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Ron

Administrator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-05-19

Posts 8669
Michigan, US

0 posted 2002-09-11 07:09 PM

Night descends,
as the shadow of tragedy
creeps again across the world.

There are no stars, no moon,
no beacons set to guide my steps,
and even the breeze
refuses to move
in the darkness of this night.

The Precipice feels near.

I can sense its breath,
not as I sense a stirring wind,
but rather in the expansiveness
of the unknown depths
beyond its unseen edge.

One step. Two.
How many dare I blindly take?

Whispers float on stagnant currents,
a cacophony of dire Warnings,
without direction, without surcease.
"Too near," strains their aria,
"You move too near the edge."

They fear the precipice, and rightly so.
I risk not death,
which will come this night
whether I step or stay,
but gamble instead much more.

One step. Two.
Which step will be my last?

"Caution!" whispers the strident voices,
"Lest Liberties be lost
within the maw of preservation,
and Freedom be sacrificed
as we foolishly defeat ourselves."

They are right, I concede,
taking another step to unseen edge.
Yesterday, I listened,
tomorrow, I'll listen again,
but, this night, I don't care.

"Beware!" drums the dissonance,
"Lest tragedy be counted
in dollars and ratings,
with marketing madness
the only memories we keep."

Yesterday, I listened,
tomorrow, I'll listen again,
but this night, they use the night
to decry what they themselves partake,
and I refuse to care.

"Take heed!" urges wisdom,
"Lest Justice be lost
in the stink of retribution,
and righteous outrage confused
with the cancer of empty hate."

I grit my teeth, silently insisting,
I don't care, I don't care, I don't care,
Yesterday, I did,
tomorrow, I will again,
but this night I no longer do.

One step. Two.
If I fall, will the Warnings follow into Hell?

Another step becomes a half-step,
as I feel the jagged edge of Armageddon
prickle the sole of my foot.
Five bare toes dangle helplessly
over the outstretched hand of eternity.

The darkness is no less, the foreboding no more,
but still I lower myself to the ground.
The precipice caresses the back of my knees,
and my feet dangle into an abyss
I can sense but never see.

I remember to breath again.
The sound of my lungs seems deafening,
the Warnings finally fade into silence,
and sitting here makes me feel like
a flitting speck in the eye of God.

All my certainties have long since
faded with the acrid smoke of tragedy,
like the illusions they always were.
There is too little justice, far too much hate,
and a thousand more Warnings every day of the year.

But not tonight.
Tonight, I will not care, will not fret,
will not plan, and I'll be damned if I'll listen
to cries of alarm and disquiet
that refuse to honor my quiet.

Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void.

The shadow masquerading as night enfolds me,
and in her reflective embrace
I will find what comfort I can.
Yesterday, I cared,
tomorrow I will care again,
but tonight I will simply remember.

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant

since 2002-06-08

Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA

1 posted 2002-09-11 07:10 PM

Very sad day indeed. Good write.

Cold hands means a warm heart

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

2 posted 2002-09-11 07:11 PM

...Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void...

How rare it is we get to see your words...
how heartfelt they truly are...

Thank you, Ron...

[This message has been edited by Sunshine (09-11-2002 07:12 PM).]

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

3 posted 2002-09-11 07:17 PM

"Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void.

The shadow masquerading as night enfolds me,
and in her reflective embrace
I will find what comfort I can.
Yesterday, I cared,
tomorrow I will care again,
but tonight I will simply remember."

(tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, somehow I knew you were going to post something so remarkable and so rememberable today and I was right, for I am blessed to read your lovely words whenever you do and it is rare! (big hugggggsssss) I still can't believe this ever happened and that day feels just like a few hours ago to me, where now I just cry to myself and remember, praying tonight for all the children and the victims families across America! God Bless You, sweet friend, God Bless all of America and our friends reaching out to us across the world, we all love you so much I am adding this to my library as this is one of he most powerfully compassionate dedications I have ever read! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Ron, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

(God Bless America)

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (09-11-2002 07:18 PM).]

WhileIWasGone
Member

since 2002-07-18

Posts 486

4 posted 2002-09-11 07:22 PM

Great work....enjoyed.

DeaDiAmore

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

5 posted 2002-09-11 07:23 PM

Ron,  only once in a great while do we get
to share....right now,  I feel I truly am
sharing...  and you have given us a feel
that many of us have felt as well...

Thank You,

Barry

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

6 posted 2002-09-11 07:23 PM

Ron

Yes, exactly....me too.

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

7 posted 2002-09-11 07:25 PM

How very true and expertly articulated these words are...

Yes, along with the screams of shock, the cries of revenge, the call to action, the recriminations.....there also needs to be a moment of silence where nothing exists but the emptiness of mind and the surrealistic feeling of not feeling, the "foot-dangling" over the edge of eternity...

Excellent work, Ron.....

catalinamoon

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-06-03

Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone

8 posted 2002-09-11 07:27 PM

Ron, how nice to see some writings of yours here in your home. You captured the essence of this day well, I think.
Sandra

Poet deVine

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-26

Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley

9 posted 2002-09-11 07:43 PM

This is at once scary and sad and hopeful. Bravo sir.

Duncan
Member Ascendant

since 2001-08-07

Posts 5455

10 posted 2002-09-11 07:44 PM

Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void.

The shadow masquerading as night enfolds me,
and in her reflective embrace
I will find what comfort I can.
Yesterday, I cared,
tomorrow I will care again,
but tonight I will simply remember.

I've been in the forums off and on all day. I haven't responded, only read. Your poem said perfectly what I have been feeling.
Thank you Ron.

