We came to see the view,
horizon, mountains, sea; but
found around us veiled,
this opened ribcage, peaks
earth’s an island: we
its heartbeat — left alone.
We came to see
the view, but found ourselves.
Copyright – Björn Rudberg
Today we are inspired by Kerry to write a poem of not more than 10 lines inspired by the “This is not what we came to see.” at toads. I will also link this to the Pantry at PU tomorrow. The picture is from Northern Norway and a peak on the island of Senja we passed. The view was spectacular but not what we expected.
—
August 20, 2016
Björn Rudbergs writings 
This makes me think of the idea that we are the eyes and the ears of the earth for we are made of it. Very beautiful! Love your last line:
We came to see
the view, but found ourselves.
The physicist from the dark side is an excellent poet 🙂
Awesome ending, and the opened rib cage line is such a great choice of words. Kudos.
Whew, this is intense, Bjorn. Sometimes, when it is unexpected, the most striking view is the one that looks inward!
I love it when the thing you came to see, surprises you. That happens more in nature, I think, than in man-made structures. This is evocative and visceral … an unusual “take” on a view. It is unexpected and thus, I think these ten lines are rather remarkable. An awesome little write!
Spectacular! Your imagery brings the scene to life.
If only more of us could view the world with awe and admiration and not and just an opportunity to use and abuse it. I am still waiting for that day.
Makes me feel how small we really are in the worlds bigger picture. Such a mindful ending. Well written, an enjoyable read.
It’s a very outer to inner poem. So short and so much meaning.
This is so good. The imagery is spot on and I like how it both elevates and makes us feel small at the same time. 🙂
earth’s an island: we
its heartbeat — left alone.
Beautifully poignant!
All of the above – an interesting take on the prompt, Bjorn 😉
All of the above from me too – pure perfection.
Anna :o]
Beautiful Bjorn, love the ribcage imagery..
The weather can well frustrate at times!
Hank
One of Nature’s greatest powers is the power to surprise, to reveal, conceal, and change our perspective, well-stated here.
What a wonderful thing to find – made me think that perhaps that’s all we can do in some senses as whatever we see passes through the filter of our thoughts.. a shining horizon and breadth of thought
I can’t say it better than Hedgewitch. Nature certainly can surprise us, dispel our assumptions. This is lovely and it certainly haunts.
I see this as being about going to watch a stripper dance, literally or metaphorically. He thinks he’s just getting a view of her body (her eyes, “mountains,” “sea,”butt … excellent line break, by the way), but come to find out, her heart is exposed and mangled. He’s not allowed to touch/have either, but in seeing her fully, his eyes are opened about his world and about himself.
speechless! almost nothing left to say other than hyperbole except thanks for sharing some of what you found in that cloudy ribcage
Very nice. We never seem to find ourselves unless we embrace nature. Maybe because it is our true self…bkm
the rib cage & heart beats…so beautifully connected…another gem…
Bravo! I have had this vision, I am reminded by your words. Profound.
The view was spectacular indeed. I love the idea of earth as an island, we its heartbeat. Beautiful, Bjorn.
Luv the inspiration your closing lines
Have a good Sunday
Mine is HERE
much love…
Surprises are so nice–especially this kind–what a beautiful write!
We came to see
the view, but found ourselves……. love this line, so inter-reflective.
Wow, I like how you build the lines in this poem, I feel some kind of disappointment in what you found, but the words ‘we found ourselves’ make me exhale in peace… great small poem with huge meaning.
Wow! This is brilliant.
We find such wonderful things in the heart of nature, away from all the things we’ve made thinking that we need them… Love the ending.
What a beautiful view/revelation. Nature can truly open up our spirits.
Another “Wow” poem from you …”open ribcage” and that final line – worthy of the finest poet and the most profound philosopher. Bravo!
Nice, how the earth surprised you. I like the thought of being its heartbeat.
We visited Iceland and saw (on the literal side) the chasm where the continental plates are pulling apart. I didn’t have that to worry about before I heard of and saw that. Big!!! Deep!!! More than any crack in a glacier I’ve ever seen.
..
A lovely poem and metaphoric and pictorial view, Bjorn, thanks. K.
Lovely! And very satisfying.
Such power in the ending. Enjoyed!
it takes nature to put us back in our place.
stunning write!
Finding one’s self is something that many people never accomplish.
Love the use of “ribcage” here. You paint a picture one can walk into.