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Open Poetry #47
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Nero
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Nero |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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Nero I pass the faces in my mind, though not sure what’s they’re saying. I read the concern in their eyes, not sure what it’s conveying. I turn, in kind, from this palace of archaic conviction, To exercise what I have won by mere right of affliction. The memories but ridicule, their echoes seem to follow A vision bade to glean some strength from a feeling most hollow. Drawing the fuel of my disease, precursor to the pyre – I watch, at length, the escapade of my Rome set to fire! Maniacal laughter offset, as if pinned to the riddle; From center stage, upon the dais, placing bow to fiddle… A rivulet of musical emotion flows out through me – Sets in one day of maddened rage the legacy that’s due me. An emperor’s abandoned throne, lesson enough for learning: By passions blind, dare not be led past the point of discerning. But stand alone, while Time obscures any hope of a hero, And count the dead dreams disinclined to this modern day Nero. The standard set, I bow my head – will take my leave come morning… Beyond the smoke, a buried sun arising without warning. The gauntlet shed, I’ll not forget the path from which I’ve wandered, The hopes undone within this broken life that I have squandered. Though History must write my name somewhere amidst the ashes, For all to see across the skies each time her lightning flashes; The berth of shame, indiscreetly, will tally less than zero In vacant eyes that still mark me a man too much like Nero. Michael Anderson Like one that on a lonesome road Doth walk in fear and dread, And having once turned round walks on, And turns no more his head... Coolridge |
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| © Copyright 2011 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Alison 
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Ah, Michael, this is so good. I really, truly enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing. Alison |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Thanks, Alison. This proved to be a tough write for me... like one I just couldn't polish enough to be considered a finished product. Glad you enjoyed, even so. Michael [This message has been edited by Michael (07-23-2011 03:52 PM).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Reading this prompted me to learn a bit more about Nero (math came easily, history was a subject I endured *G*). The more I learned, the more I appreciate the wonderful poem you've written but deny the comparison... 'tis a harsh judgement you've handed yourself. *S* Or maybe I just want to hide my own violin *S* This could be mine if I could say it so well: "The hopes undone within this broken life that I have squandered." |
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