“I Stood at the End of the Earth” published at Gobblers & Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry

Hey, everyone. I’d like to announce my poem “I Stood at the End of the Earth” has gone live at Gobblers & Masticadores. Many thanks to Juan Re Crivello and Manuela Timofte and their staff for their kindness in publishing this poem. It’s always an honor to have my poetry published at Gobblers & Masticadores alongside the work of some amazing writers. Thanks so much, Juan and Manuela!

“I Stood at the End of the Earth”
© 2013 by Michael L. Utley

“I stood at the end of the earth
As it trembled and moaned
Beneath me
The great dark monstrous Pacific
Infinite and unseen
Before me
Mindless
Inexorable
The cliffs below me besieged
By the stentorian onslaught of
Night-cloaked sea

A lifetime of fear has deafened me
I cannot hear it
It does not exist…”

You can read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. Also, don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Gobblers & Masticadores, where you’ll find some wonderful writing and plenty of food for thought.

48 thoughts on ““I Stood at the End of the Earth” published at Gobblers & Masticadores”

    1. Thanks, Friedrich. You’re too kind, my friend. In this piece, I was playing around with the concept of solipsism, as well as how major depression causes us to focus on our thoughts and problems so intently that one can sort of loose track of what’s going on in the outside world. Reality fades into the periphery, and all we seem to experience is what’s going on in our heads. Also, being reclusive as I am, we can experience detachment from the world to some degree. It’s still there, of course, in all its glory and horror, but we’re so preoccupied with our thoughts that we lose track of it.  I recall my days as a nature photographer, how deeply connected I felt with the natural world during those years, and now those years seem like someone else’s memories. At least for this poem, I was able to draw upon some good memories of my time along the Oregon Coast for inspiration (If you’ve ever stood on a cliff above the pounding surf at night, it’s both terrifying and awe-inspiring at once). 

      Anyway, I appreciate your constant support and thoughtful comments. I’d love to see those paintings you mentioned. 😊

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    1. Thanks, David. The connection between nature and humans is innate and undeniable; we’re a part of nature, every bit as much as trees and mountains and oceans and stars. Sometimes we lose our way and forget or ignore this vital truth. Our pride, our problems, our ignorance cloud our minds and a sort of detachment can settle in where we lose track of what’s really out there as we obsess about our thoughts and fears and regrets. We disconnect from our roots. And we suffer because of it. In my case, it’s depression, deafness and introversion that cause me to withdraw into isolation, and I get caught up in my mind to the point where it’s easy to forget there’s a big, wide, world out there.  This poem is a reminder that there are answers to many of our deepest, innermost questions, and those answers are all around us, if we’ll only open our eyes and seek them.

      (Whew, I got a little serious there for a minute, eh? 😁 )

      I appreciate your enthusiastic support, my friend. 😊

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Iseult. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. If you decide to draw this poem or write a companion piece, I’d love to see what you come up with! It’s such a cool idea! 😊

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    1. Thanks so much. You know me: I love intense imagery, so this one was fun to write as I relived some memories of my time on the Oregon Coast (and standing on a midnight cliff overlooking the roaring ocean below is one of the most unique–and scary–experiences I’ve ever had!). I’m always happy to see you visit, and I appreciate your support so much. 😊

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  8. Pingback: Fun with… – Under the mask..

      1. rajkkhoja's avatar rajkkhoja

        You are most welcome my dear friend. Iam so happy you like my little poor comment. I hope your week going nice & happy 😊

        How are you? How there’s weather?

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I always enjoy your comments, my friend. 😊 It’s a little cold here (34 degrees F) at 4:51 a.m. and should warm up to about 60 F later today. At least it’s not snowing. I imagine it’s warmer where you live. Maybe springtime is on its way. 🌞 Also, I finished a new poem tonight and will post it later this week. 😊 Have a good Tuesday, my friend! See you soon! 

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      1. rajkkhoja's avatar rajkkhoja

        Thank you so much my friend! Nice you have to weather. Not snowing. Here’s warmer. I live in Mumbai ,India! And where you live? Yes, spring is on way. Best of luck for new poem post new week. Iam so happy! 😊 See you early!

        Liked by 1 person

    • Like wind…. when we need it, a little time inside, out.
      No matter what you said in your interview at Masticadores, to me you are the millionaire of the senses.
      At Hotel of Broken Hearts is a great space for you too. In my opinion, why do not you submit to Michelle Najavas> Do it. LOL LOL LOL

    Great poem M.
    Blessings.

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    1. Aw, thank you, Miriam! I always appreciate your kind support and encouragement. It means a lot to me. I’ve seen some good writing over at Hotel of Broken Hearts, so I’ll definitely keep it in mind when I’m ready to submit more poetry. I hope your week is going well, my friend. 😊

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    1. Many thanks, Resa. I truly appreciate your kindness. I’m happy to know this poem pleased you, my friend. Thanks so much for stopping by, and enjoy the remainder of your week! 😊

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  16. I shared this in the comments over on Masticadores. Congratulations bro bro…

    This is fantastic writing. On so many levels, there is a grandiose energy swirling, intimidating, yet challenging and welcoming the soul. Fear, Sorrow and Hubris, can be our most formidable foes, or our greatest allies in life. And this poem brings the reader to this poignant convergence within themselves. The introspection of who I am, juxtaposed with who I can or should have been in this life. This is exquisite poetry Mikey…
    A masterpiece, and I am in awe. 👏👏👏🔥🔥

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    1. Thank you kindly, amigo. Your appraisal is so thoughtful and in-depth, and it humbles me. I really appreciate your stalwart support. Making connections with people via my writing is such an important part of my life, being as I’m so reclusive. So, your support truly means so much, my friend. Glad to know this one spoke to you. 😊

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Cindy. Finally, a respite from writer’s block (knocks on wood)! I’ve written five and a half new poems this week, and hopefully many more to come. Thanks for your support and encouragement as always! 😊

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