Ναυτίλος [Nautilus]

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

“dim dreaming life”

The Greek word Ναυτίλος means “seaman” or

A “sailor,” not just seashell on the beach

Or on your bathroom shelf.  Within the core

Of swerve-like shape are separate chambers, each

One for a long-dead creature’s sailing life

Beneath the waves, yet seamen also hold

Within them chambers for a boyfriend, wife,

A friend, a lover.  Hearts have chambers gold

In meaning, chambers for the longing leagues

Of separation men endure with strength

Of nuclear propellers for fatigues

Of loneliness that tortures men with length.

  Inside the sailors are not just those hearts

    But chambers for men’s urgent semen parts.

©  Phillip Whidden