Hi Lim!
I haven't written a review in a long time so please excuse me. I will keep this more around what I interpret from your poem and what are my queries regarding the same.
The first impression is like visiting one's past. A time that was probably filled with trauma or some great sorrow. That's what the shattered bones of a dragon form an image in my mind. Something that caused the casualty and it was covered in dust with time. Though still, the fragments pierce through the traveler's feet. It's like trying to remember and relive those feelings that are causing emotional distress and mental pain to them. Digging deeper into the past further gives even more misery. I wonder what clearing the path means. The poet is visiting those memories with extra care and perhaps trying to figure out something but being careful at the same time to not cause more triggers.
"Onward West" may be seen as a metaphor for a journey or travel. The evening sun making a brief stop before continuing westward could represent a pause in one's journey, a moment of reflection, or a temporary stay at a place before moving on. I think it's really up to the reader what they want to interpret about this journey. It could be part of a mental walk down a difficult personal experience in life. Or maybe something in general, the hardships faced in the real world where people falter or lose and their expedition remains unaccomplished. Even the mightiest ones could crumble (that's what the dragon's imagery makes me think about). The ones who follow try to take each step carefully and try not to end up like those who preceded.
I'm sorry if it's a bit too vague or far from what your actual intentions were. But I would love to know your side of this poem. Also, I would like the know why you refer to 'pan'. Like what it resembles here. I can relate white shards to the image of shattered pieces of bones but what about 'pan'?
Overall, I really admired your poem and liked the flow.
Happy writing
Points: 6410
Reviews: 158
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