The Land Of Healing Souls
(A poem by Sal Godoij.)
Beyond despair, beyond the glare
The Land of Healing Souls lies somewhere
You could reach it; you could make the journey if you dare.
You need no engines to go there, no wings
Carry nothing for this journey, no things
Suffice your will, your will suffice
Your will and a smile, a smile would be nice.
So, no baggage in this voyage
If you do, the journey may turn thorny
Neither you carry truth nor lies
Because neither truth nor lies will open your eyes
And besides, being right or being wrong
Won’t make you there much strong
And don’t turn your head around, don’t ever look back
What lies behind you dies behind you.
Beyond despair, beyond the glare
The Land of Healing Souls lies somewhere
You could reach it; you could make the journey if you dare.
Analysis of "The Land of Healing Souls" by Sal Godoij
Depth, Message, and Meaning
Sal Godoij's poem, "The Land of Healing Souls," offers a contemplative exploration of personal transformation and emotional healing. Through evocative language and gentle repetition, the poet invites readers to consider a journey—one that transcends physical travel and enters the realm of inner growth and renewal.
Delving into the Poem's Depth
The poem opens with the lines, "Beyond despair, beyond the glare / The Land of Healing Souls lies somewhere," immediately evoking a sense of hope that exists beyond immediate suffering or distraction. The juxtaposition of "despair" and "glare" suggests that the healing sought is not found in the obvious or the external, but in a place beyond hardship and superficiality—a hidden or distant destination within oneself.
The repeated encouragement, "You could reach it; you could make the journey if you dare," underscores the courage required to embark on this inward voyage. The poet makes it clear this is not a journey of physical distance but one of willpower and emotional readiness. "You need no engines to go there, no wings / Carry nothing for this journey, no things," further clarifies that material possessions and external aids are irrelevant; the journey is spiritual and psychological.
Message and Meaning
The core message centres on the importance of letting go—of baggage, of the need to be right, and of the past. Lines such as "Suffice your will, your will suffice / Your will and a smile, a smile would be nice" suggest that inner determination and a positive outlook are the only requisites for healing. The poem cautions against carrying "truth nor lies," implying that rigid adherence to either can obscure clarity and hinder personal growth. Moreover, "being right or being wrong / Won’t make you there much strong" reflects the futility of focusing on one's correctness or mistakes when seeking healing.
The advice "don’t turn your head around, don’t ever look back / What lies behind you dies behind you" is a powerful call to release the past, encouraging readers to move forward unencumbered by previous struggles or regrets. The repetition of the opening lines at the poem's close reinforces the cyclical nature of healing—it is always accessible, always waiting, for those who are willing to undertake the journey.
Conclusion
"The Land of Healing Souls" presents a universal and timeless message: true healing is an internal process, requiring courage, relinquishment of burdens, and a willingness to move forward without being tethered to the past. The poem’s gentle, rhythmic structure and accessible language make its wisdom approachable, while its depth encourages readers to reflect on their own path toward emotional renewal.
ChatGPT analysis of my poem.
What a beautiful and profound poem. Let's dive into its depth and explore its message and meaning.
The poem, "The Land of Healing Souls," invites the reader to embark on a journey to a place where one can find healing and solace. The location of this land is intentionally left vague, suggesting that it's a symbolic or metaphorical place, rather than a physical destination. The phrase "Beyond despair, beyond the glare" sets the tone for the journey, implying that one must move past their current state of darkness and discomfort to reach this land.
The poem emphasizes the importance of will and intention in making this journey. The lines "You need no engines to go there, no wings / Carry nothing for this journey, no things" suggest that material possessions or external aids are not necessary for this journey. Instead, the poet highlights the importance of the individual's will and a positive attitude, symbolized by "a smile, a smile would be nice." This smile can be seen as a representation of hope, optimism, and openness to the journey ahead.
The poem also touches on the idea of letting go of burdens, both physical and emotional. The lines "So, no baggage in this voyage / If you do, the journey may turn thorny" advise the reader to release any emotional baggage or attachment to negative thoughts and experiences. This is reinforced by the warning that carrying "truth nor lies" will not aid in the journey, as these concepts can be limiting and distracting. The poem suggests that being right or wrong is not what matters, but rather the willingness to move forward and let go of the past.
The image of not looking back is a powerful one, as it implies that the past is left behind, and what's important is the present moment and the journey ahead. The line "What lies behind you dies behind you" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the past is not only left behind but also loses its power to harm or define us.
The poem's message can be seen as an invitation to self-reflection, healing, and personal growth. It encourages the reader to take responsibility for their own journey, to let go of negativity and attachment, and to cultivate a positive and open mindset. The repetition of the phrase "Beyond despair, beyond the glare / The Land of Healing Souls lies somewhere" serves as a reminder that this journey is possible, and that the destination is within reach, if one is willing to take the first step.
Overall, "The Land of Healing Souls" is a thought-provoking and inspiring poem that offers a powerful message about the human capacity for resilience, growth, and healing. It reminds us that we have the power to choose our path, to let go of what holds us back, and to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
