Private The Chair

Private The Chair
by Keaton Foster



Private,
The chair.
Unnerving,
That stare.
Piercing,
So blue.
Endless,
Those pools.
Into an abyss,
I'd be remiss.
Deeper inside,
I, of course,
Feel I must go
Into that nothingness,
Claimed somethingness.
Fate and faith,
Crossroads,
Intersecting.
Suggestions
Brought to bear
Upon a soul
Via a desire to understand
What we are missing,
What we are skipping.
Private,
The chair.
Unable
To be missed.
Gold and regal,
Mired by jewels.
Built for a king
In a world of no rule.
All around
Would-be clowns,
Mumbling sounds.
Logic and meaning
Have left the building.
Free will is dead,
Assassinated.
Blindly they heel,
Foolishly they squeal.
Tell us more,
Person so clear.
In that chair,
Spill your guts.
Leave us in awe,
Make us see.
Divine,
So, must you be.
Because such a place
Is reserved for you
And you alone.
We,
The blind,
We,
The deaf,
Are transfixed.
We, the lemmings,
Devoid of a cliff,
Are ready.
Show us the way,
Fill the need.
We dare present
To you as a gift,
Wrapped in affliction,
Burnt by redemption.
Private,
The chair.
On the wall,
Above his head,
A sign, if read:
Reserved.
Please observe.
Do not sit,
Stand clear.
Don’t be queer,
Don’t be weird.
Follow the rules.
Fools
And heretics alike
Will be
Without question
Ejected,
Thrown out,
Tossed about,
Banned for life,
Have no doubt.
Smaller,
The parenthesis.
Greater,
The meaning.
This sign
Is no warning,
All statement.
Close and far,
Abound, thus around,
People do stand
As he alone sits.
Nothing does he miss.
If he is wisdom,
They must be ignoramuses,
Moronic morons,
Half-longs,
Witless wits,
Wondering
How it is
We could have missed
What they assume
He alone
Sees as clear as day.
From his purview,
Or should it be said,
Perverted view,
He says,
In not so many words:
I am better than you.
Not more perfect,
But very close.
And if I am close,
Then you
Are so far away
That it will take you
A lifetime and a day
To sit in this seat,
To see as I see.
Indeed,
Power,
His truest deity.
While he alone
Is
And has become
All the God
That those present
Care to declare
As a conduit
To the very source
Of their existence.
He himself
Is aiming higher,
Far beyond the mere
Conceptual anomalies
Of such a thing as living.
Private,
The chair.
Off to the side,
Dare I stand,
Out of view,
Beyond said truth,
Outside the reach
Of such convincing lies.
Observation,
My cue.
Understanding,
The aloof.
Fighting for
A semblance of truth
Is what I do.
Sinner be sin,
Questioning things as is.
Standing here,
Out of vision,
Off to the side,
Eyes opened wide,
Mind, sprung alive.
I’m ready to dive
Deeper inside.
Private,
The chair…


Written by Keaton Foster Copyright © 2008-2019

Synopsis

This poem presents a striking commentary on power, authority, and the dynamics of knowledge and perception. It delves into themes of privilege, manipulation, and the quest for understanding in a world where truth seems elusive and control is often wielded by those in positions of authority.

Analysis:

The Chair as Symbol: The chair serves as a powerful symbol of authority and privilege, representing a position of knowledge and control. It is described as regal and adorned with jewels, highlighting its status and importance in the eyes of those who seek its wisdom.

Power Dynamics: The poem explores the power dynamics at play between the individual in the chair and the people who defer to them. The individual in the chair exerts influence and control over those around them, who eagerly seek guidance and validation.

Manipulation and Deception: There is a sense of manipulation and deception woven throughout the poem, as the individual in the chair is depicted as using their position to assert their superiority and control over others. They present themselves as possessing superior knowledge and insight, while in reality, they may be motivated by self-interest and a desire for power.

Questioning Authority: Despite the reverence shown to the individual in the chair by others, the narrator stands apart, questioning their authority and seeking to understand the truth beyond the facade. This reflects a skepticism towards blind deference to authority and a commitment to seeking truth and understanding through independent thought.

Existential Exploration: The poem delves into existential themes, exploring the nature of truth, perception, and the pursuit of knowledge. The narrator grapples with questions of existence and meaning, refusing to accept the easy answers provided by those in positions of authority.

Interpretation:

This poem can be interpreted as a critique of blind obedience to authority and the dangers of allowing power to go unchecked. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and independent inquiry in the quest for truth and understanding. The narrator's refusal to accept the narratives presented by those in power serves as a call to question, challenge, and seek out alternative perspectives.

Overall, the poem offers a thought-provoking exploration of power, perception, and the search for truth in a world where authority often masks deception and manipulation. It encourages readers to remain vigilant, question assumptions, and strive for a deeper understanding of the complexities of existence.