Here I Am

Hello Ingrid,

I realise this is me going back through your catalogue. I haven't read this before and having read it through once, I feel the need to read it again, but carefully this time. Here goes...

The title says to me, 'here I am now' a statement that informs this reader that a journey has been had. Like a finishing line and starting line all in one. One journey starting and another beginning.

Stanza 1 - the alliteration and rhyme of 'heat and 'concrete' help to define the image of a bright day, full of potential A feeling that anything is possible. The metaphor of a cocoon is a good one; inside changes have taken place and a new life is about to emerge. The 'bird' reference adds to the 'free' nature of the poem. Fantastically optimistic. Like a dance, hips swinging and whistling into the air, like all your Christmases have come at once! :O)

Stanza 2 - The image continues, the hip swinging, whistle blowing, care free walk away from your 'house' This word is a sanctuary, a place where we remain for prolonged amounts of time, especially if we doubt the safety of the 'outdoors. Today is different though, today is a day of possibilities and new found confidence. This confidence is like a child, seeing the world in a new way, for the first time understanding its surface and wanting to discover more. Strangers appreciating the happiness exuded from you, feeling the optimism and nodding in approval.

Stanza 3 - This verse really brings home the significance of the change. Previously a caterpillar restricted by slow movement, only being able to see the world from a limited perspective. But now, a glorious butterfly, colourful, vibrant and free to experience the world's delights through awakened senses. You make worthy note of the value of possessions. I like to say, not all that glitters is gold. So true!

Stanza 4 - A lovely and apt summary. A bird who is caged is never truly free. They may sing, but they sing of days when they will be free. This story is true (I know) and many can relate to it, especially if they have 'seen the light' many are helped by professionals, whilst others find this themselves. Either way, the freedom felt is liberating and worthy of rejoicing. Once you've seen the world in colour there is no way of going back. Life is to be lived to the full, giving as well as taking.
The repeated exclamation is more than words, it is free excitement of a life full of possibilities. I know this to be true of you. Your life is going from strength to strength because of your freedom and ability to see the world in all its vivid colour.

Ingrid, I know this was written a while back, but it just shows how pivotal that time was for you. An inspirational write for sure!

Take care and all the best.

Michael ((hugs)) xx

A rhyming poem!!! Loved it Ingrid!
You have expressed freedom in your every word.

Excellent theme and really well written.

Firstly, it's great to see you have found freedom! It's everyone's right to be free, to choose their own path, their own actions, etc

Here I Am

^^ I'm actually not sure if this is just reiteration of the title or if it is a part of the poem. But, if it is part of the poem which I originally thought, this is quite a powerful statement. It also captures the readers attention and pulls them in to read more.

Sizzling heat, concrete melting
Swinging my hips, humming a tune
Here I am, here I am, free as a bird
Today I broke the shell of my cocoon

^^I love the last line - 'Today I broke the shell of my cocoon' - it both makes it sound as though you were trapped, but also that you are starting a new life, like a butterfly would.

Past the safe borders of my house
Wandering into the bright light of day
With a sense of bewilderment
As benevolent strangers nod my way

^^ You have been bordered in your own house, by you? or someone else? to protect you or hurt you?
You are dazzled by the sunlight because you haven't experienced it in a while. This place is new to you - well new because you haven't seen it for a while...
There seems to be an underlying meaning, I think. I haven't worked it out yet, but I am sure there is one... ?

Dazzled by the complexity of life unfolding
Right before my eyes, exhilarating impressions
I feel, I see, I taste, I breathe, I drink ,I...sense
A richness worth more than all worldly possessions

^^ Here it seems as though you are unaware of your surroundings - like its all new to you. So perhaps you are implying that you have been trapped for a long time that the world you used to know has changed; or perhaps that by breaking free you see the world differently..?

The caged bird is no more, it flew away
The caged bird fled at break of day
To live in freedom is the only way
Hooray, hooray, hooray!

^^ Obviously you are over-joyed by your new freedom. Seem to say you you won't return to that restricting cage.
Congratulations on your freedom.

OVERALL;
To me this reminds me of one of your poems - I can't remember the name sorry - about you removing the mask - I think it was make-up..?
Anyway, to me this seems to say you are reclaiming your life.. your freedom for that matter and are not going to wait around to be captured (as such) again. You like your freedom. I still think there's an underlying meaning/message that I am missing, but right now I can't think of what it is.

Really fantastic! 5/5

Not bad ingrid i like it. i can see a portrait or picture of this poem and you kept it short and so much description and summer in this upbeat hopeful poem