Flat fields and a windmill or two,

Were all in my view,

And I tried with my eyes just to keep them.

Returning was the best of ideas,

But for my sad careers,

In a heartbeat, the months turned to long years.

And if I took just a chance or two,

Two peas in a pod,

I’d’ve fallen on my knees,

I’d’ve prayed to the Gods of ideas,

And for breakfast we’d always eat cheese.

Mountain sides teaming with rain,

And the wind hurts your brain,

Hope you’ll sit with me while it’s still sunny.

Night-time, a train running late,

Is your death worse than fate,

When it’s handed to you on a small plate.

And if I took just a chance or two,

Two peas in a pod,

I’d’ve fallen on my knees,

I’d’ve prayed to the Gods of ideas,

And for breakfast we’d always eat cheese.

Confusion and angst filled my eyes,  

Through the sound of my cries

Filling up late at night, like a bird bath.

And looking back, is hard on the eye,

And looking forward’s just as hard,

And when the past, is just moments away,

The future’s not that far behind.

And if I took just a chance or two,

Two peas in a pod,

I’d’ve fallen down on my knees,

I’d’ve prayed to the Gods of ideas,

And for breakfast we’d always eat cheese

Critique by Alexis Ingram

Title: A Reflection on Life’s Journey: “The God of Ideas”

“The God of Ideas” presents a profound exploration of the human experience through a series of introspective reflections on time, choices, and the pursuit of meaning. The poem’s structure consists of three stanzas, each encapsulating a different aspect of existence, yet all interconnected by the recurring motif of seeking solace in the “Gods of ideas” and the comfort of mundane rituals like eating cheese for breakfast.

The opening stanza sets the scene with tranquil imagery of flat fields and windmills, establishing a sense of solitude and contemplation. The speaker grapples with the passage of time, lamenting the swift transformation of months into years despite their best efforts to hold onto fleeting moments. This evokes a poignant sense of nostalgia and the relentless march of time, themes that echo throughout the poem.

The second stanza introduces a juxtaposition between the serenity of nature and the harsh realities of life, depicted through the imagery of mountain sides teeming with rain and the discomfort caused by the relentless wind. Here, the speaker seeks companionship and reassurance in the face of uncertainty, highlighting the human desire for connection and support amidst life’s challenges.

In the final stanza, the tone shifts to one of introspection and existential questioning. The speaker grapples with confusion and angst, symbolized by the metaphorical “bird bath” filling up with the sound of their cries. The cyclical nature of time is emphasized as the speaker confronts the difficulty of looking both backward and forward, caught between past regrets and future uncertainties.

Throughout the poem, the repetition of the phrase “two peas in a pod” serves as a motif symbolizing unity and companionship, underscoring the human need for connection and solidarity in the face of life’s trials. The invocation of the “Gods of ideas” suggests a yearning for inspiration and guidance in navigating the complexities of existence.

Overall, “The God of Ideas” is a thought-provoking meditation on the human condition, inviting readers to contemplate the passage of time, the significance of choices, and the search for meaning amidst the vicissitudes of life. Through its evocative imagery and introspective musings, the poem offers a poignant reflection on the universal experiences of longing, loss, and the enduring human spirit.