Liminal
A space between,
One moment deep within a hectic maze,
Another resting in front of an open landscape,
The duplicity of life,
We are caught in the middle,
Or maybe strategically placed,
And yet possibly by choice,
Ruminations hold us back,
Movement,
Forward pressure,
Keep us alive,
A delighted heart,
Welcoming spirits,
Keep our smile.
Analysis
1. The Core Duality: Chaos vs. Stillness
The poem opens by contrasting two distinct environments: the "hectic maze" and the "open landscape." * The Maze: Represents the complexity of modern life, overthinking, or perhaps the "ruminations" mentioned later. It is internal and claustrophobic.
The Landscape: Represents clarity, perspective, and rest.
The "space between" isn't just a physical location; it’s a psychological state where we often find ourselves hovering, trying to balance the noise of the world with a desire for tranquility.
2. The Philosophical Pivot: Fate vs. Agency
In the middle section, the speaker questions how we arrived in this "middle" space:
"Caught": Suggests being a victim of circumstance or fate.
"Strategically placed": Implies a higher order, destiny, or a lesson to be learned.
"Possibly by choice": Introduces personal accountability.
By offering these three possibilities, the poem mirrors the way we often try to make sense of our lives. We toggle between feeling like we're in control and feeling like we're just along for the ride.
3. The Engine of Life: Movement vs. Rumination
The poem takes a sharp turn toward the practical in its final movements. It identifies two opposing forces within the human experience:
"Ruminations hold us back, / Movement, / Forward pressure, / Keep us alive."
This is the most "candid" part of the poem. It acknowledges that while the "space between" is interesting for reflection, staying there too long (rumination) leads to stagnation. Forward pressure—the act of simply doing and moving—is presented as the antidote to the "maze."
4. The Resolution: Inner Disposition
The final lines shift from the physical act of moving to the emotional state of being.
A delighted heart: Internal joy.
Welcoming spirits: Openness to the world.
The poem concludes that while life is a "duplicity" of stress and peace, our "smile"—our resilience—is maintained not by solving the maze, but by maintaining a positive internal posture while we move through it.
Summary
The poem explores the tension between life's chaos and its quiet moments, questioning whether we are victims of our circumstances or architects of our own path. It ultimately suggests that while overthinking can trap us, active movement and a positive internal spirit are what keep us from getting lost in the maze.