Kit McCallum

Administrator

Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

11 posted 2002-09-11 07:53 PM

"Another step becomes a half-step,
as I feel the jagged edge of Armageddon
prickle the sole of my foot
Five bare toes dangle helplessly
over the outstretched hand of eternity."

"Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void."

"Yesterday, I cared,
tomorrow I will care again,
but tonight I will simply remember."

Ron, I've been sitting here after work, watching some of the media coverage ... and very often, "muting" the television, so my own thoughts could filter through. You captured, with amazing clarity, what I was trying so very hard to understand regarding my own emotions on this day ... but was not comprehending.

Thank you for that ... and thank you ... for just being "you".

Best wishes and hugs to you,
/Kit

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-05

Posts 8296
Michigan

12 posted 2002-09-11 07:57 PM

This is awesomely written, Ron...
It conveys our sense of foreboding and fright very well...
A beautiful piece on a sad subject.

~ hugs from a sad Michigan Chipmunk

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled" Gwendolyn Brooks

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-01-04

Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise

13 posted 2002-09-11 08:09 PM

From my heart I say to you sir, how honored I am to read your words. It is so seldom that you grace us and come out from behind these sacred blue pages.

'...Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void..."

Thank you. You are an amazing writer....Hugs, Marti

Every now and then take a good look at something not made
with hands -- a mountain, a star, the power of the ocean.
There will come to you wisdom,

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

14 posted 2002-09-11 08:23 PM

Ron~

'All my certainties have long since
faded with the acrid smoke of tragedy,
like the illusions they always were.

Yesterday, I listened.
Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.
Tonight, the shadow of tragedy covers my world,
and I just want to sit on the edge of eternity
and dangle my feet into its void.

Yesterday, I cared,
tomorrow I will care again,
but tonight I will simply remember.'

I can't express it any better than this ...
Thank you, Ron~
*Hugs*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

15 posted 2002-09-11 10:33 PM

Remembering - is really what it's all about, isn't it?... A silent tear upon a reflective eyelid is mirrored by a beaming smile in my heart - Just to see you write anew - You ARE my Inspiration, after all...

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

16 posted 2002-09-11 10:57 PM

Excellent write here Ron!
So pleased you came home to join us.
Your words are pure magic.
~Hugs & Smiles, Nancy~

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

17 posted 2002-09-11 11:01 PM

Ron,
You don't post often but when you do I wouldn't miss it for the world. An excellent write and I have felt those feelings. You expressed it with your own elegance and style. And did it very well, thank you.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

18 posted 2002-09-12 01:04 AM

Thank you.

Ceinwyn
Member Elite

since 2000-07-09

Posts 2175
VA

19 posted 2002-09-12 01:22 AM

*sigh* methinks you penned it well!! I must agree with everyone else..sad isn't it..that we all seem to unite under such circumstances...

Kristen

If at first you don't succeed destroy all the evidence that you tried.

[This message has been edited by Ceinwyn (09-12-2002 01:24 AM).]

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

20 posted 2002-09-12 01:44 AM

Ron,
How sad that we are in the shadow of this tragedy. Much appreciated your reflective words. Well done indeed. Thanks. I wish you had more time to write.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

21 posted 2002-09-12 01:54 AM

You always say it better than I...and I thank you. You make me think, yanno that?

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius

since 2000-10-09

Posts 13989

22 posted 2002-09-12 06:14 AM

All my certainties have long since
faded with the acrid smoke of tragedy,
like the illusions they always were.
There is too little justice, far too much hate,
and a thousand more Warnings every day of the year.

So very well said Ron. We only get to see the words of the one who gives us this home so rarely, but when we do we are in for such a treat. Thank you for sharing with your Passions family today and for this very insightful write. Peace to all.

If I have touched one heart through my words, then I have acheived my dream...

Goodknight
Member Elite

since 2002-06-15

Posts 2386
Ohio, USA

23 posted 2002-09-12 10:18 AM

well said - have we all shared these concernes with the country's leadership? Paul

bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

24 posted 2002-09-12 11:47 AM

Ron,
You got it all down.

Mike

Moonlight Romeo

Senior Member

since 2001-09-10

Posts 982
The heart of you

25 posted 2002-09-12 12:18 PM

Tragedy's shadow comes from a very interesting sun.

Thank you.

What light through yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

26 posted 2002-09-12 03:29 PM

Dear Mr. Ron---After absorbing the essence of your awesome words into the essence of my not so awesome being, I began the long, but very pleasant, journey through all of the replies that you have received thus far. You are one admired and loved man----and although I may only be a PIPsqueak, I would like to join the ranks of your admirers and lovers (whoops! I better watch my vernacular! The moderators will come and get me and tear off my wings!!!)

BTW---everybody else replied so eloquently, I would like to add a great big DITTO to what everyone else wrote. Your writing and your message moved me deeply.

Earth Angel

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (09-12-2002 05:10 PM).]

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

27 posted 2002-09-12 04:24 PM

A truly sad event, and you captured every single feeling imaginable in this poem, but the one that sticks out in my mind most is wanting to rest a while in the void, and just dangle my feet. I was numb. Well done indeed, and so nice to have yet another "keeper" in my collection too. My heart is with you all as we all try to move forward to some resolution.

The most valuable thing you own is a smile, wear it, and share it.
Sharon

Drauntz
Member Elite

since 2007-03-16

Posts 2905
Los Angeles California

28 posted 2007-06-18 01:55 PM

a time for a poem like this and it is you who wrote with full emotion.

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

29 posted 2007-09-11 06:52 PM

'Tomorrow, I will add my voice to theirs.'

I came back to hear your voice again~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email - noles1@totcon.com

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

30 posted 2011-09-11 01:20 PM

I thought this to be one poem that needed to be read, especially today.

Carpe'Diem
~ Mysteria ~

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