Loneliness is a passive state. It is a compulsion when you are left on your own by others. Solitude, on the other hand, is a fully conscious choice that you make. Once you make it, it does not mean you want to stay away from others. It simply means you want to know more about the world from a distance, without being a passionate participant in the chaotic drama that the universe unfolds, to reach a state of wisdom that frees a person from the mundane. It may be dangerous if you are not ready!
Solitude has the potential to bring the best thoughts to you. When you are not involved in the emotional, entangled in the sentimental, and invested in the intellectual, you have the opportunity to assess everything from the outside. You can observe the process, understand the flow of the universe and appreciate the aesthetic aspects of everything around you. This observation, understanding and appreciation, when mixed with the excellence of poetic expression, produces the best poetry dipped in poetic truth and served with a detached attitude that readers will find relatable, possibly universal and also long-lasting, if not everlasting. In short, solitude has the potential to inspire any poet to craft long-lasting poetry adorned with poetic truth!
The pursuit of wisdom takes the path of solitude.
Solitude, when opted for by one after having a comprehensive experience of the world, makes the ground fertile for the rare union of wisdom and rhythm to generate some quality poetry!
Solitude chosen by poets does not necessarily mean withdrawal from social obligations or familial ties. It simply means a combination of observation and detached analysis. Only a cold-hearted storyteller can narrate the warm exchanges of emotionally charged moments with conviction and accuracy!
The arch-fear that solitude can also accelerate macabre and gore in one’s mind may have its validation rooted in truth. However, I would like to point out a distinction. Only an inexperienced and naive mind can be spoiled further by the company of oneself in solitude. Solitude is a powerful tool; the master who uses this tool must have courage, conviction, experience and vision!
~ Dr Alok Mishra