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Open Poetry #43
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The Puppeteer ["in the attic of reason" - Serenity's challenge]
| Open Poetry #43 |
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The Puppeteer ["in the attic of reason" - Serenity's challenge] |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart 
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Tonight I read this poem at an Open Mic Poetry session at our public library. As I will soon be teaching a class on poetry, with the help of a lot of friends!, after reading this poem, I could even sip some water during the applause. It was a moment that moved me, as much as it did when I looked back on the original and repost, from our friends here at Passions. Please, enjoy, one more time, a challenge that apparently for some of you, held a match.   The Puppeteer – [in the attic of reason…Serenity’s challenge] The old man scratched his grizzled beard, awake in the sharp light of day As sunbeams hit his eyes, they seared his memories, dark and gray. His dream from just the night before still resided in his soul’s deep well As if his past knocked at heart’s door, ringing recollection’s bell. He ambled toward his kitchen sink for water, some hot tea to brew But thoughts held his mind, “To think… what I had done to you…” He sat at his table, lonely and still, but his mind ventured, rather erratic, He looked up at the ceiling’s height and thought beyond it to his attic. He shook his gray and troubled head, while dressing, he thought, “tis time, To once again go where I dread,” his actions were that of a mime. He moved then, somewhat jerky at best, steadied the ladder to receive his weight Slowly he ascended into the attic, a test, to see if memories might now abate. He stood there in the dust of dim, pervasive ghosts seemed thick in disgust Motes danced in silent light, as if grim, his actions slowed by dire distrust. Once a year, for his daughter’s sake, he came to this place, his heart to find, For in the attic of reason the puppets ache, as he sought to find truth in time. From a cavernous trunk he brought out a puppet, then a marionette so sweet. Other faces stared, each in silent shout, as one by one, he placed them on a seat. Soon, surrounded by his puppets’ adore, he began manipulating face and limbs Some sat still, some danced the floor on strings, swung and twirled, by silent whim. He soon fell back into his old story, for his tale was as ancient as time Each puppet began acting in glory, swinging to and fro in cadenced rhyme. He played each puppet as before, while invisible children gathered around For time seemed to trip past future’s door, and he was again the gayest of clowns. For he had left his wife and daughter behind to seek his fortune, as a raconteur For philosophy, his keen eye’s mind, could weave much from life, he was so sure. Oh, the stories he could tell, as if he must, to widen young minds, straighten wronged hearts, He would leave behind words so just, as his puppets played a life’s large part. For who would listen to thoughts of one man, when a cast of many he could hide behind As each puppet from his strings might stand, preaching wisdom that came from one mind. His puppets each had a voice so clear, their Master’s thoughts filled each one With philosophies that he held dear, of wrongs to right, oh, he was never done. But time took toll, his steps returned home, though no wife, nor daughter to find For Death, it too, had decided to roam, taking those he loved, but leaving him behind. Now once a year, he comes to lament, in the attic of reason the puppets ache, For his wife and child, the long days spent, and his puppets weep still, at man’s heartbreak. ~*~ 11/30/02 " It matters not this distance now " Excerpt, Yesterday's Love ~*~ KRJ |
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| © Copyright 2008 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Dear Karilea, I am happy that you decided to share this poem again, for it is truly an exceptionally well done work. Refined poetry, with profound philosophical insight and moreover it is deeply heart touching. Wishing you gratification with your poetry lessons, dear Poetess. I would love to attend them! I have no doubts that you will fascinate your students/auditors. Love, Margherita "Love is the One who masters all things; |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
ah...I remember this one! I'm happy you scored homerun with it too! aching puppets...here, we traditionally keep axes in our attics. Now the whole world knows why. Congrats on the success, K!  |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Fantastic Write Dear Karilea! Very Poetic and I loved your Rhymes Sad Write indeed too  ARCTIC WIND |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Oh, what a sad story! ~ and one that was very well-told! Good luck with the poetry classes that you will be teaching! Your students will be learning from the 'bestest'!  Linda |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Sunshine...Great poem, enjoyed very much. A heart touching story felt by many in the real world. Thanks for sharing...Paul ~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~ |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Karilea that is so good, I just loved the story, You wrote it well. Lindsay |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
What a wonderful touching story, Karilea. Good luck with the classes I'm sure you have a lot to teach to some lucky, future poets. Ida |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Sissie....I love the cadance and pace of this poem and how it sounded as I read it, almost like a song. Lyrical and sad...a story also full of what dreams are made of. Wonderful! |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
I remember this one too...funny how the replay is just a little better than the original...must be true that things get better as they age (couldn't be that we understand more, could it???) loved it again my friend. j. |
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