"Ennui" by David Park Barnitz explores themes of existential boredom and disillusionment. The speaker reflects on their solitude and dreams while seated in a metaphorical "Gomorrah." The arrival of the seven mortal sins, personified as figures in rich attire, symbolizes the allure and futility of temptation. Despite their beauty and presence, the speaker dismisses them, expressing a sense of weariness with life and a desire for escape from the repetitive nature of existence. The poem captures a profound sense of ennui, emphasizing the speaker's belief that nothing is truly meaningful or new.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1979 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical