Mid-way through last year I was feeling depressed and dissatisfied. I hadn’t achieved the life goals I wanted, and I’d reached a standstill with my career progression.
I decided to set a personal goal to learn a new language, since I needed a new focus and it was always something I wanted to do. I chose Korean for its structured alphabet and because it was very different to English. As I was exploring Learn Korean with BTS kept appearing. I wanted to know who BTS were to be representing a language and culture.
After listening to Wildflower, even though I couldn’t understand the words, the emotion it evoked mirrored the way I was feeling, and I had to Google the lyrics. Each song I listened to, with a different theme and arrangement, for every mood, was addictive. This was when I fell into the rabbit hole.
I was deeply moved by the idea of artists experiencing two deaths in Black Swan and became slightly obsessed with watching the different videos and performances of the song. I wanted to capture the idea and images that were running in my head and started to write – it was the first time I’d been excited to write poetry since high school. Although I started with a clear theme, as I wrote, the poem took on a life of its own. Black Swan was the result.
In shadowed glade, below the moonlit night,
The Black Swan unfurls, an alluring sight.
His piercing gaze reflects the stars above
Although tear-stained cheeks suggest forlorn love.
His silhouette regal, both fierce and stark.
Sinuous and poised, he stands in the dark.
His broken wings, a canvas of despair.
Yet within their frame, a hope; a prayer.
The dance begins with melody’s embrace.
Every step crafted with power and grace.
His body, like silk, rhythm soft and free.
His every move, a haunting symphony.
The cadence rises and fervour takes flight,
He leaps and spins, a blur of pure delight.
Every twist and turn conjures dreams anew.
But in memories, shadows linger too.
The harmony surges, a cry of woe
And the writhing dancer begins to slow.
A Swan Song, a moment, haunting the air.
A siren’s call, both enchanting and fair.
Time stops in sorrow, the Black Swan now spent.
Falling; broken; bloody; painful descent.
The shadows gather, the Black Swan lies still,
A ghost bathed in moonlight, wrapped by death’s chill.
Yet where there is dark, there is also light.
It is enough to hope, to stay, to fight.
His soul is restored and his spirit’s refill.
A testament to strength and steadfast will.
He kneels, rises, and with euphoric cry,
Under pale moonlight, relearns how to fly.
With wings rewoven strong, he starts to soar
From downtrodden soul to fearless once more.
Let the Black Swan dance, his passion renewed
And let all future steps be faith imbued.
His heart now beating with love’s vital light
Creating a flame that burns eternally bright.
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Thanks to the BTS Australia (Official Australian A.R.M.Y Group) FB Group for helping connect me with ARMY for this tribute project.
Disclaimer:
This is a fan-made project and is not affiliated with BTS, HYBE, or BigHit Music. All content reflects personal experiences shared with love by Australian ARMY. Song titles, names, and logos belong to their respective copyright holders.