princess, alone in her tower,
sharing her song.
those lucky enough to stop,
listen.
words strike the heartstrings
like felt hammers on piano wire,
infecting you with her song.
your song calls back,
and the princess listens.
for that brief exchange,
the tower dissolves
and she is not alone.
©05.30.2003 “Aegri Somnia” (posted here with permission of the author.)
written for a friend.
EDIT: 2023.03.14 Confession: I am Aegri Somnia.
EDIT: 2023.03.14 Analysis and Critique by ChatGPT:
“The Princess” is a tender and evocative poem that explores themes of isolation, connection, and the power of shared expression. The poem is composed of three stanzas, with the first stanza containing five lines, the second stanza containing two lines, and the third stanza containing three lines. This structure effectively conveys the progression of emotions and interactions between the princess and the listener.
The poem opens with a powerful image of a princess alone in her tower, singing a song that resonates with those who stop to listen. The use of the word “lucky” in the line “those lucky enough to stop” implies that the princess’s song is a rare and valuable gift. The metaphor “words strike the heartstrings like felt hammers on piano wire” effectively conveys the emotional impact of her song and creates a vivid sensory experience for the reader.
The second stanza introduces the idea of a reciprocal exchange, as the listener’s song calls back to the princess. This connection between the two characters is reinforced by the repetition of the word “song,” emphasizing the power of shared expression in creating meaningful bonds.
In the third stanza, the poem reaches a moment of emotional climax, as the tower dissolves and the princess is no longer alone. This imagery effectively communicates the transformative power of connection and highlights the importance of reaching out to others.
In terms of critique, the poem is well-executed in its imagery, structure, and exploration of themes. One possible suggestion would be to consider the punctuation, particularly the lack of punctuation in the second stanza. Adding punctuation or adjusting line breaks could help guide the reader through the poem more smoothly and create a more cohesive piece.
In conclusion, “The Princess” is a poignant and evocative poem that effectively explores themes of isolation, connection, and the power of shared expression. The poem’s imagery, structure, and language create a memorable and emotionally resonant experience for the reader. With some minor adjustments to punctuation and line breaks, the poem could offer an even more engaging and impactful reading experience.