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Home Poetry

‘Self-Exploration’ and Other Poems by Paul Millan

September 6, 2026
in Poetry, Culture
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an illustration from the Count of Monte Cristo (public domain)

an illustration from the Count of Monte Cristo (public domain)

 

Self-Exploration

The furthest shores within my mind
are lands whose sands I must explore—
becoming a conquistador;
to do this quest I am inclined.

Deposits await to be mined
for gems whose worth are rare, therefore,
the furthest shores within my mind
are lands whose sands I must explore.

The journey inward is designed
for those who will engage in war
against their inner Minotaur.
To gain insight, I sail to find
the furthest shores within my mind.

 

 

The Alcoholic’s Epiphany

I ponder on life with a stout
and wonder why it went afoul,
then drink until I fume and shout
at anyone who gives a scowl.

I wake inside a cell and think
that maybe I should quit the drink.
But once released, I retrogress,
and that is why my life’s a mess.

 

 

The Devil’s Trick

Invite the devil if you dare,
but do not be surprised if he
decides to bring along despair,
as you are swept out to the sea.

A sea of sin where many drown—
you can see them around the town;
their glimmer gone, a buried song,
waiting for death to come along.

 

 

Paul Millan currently resides in Glendora, California. His work has appeared on Lighten-Up Online, and will appear in Westward Quarterly.

Tags: DrinkingPaul Millan
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