My last HubPages article featured an old poem called Upon Parched Roots. Upon Parched Roots is a very personal poem. It was written about someone I was in love with as a young adult and who brought me great joy, despite that we both went our separate ways.
On HubPages, I also discussed what it’s like to post old, romantic literature and poems whose meanings may no longer hold the same weight they once did. As I’ve taken greater strides as a writer, I’ve taken pride in publishing things written over ten years ago. Upon Parched Roots is the oldest poem I’ve written that I still possess.
I used to throw away many things. Even today, I’m careful when organizing because I can be hasty. However, while in my late teens, I once threw exactly 81 of my poems away during a mental breakdown. They were all poems that I had been writing for years.
I couldn’t cope with my existence and my self-esteem was extremely low. My urge to destroy not only myself but also any object associated with me was so overwhelming that I tossed my poems into a tub before lighting them on fire.
After that, I stopped writing poetry for many years. With few exceptions, I stopped expressing myself, and the time spent from the end of my high school career to my mid-twenties was extremely arduous. Only three pieces of literature have survived from those times. First, is my debut short story, entitled Compassion as Our Guide. The second is Upon Parched Roots. Third, is another poem called Nightmare of You.
Unrelatedly, I’m going to have my two single-page comics from 2019 partially re-lettered and re-colored by Fariz Muzakki (@MuzakkiStudio). He was the original artist for Long-Lost Innocence and the original colorist and letterer for Progression. He is a frequent collaborator of mine and I praise him for having always helped bring my visions to life. The changes I’ve made only reflect my previous inexperience as a writer.
I have other comics-related projects in the works as well. This includes a project that I started in 2020 with my close friend and fellow creator, Elixxir, but that was never completed. The comic is called Break the Stigma. I’ve started it again with a new team and I’m so excited about how it’s turning out. I look forward to sharing everything soon!
Update
Everything referenced in this article has been completed and can be viewed by visiting the accompanying links! Also, all my articles have purposely been removed from HubPages. Upon Parched Roots and its associated article may therefore be read below!
Upon Parched Roots
enraptured
by the bay
the light slips through the shades
as gentle as the way
this love has torn me from
such numb
despondent days
and as the two of us rest
warm – only half-dressed
I admit that we are blessed
and that such affection is indeed best confessed
for I’ve trudged
through thick sludge and muck
characteristic of my rotting core
in search for the remnants of a love once slaughtered
but this is just a product of fate
so now
it’s as I gaze into those cosmic
ardent eyes
that I’d like for you to know
that your gorgeous essence
captivating glow
dealt wealth
upon these parched roots
My Thoughts on Posting Old Love Poetry
Because I’m someone who writes poetry about whatever I’m most strongly feeling, I’ve accumulated a few poems that were once dedicated to old partners and friends.
I’m fortunate, because most of the relationships I’ve been in, have ended either amicably (since so many of us have indeed experienced unpleasant breakups) or just gracefully enough that in the end, separation was mutual.
I’m hopeful that one day, I’ll settle down with someone whose support and unconditional love towards me, will mirror my own actions and feelings towards them. John Lennon sings in The Beatle’s song, “In My Life,” that he will “. . . never lose affection for people and things that went before.”
Despite this, he expresses that his love for his partner is unlike anything he has ever felt (a heartwarming sentiment for all, especially a hopeless romantic like me).
With this in mind, I also think it’s okay to post old, romantic literature, such as poems whose meanings may no longer hold the weight they once did. This is because art is a form of expression that should be shared and appreciated for its lasting value as something that can be interpreted.
I believe that this is, of course, as long as no person is ever slandered or portrayed in an ill manner. I thus suggest that romantic literature be posted in good taste (though I am aware that what is in “good taste,” is subjective).
Regardless, there may be tension and things might get awkward!
When musicians perform in concert, they often sing popular songs within their discography that no longer apply to their current outlook or situation in life.
Sometimes, the most requested music includes what musicians are no longer comfortable playing and the most sought-after literature discusses subjects that the creator can no longer relate to. Regardless, I’ve always been proud of I’ve written, and I hope to always share my work with others!
