Return Journey

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Return Journey

A Pantoum

I am searching for my remote

To board the spaceship within

Mind snatched it away from me

As I descended on Earth

To board the spaceship within

I need to free my soul

As I descended on Earth

Delusion covered my super conscience

I need to free my soul

Mind snatched it away from me

Delusion covered my super conscience

I am searching for my remote

Analysis of the Poem

This pantoum poem explores themes of alienation, the search for inner freedom, and the deceptive nature of the mind or earthly existence. Let's break down its structure and meaning stanza by stanza:

Structure of a Pantoum:

Before diving into the analysis, it's helpful to remember the structure of a pantoum:

  • It consists of four-line stanzas (quatrains).

  • The second and fourth lines of each stanza are repeated as the first and third lines of the next stanza.

  • The last line of the poem is often the same as the first line of the first stanza.

Analysis by Stanza:

Stanza 1:

I am searching for my remote

To board the spaceship within

Mind snatched it away from me

As I descended on Earth

  • The poem immediately establishes a sense of loss and longing. The "remote" is a metaphor for something crucial needed to access the "spaceship within." This "spaceship" likely represents an inner state of being, perhaps spiritual enlightenment, higher consciousness, or a sense of true self.

  • The second line hints at an internal journey rather than a literal space voyage.

  • The third line introduces the antagonist: the "Mind." It's depicted as a force that actively takes away what is needed for this inner journey. This suggests the mind is an obstacle, perhaps through its constant chatter, doubts, and attachments.

  • The fourth line, "As I descended on Earth," provides a context for this loss. The act of coming to Earth (perhaps a metaphor for entering the physical world or a state of earthly consciousness) seems to be linked to the mind's interference.

Stanza 2:

To board the spaceship within

I need to free my soul

As I descended on Earth

Delusion covered my super conscience

  • The repetition of the second line of the first stanza reinforces the central goal: accessing that inner space.

  • The new second line introduces the condition for this access: freeing the soul. This suggests that the "remote" might be a state of liberation or detachment.

  • The repetition of the fourth line of the first stanza links the descent to Earth with a negative consequence.

  • The new fourth line reveals the nature of this consequence: "Delusion covered my super conscience." This further clarifies the negative influence of the earthly realm or the mind. "Super conscience" implies a higher level of awareness that has been obscured by illusion.

Stanza 3:

I need to free my soul

Mind snatched it away from me

Delusion covered my super conscience

I am searching for my remote

  • The repetition of the second line of the second stanza emphasizes the necessity of liberation.

  • The repetition of the third line of the first stanza reiterates the mind's role as the thief of this freedom.

  • The repetition of the fourth line of the second stanza reinforces the state of obscured awareness.

  • The final line returns to the initial state of searching, creating a cyclical feeling and highlighting the ongoing struggle.

Themes and Interpretation:

  • Alienation and Displacement: The speaker feels disconnected from their true self ("spaceship within") and is searching for a way back. The descent to Earth seems to have caused this separation.

  • The Hindrance of the Mind: The "Mind" is portrayed as a negative force that actively prevents the speaker from achieving inner freedom and accessing their higher consciousness. This could represent the ego, negative thought patterns, or the limitations of purely rational thinking.

  • The Nature of Earthly Existence: The descent to Earth is associated with delusion and the obscuring of "super conscience." This suggests that the physical world or a certain mode of earthly consciousness can be deceptive and can veil our true potential.

  • The Quest for Inner Freedom: The repeated desire to "free my soul" underscores the central theme of seeking liberation from the constraints imposed by the mind and the illusions of the earthly realm.

  • The Cyclical Struggle: The pantoum's structure, ending with the first line, emphasizes the ongoing nature of this search. The speaker is trapped in a cycle of longing and struggle against the forces that keep them from their inner "spaceship."

Overall Tone:

The tone of the poem is one of longing, frustration, and a sense of being lost. The repetition of key lines creates a feeling of being caught in a loop, constantly searching for something that feels just out of reach. The poem suggests a yearning for a higher state of being that has been obscured by the experience of earthly existence and the machinations of the mind.