be sooo overwhelming
Starting anew, it ainโt easy David.
Havenโt you posted this one before?
๐ค๐๐ป Abi ๐๐ป๐ค ~ yes, I have! Every two weeks, I repost an older poem for the d’Verse community.
Thanks for the kindness and empathy โค๏ธ
Oh, I’m so pleased with my memory
I thought I felt this one before
You are more than welcome โค
The emotional thread that strings these together is marvelous!
๐๐๐ป Muri ๐๐ป๐
A moving write, David. ๐
๐ค๐๐ป Michele ๐๐ป๐ค
This type of life is like traveling in two boats. Not easy to maintain the balance.
โค๏ธ๐๐ป Sadje ๐๐ปโค๏ธ ~ a perfect analogy
Itโs a saying in urdu. Iโve some experience of it via my 13 year old grandson who spent 5+ years in the US and has to reacquaint himself with our language and culture
๐ฏ
๐๐ผ
BTW, is Urdu only the name of the language?
Yes, it only the name. Itโs spoken in India and Pakistan. In Pakistan itโs our national language
๐๐ป
What an interesting story of your life experiences. Interesting that you are embedding your daughter in her roots. Do you think there might be a possibility she will grow up and head out into the world far from home?
๐๐๐ป Dwight ๐๐ป๐ ~ yes, of course there is!
The circle of life though I can relate with moving to another country in my later life. Thanks for sharing!
๐๐๐ป Grace ๐๐ป๐
It’s never simple. Filled with emotional resonance. (K)
๐๐๐ป Kerfe ๐๐ป๐ ~ thanks!