NaPoWriMo, Day 29: “Fortress of Solitude”

This poem was inspired by the Fortress of Solitude, the “home away from home” Superman has in Antarctica. While that was the inspiration, not every line in the poem applies to the place.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the final day of National Poetry Writing Month because I will write a type of poem I’ve never written before–a sonnet!

For now, enjoy today’s poem.

Fortress of Solitude

I retreat to a hiding place
Away from the world’s demands, others’ judgments, my problems.
Here, I savor the tales of heroes,
Wishing I was one of them.
Here, I am free to be me
When none understand who I am.
Here, I commune with my Father,
Hoping to find the strength to face the day.
It is my Fortress of Solitude:
A lonely stronghold protected by cold walls.
The door is unlocked—
I would welcome any who enter,
And share my dwelling with them,
So it may be a home and not a house of seclusion.
Yet few accept my invitation and none stay,
Leaving me alone in hallowed and hollow halls.

NaPoWriMo, Day 28: “Escape”

This poem was inspired by my recent reading of the Book of Job in the Bible, specifically the titular character’s speeches. It’s a bit depressing, but it’s also honest (much like Job himself).

Escape

Job is my kindred,
For few understand my sorrow:
The pain of a righteous sufferer.
Injustice crushes me unopposed,
I am criticized or ignored by “comforters,”
Slander and lies poison my friendships,
Leaving my life to rot in mediocrity.
Oh, that I could shed this mortal coil,
And be with my LORD in Paradise!
My bones are weary despite my youth,
My heart leaden from despair.
If death is my only relief
And Eternity my only vindication,
Then let me escape this Purgatory—
Take me now that my suffering may end.
Or else grant me justice—
Cut out my naysayers’ tongues,
Restore me, bless me, heal me
Before I am swallowed by the Pit.