The Glacier
Issue Two
Winter 2023
Poem with No Agenda
Easy to say that when you have time
enough to write, but who among us
hasn’t tumbled down the rabbit hole
of memory? I want to believe this
poem has no agenda, but the truth is,
I don’t trust myself not to take it
in a macabre direction. I used to be
capable of loving terrible people’s art,
but something in me has changed,
& now when I hear little Michael
sing “ABC,” I want to hang myself.
Isn’t it funny when letters don’t look
quite right, when put together, they form
words altogether foreign, like slapdash
or steeple, alligator or Pluto. I’m trying
as hard as I can not to go there, but what
to do when the god of the underworld
makes an appearance in your poem?
Maybe this is the poem I’ve been trying
to write for the last seven years titled
“Katabasis,” but that one features a train
instead of a ferry, maybe an escalator
or two, & a hero who doesn’t know
just how far down the line he can ride it.
Poem in the Manner of a ChatGPT Poem Titled “Katabasis”
Into the depths, I descend willingly, not fearing the shadows that lie in wait, for I seek a journey, a transformative passage, to explore the realms beneath the mundane. Down, down I go, through the winding labyrinth, where whispers of forgotten souls linger, in the hushed corridors of forgotten dreams, where echoes of sorrow and redemption entwine. With each step I take, I surrender to the unknown. In the abyss of darkness, I find solace, a communion with the depths of my own being. Faces pass, specters of my past selves, the remnants of mistakes and triumphs, their whispers carry the weight of lessons learned, and I embrace them as guides on this solitary quest. In the chasms of despair, I confront my demons, their gnarled forms mocking and defiant, yet I stand resolute, unyielding to their taunts, for I know that strength lies in confronting the shadows. Through the river of tears, I wade with purpose, cleansing my soul of regrets and sorrows, the waters embrace me, a baptism of renewal, as I emerge, reborn, from the depths of my own katabasis. For this descent into darkness is not an end, but a necessary passage toward enlightenment, a pilgrimage of the spirit, a dance with the void, to discover the light that flickers even in the abyss. And when I ascend from this journey of the soul, I shall emerge with wisdom etched upon my heart, a testament to the power of resilience, for katabasis has shaped me into who I am.
Poem in the Manner of a ChatGPT Artist’s Statement
My artistic journey is a constant exploration of the complexities and wonders of the human experience. Through my work, I aim to delve into the depths of emotions, memories, and perceptions, unveiling narratives that resonate with universal themes. I seek to create art that ignites a sense of curiosity, evokes contemplation, and invites viewers to embark on their own introspective journeys. My chosen medium is a language that transcends barriers, speaking directly to the soul. Whether through paint, sculpture, or multimedia installations, I strive to communicate with an authentic voice, reflecting the rawness and vulnerability of human existence. I believe that art has the power to provoke, challenge, and inspire, acting as a catalyst for social change and personal growth. Nature and its profound beauty often find their way into my creations, as I am captivated by its intricate patterns and rhythms. I draw inspiration from the interplay between light and shadow, the organic forms, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. By exploring the natural world, I aim to underscore the importance of preserving and honoring our environment. In the chaotic and fast-paced world we inhabit, I hope that my art offers a sanctuary for reflection and connection. I strive to create spaces that encourage contemplation, inviting viewers to pause, observe, and engage. Through my artistic endeavors, I aspire to foster a sense of empathy, inspire dialogue, and cultivate a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. As I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, my purpose remains grounded in the belief that art has the potential totranscend boundaries, heal wounds, and ignite the spark of imagination. It is through the act of creation that I seek to contribute meaningfully to the collective human narrative, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds.
ELIZABETH KNAPP is the author of Requiem with an Amulet in Its Beak, winner of the 2019 Jean Feldman Poetry Prize, and The Spite House, winner of the 2010 De Novo Poetry Prize. Her poems have recently appeared in Copper Nickel, North American Review, Pleiades, and The Sun. She directs the Low-Residency MFA at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and is a poetry editor for The Baltimore Review.
Artwork by Jon Tyson.
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