Untold Stories

Poet's note: "Untold Stories" by Gilbert Sordebabari delves into the themes of death, war, love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking language, the poem explores the complexities of human experiences and emotions. The poem begins by portraying the somber reality of a soldier going to war and leaving behind his loved ones. The soldier's silence about his inevitable fate suggests the harsh truth that war often separates families without the chance for proper goodbyes. The lines "Life never reconciles with death / that death / never stop taking his people" emphasize the relentless and unpredictable nature of death, casting a shadow over the soldier's journey. The poet presents a contrasting dichotomy between life and death, highlighting the coexistence of vitality and mortality. The lines "Men never stop living / That death never stops killing" suggest that life and death are intertwined, with one persistently existing while the other persists in its ceaseless cycle. The poem then shifts to introspection and self-reflection, exploring the complexities of love and forgiveness. The narrator grapples with the notion of loving two people simultaneously in the same manner, reflecting the challenges of managing conflicting emotions. The plea to "Forgiveness lend me your ears / Repair the hate I made / Return the trust I lost" illustrates the desire for redemption and healing, as the narrator seeks to mend the wounds caused by past actions. Karma becomes a focal point in the poem, symbolizing the consequences of one's actions. The idea of preparing a table for "holy manna" suggests a longing for spiritual nourishment and guidance in facing the consequences of one's deeds. The poem continues by reflecting on the advice given by the narrator's mother, highlighting the idea that destiny is in one's hands. However, this sentiment is juxtaposed with the physical scars and tattoos that adorn the narrator's body. The question "Does it mean short can't grow tall?" challenges the notion that limitations cannot be overcome and that growth is always possible, despite perceived shortcomings. The concluding stanzas delve into the paradoxical nature of freedom and restrictions. The narrator acknowledges being free yet confined by personal addictions and internal struggles. The war imagery continues, but this time as an internal battle—the conflict within oneself. The poem's closure is powerful, as it revisits the soldier metaphor from the beginning. The bullet released, representing past actions, results in the narrator's "demise." However, the phrase "Now that I'm born again" signifies a rebirth or renewal, suggesting a chance for personal growth and transformation. The plea "Let not my defend / Cause my end" conveys a desire to break free from patterns of self-sabotage and ensure that personal defenses do not lead to ultimate downfall. In "Untold Stories," Gilbert Sordebabari weaves together themes of life, death, love, forgiveness, and self-discovery to create a poignant exploration of the human experience. Through evocative imagery and introspective musings, the poem encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys and the choices that shape their paths.