Gary's Interpretation

Mom's interpretation is fantastically detailed and researched, and I realize that mine will be rather concise. With that said, refer to hers for a more depth driven response. First, you the reader need to associate yourself with the uninhibited spirit, or rather an unhindered personality or way of mind. Imagine yourself as that uninhibited spirit, freely floating when and where you please, "untouched and interrupted, and altogether incomplete". But as the writer, I likened myself to an "unfinished castle", remaining stoic and standing erect and tall in the face of the coming wind, my foundation compressed and strong, but due to insecurities, not yet strong enough. The "ill placed stones" bit refers to those past mistakes and wrongs that seem to persist throughout our years, and those stones incidentally hold me back to some degree. In short, the poem describes one whose mind roams free and unhindered, but one not without fault, as past mistakes are like ill placed stones in a seeming staunch fortification. What do you think??

Jumoke's Interpretation

For me, the first 5 lines of the poem expresses or identifies our divine or spiritual selves. The Oxford dictionary defines "divine" as: "of, from, or like God or a god. Excellent, beautiful."
I would further elaborate on Oxford's definitions to include these adjectives (which just happen to be in the poem): uninhibited, untouched, uninterrupted, incomplete (incomplete, for me, meaning continuously learning and growing, ever-changing, renewing, etc.). I believe that each and every soul (spiritual being) came into this physical ("unfinished castles") existence with an incredible capacity to give and receive love, the tremendous potential to express our greatest good, and, as we mature through life, unlimited opportunities to reconnect with that greatness when/if the connection has been interrupted. And the divine connection does eventually get interrupted when we become bombarded, overcome, "burdened, crunched under the weight" of negative experiences ("ill placed stones") which leave us imprisoned in our castles by doubt, worry, fear, mistrust, etc. But take heart! We can achieve "Liberation" whenever we're ready though the re-cognition of our "divine" (beautiful, excellent, God-like) energy, our strong, god-like beginnings ("foundations compressed" into each unique individual) that remain within, waiting to be summoned to assist us in overcoming any obstacle, to free us again to express that uniqueness! Unfortunately, we rarely experience it, as our attention is all-consumed by wars, prejudice, politics, gossip, illness, poverty, the 5:00 news, the rest of the media, and other sources that leave us feeling like we're not good enough, and on and on and on, crunching us under their weight.

How would YOU interpret this poem? What does it mean to you? Do you feel the "weight" and want liberation? Have you felt the weight and found solutions to relieve the burden? Feel "free" to click on "comments" to leave your thoughts, experiences, or - comments. Also visit the September Archives to read more poetry and view some of Gary's art.

Jumoke

"Life unfolds best for those not afraid to live it."
by Gary J. J. Boston

Gary J. J. Boston 

About Gary

Gary Jourdan Jumanne (pronounced: Joo-MAH-neh - which means "born on Tuesday") Boston was born in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, KS. He began writing at age 16 as an outlet for his feelings of desperation after the divorce of his parents, three years prior. He is a graduate of Kansas University in Lawrence, KS, and has dreams of succeeding in the field of Advertising or Law. A versatile young man, his many interests include life, rugby, art, writing, music, photography, travel and history. "My mission is to speak to other young people and make them aware that in the face of adversity, there is always an alternative to self-destruction."

You can reach Gary directly at his email address: ninetysevenplus@yahoo.com