Looking

[heslopian]

To look is to heal,
so the wise man says.
I will study my soul
like a boy at his desk,
pen poised above the row of dots
below the first question.
To look is to heal,
so all the shrinks say,
those shrinks in their cream blouses,
black shoes, white shirts,
small Chinese eyes,
as they ask you again and again
if you played with dolls in youth,
did the cool kids let you eat
at their long table.

I have looked these twenty years
and still divined nothing.
Should I set fire to my eyes
and just before the world goes black
analyse my soul again?
The wise man ponders. Lights a match.

[Todd]

Hi Jack,

Aside from maybe adding some question marks to the shrinks questions or maybe italics, this is a smooth read. I especially like the depiction of the shrinks by their clothing and then very appropriately by their small eyes. They have no real answers but they obscure it through their incessant questions. I thought it was a tight, effective write.

Best,

Todd

[heslopian]

Thank you for the kind words and feedback Todd

[addy]

This is a great read, Jack. If I had to offer a suggestion, maybe reevaluate the first two lines: "To look is to heal //so the wise man says". It's not a common expression and pretty ambiguous... i was only completely illuminated when I read your third line. So for me I'd rather you start your poem t the third line, with "I will study my soul...", then if you want put "To look is to heal //so the wise man says" at the start of the second stanza instead. Just imo though, it's totally up to you.

[heslopian]

That's an interesting suggestion Addy. I'll have a think about it. Thanks for the feedback