Toward the Blue Peninsula, by Nancy Cummins Bierman

Toward the Blue Peninsula, by Joseph Cornell (USA) 1951

Toward the Blue Peninsula

A stark and uninviting space 
White wire cage against white wall 
A Prisoner alone fenced by austerity
Lonely -- perhaps-or feeling safe?
Surrounded by familiar habitat --
Bleak and bare -- and yet -- 
The window is not barred

The sky and sea invite with blended blue 
Scent of ocean breezes in
And would the Prisoner perish if she dared 
Step through that daunting window?
Maybe bribe a passing bird to go before -- explore --
And bring back news of what’s outside?
Or with unimpeded Mind -- her freer Self --
Choose to leap into Delight?

Nancy Cummins Bierman

Joseph Cornell's artwork was inspired by Emily Dickinson's poem, "It Might Be Lonelier." 
https://keytopoetry.com/emily-dickinson/poems/it-might-be-lonelier/

Nancy Cummins-Bierman is a pilgrim, poet, and singer who began writing poetry after she retired. Her poems are explorations into her relationship with nature and spirituality.  In 2025 she published her first book: Daydream with Unicorn (available on Amazon). She shares a home in suburban Littleton, Colorado with her dog and cat.  She enjoys traveling, hiking, singing in two choirs, meeting with friends, and spending time with her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.