Atlas
He stands with the sun in his hands
Roots twined around his ankles
Thorns knotted at his calves.
He knows who he is and
What he wants.
He knows what he stands for and
Why he rests easy at night. He knows why he
Breathes life into the fragile world.
The daytime beacon dies often in
His hands. Light flickers like the
Moon in agony behind cloud.
He shines on
An uncertain constant
In sync with the feminine
Streaking through his constellation eyes.
Photo by Eugene Golovesov
Karima Hoisan
Oh Layla, this brilliant poem made me catch my breath. From beginning to end it was perfect. Your sensitive touch describing this great Atlas,,,It literally took my breath away. Bravo! Bravo!!
Aspen Hite
Such emotion and imagery from beginning to end! Simply splendid, Layla!
Susi Bocks
Nature is the perfect retreat. Lovely, Layla!
Ka
Your poetry is just so beautiful. For me the balance in this piece was its tangibility and ethereal combination. Your love for language shines through!
Layla Todd
Thank you for this lovely comment, Ka! ❤️
Bridgette
Such gorgeous prose. I love the flow and these last lines “Streaking through his constellation eyes.” Simply beautiful.
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Bridgette! ❤️
Damyanti Biswas
A terrific piece, Layla. Improves on each subsequent reading. It took me a while to get it, but I was rewarded for persevering.
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Damyanti!
ceayr
Cool poem.
haoyando
“An uncertain constant/ In sync with…” makes me laugh, even if sometimes it can be agonizing with uncertainties and mysteries…
d.a.simpsonwriter
Beautiful
Gabriela Marie Milton
brilliant piece Layla.
xoxo
Belladonna
This is so beautiful!
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
Layla with your poetry you have been able to paint Atlas in a different and more mystical way.
That’s life. That’s roots. That’s the universe mistery.
aimsysantics
I love how you create vivid imagery with your words. Another fabulous verse!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Jeff Flesch
I love the visceral sensation and imagery of the desert I get from this beautiful write, reminding me of my time in the vast expanse, and magical presence of the desert landscape. Amazing write, Layla!
D. Wallace Peach
A wonderful vision of the magesty of trees, Layla. Beautiful.
rothpoetry
A great poem. Your images are wonderful. I liked this line….
The daytime beacon dies often in
His hands.
Resa
Lovely. Thank you, Layla!
According to Chren
Wonderful!
Michele Lee
I now have a strong desire to pitch a tent under a tree and witness all of the wonder so beautifully described in your poem. Completely original ideas brought into a scene I am familiar with. Bravo, Layla! 🌳
Baydreamer - Lauren Scott
Another stunning piece, Layla, with wonderful imagery. Love this! 💞
Cindy Georgakas
you do such a wonderful job weaving this piece in beautifully strung words Layla! 💞
Cindy Georgakas
Really beautiful imagery Layla. 🌕
SheLyon
A beautiful piece of writing ❤️
AmyRose🌹
Glorious!! Your imagery is outstanding in this poem. We all can take the mighty Atlas’ example and apply it to our lives! xoxo
barbaraleaver
Lovely piece that certainly relates to he great photo
Cassa Bassa
You brought the universe into your poem. Love it! 💚
I'm All Booked Up YA
Really great poem, Layla!
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
Wonderful piece Layla!
Dawn Pisturino
Delightful!
Lamittan Minsah
Both enchanting and enlightening. The true definition of self awareness.
Jacqui Murray
I had to read this twice to figure out who ‘he’ was!
This Loud Creator
Your writing never fails to amaze me!
Grace
Wow Layla. That first stanza and that final line are just mesmerizing!!! The beauty flowing throughout this divinely poetic piece is just a treat to the soul. Thank you for another gem, dear friend. This is absolutely lovely in so many ways 🤍🤗
taurusingemini
Defining the self based off of only, oneself…