Kerfe Roig 
Jane Cornwell
One step forward, round and round,
the labyrinth circles. Go? Or stay
in the in-between? Are answers found
when past finds future? Which is the way?
The labyrinth circles—go or stay?
I’m a shadow figure lost in blues,
when past finds future. Which is the way?
Where should I go? Where are the clues?
I’m a shadow figure lost in blues,
within my mind-forest, I search in dreams–
where should I go? Where are the clues–
nothing here is as it seems—
in the in-between. Are answers found
within my mind-forest? I search in dreams–
but nothing here is as it seems–
just one step forward, round and round.
I’ve revised this pantoum originally written in April for Paul Brooke’s Ekphrastic Challenge inspired by the above artwork by Kerfe Roig and Jane Cornwell. I’m linking this post to dVerse Open Link Night. Live today!
I’ve done a recording, too.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
labyrinths are fascinating, in the real world or in our minds
Thank you very much, Beth. They really are.
I love this, Merril. Round and round indeed!
Thank you! Yes, indeed.
🙂
Yes indeed Merrill, the often circular and yes often bewildering nature of our existence laid out powerfully here – Great write – tough not sure about ‘mind-forest’ jarred a little bit for me anyway. Just a thought…
Thank you, Scott.
I love that you added the recording. Nice, Merril!
Thank you, Jill!
Oh, I do love the way you used the pantoun and it’s circular repetition to describe the labyrinth…
Thank you! It seemed appropriate, especially with Kerfe’s art.
This is gorgeously rendered, Merril! 😀 I especially love; “I’m a shadow figure lost in blues, within my mind-forest, I search in dreams–where should I go?” 💝💝
Thank you so much, Sanaa! ❤️
We all take turns being “a shadow figure lost in blues”. The form really ehances the circular nature of a labyrinth poem. I felt a bit dazed at the end.
Thank you so much, Glenn! Dazed in a good way, I hope.
Those in-between places are where the magic always happens 🙂 I very much enjoyed hearing you read this, Merril ❤
Thank you so much, Sunra!
I really loved hearing you read, too. 😀
Aww thanks Merril! 😀
You’re welcome!
I think this poem was so very well done… thoughts and ideas going around and around. I like the way you used time also…the pull of the past and the present colliding with the future.
Thank you for your kind words and appreciation, Linda!
I’m a shadow figure, lost in blues. – I loved this!
Thank you so much!
The transition from third to fourth stanza is perfect. And a recording… so cool, but then I heard it in the OpenLink Live, and you deliver it really well.
Thank you so much, Ken. I’m so pleased you think so!
A master Pantoum, MS & I’m counting my blessings that I got to hear it (& now get to hear it AGAIN! yay!!) Your delivery of this masterwork is awesome. Thanks.
What kind words, Ron.! Thank you! 💙
I especially love the third stanza. And, as always, happy my art inspires such wonderful words. (K)
That’s my favorite stanza, too. Thank you for the beautiful art!
“I’m a shadow figure lost in blues” is my favorite verse – so hypnotic to read and hear read aloud, great one! 💗
Thank you very much, Tricia. I appreciate that. ❤️
I like the repeating lines you chose. Labyrinths are mysterious and you’ve captured the mystery very well. Nice to hear you read it also.
Thank you so much, Lisa!
You’re very welcome. There’s a lovely flow to it and it sounds good read aloud.
Thank you very much again! 💙
Very well done – especially the transfer between images. Your voice was especially soothing at this time.
Thank you so much, Derrick–and I’m touched and pleased that it was.
The pantoum is the perfect form for a poem about a labyrinth, and this one is woven so perfectly! It fits well with my earthweal challenge this week, coincidentally!
Thank you so much, Ingrid!
Yes, I saw some labyrinth poems for that prompt, and that reminded me that I had written one.
Interesting form, I learned something new today! You’ve written this wonderfully.
Thank you very much! I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
I think the pantoum is an old poetic form.
Dreams are often a labyrinth of confusion. Getting lost in the past , stuck in the middle or blinded by the future can be very confusion! The form really works well in this one.
That’s so true, Dwight. Thank you!
I loved the flow of your Pantoum. Life is just like that for many with so many dead ends sometimes. These days I take those as a message to just stop and let the forces guide me! ☺️
Your recording emphasizes the cyclical nature of time, which labyrinths may symbolize.
Thank you, Marian. 😀
You created a wondrous labyrinthine verse, Merril!💙
Thank you so much! 💙
My pleasure. 😊