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majnu
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Senior Member
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088
SF Bay Area

0 posted 2003-02-15 02:18 AM


Presented here are two versions of the same poem. The earlier one is first and the latter second. The portion in italics is a juxtaposition of two quotes from book 1 of milton's paradise lost - parts of Lucifer's famous speech. In the second version the reader will notice words in bold. They are changes from the first version.
---------------------------------------------------

So,

Loneliness perpetually eats at the mind,
A spider trapped inhead devouring brain;
Concussive trauma, blows blunt in kind,
Drill to temple with pi inside to drain.

Yellow belly soft unstudded underneath-
A dragon on his hoard watchfully asleep,
Wiley with only his proof buried beneath
Reams of printing paper and ink deep.

Future focus forever pushing people past
Probable point of tolerance towards me,
Memory plagues as time’s blow falls fast
Upon the tormented cowardice manly.

Rejection reveals character the old often
Say, so many times upon the cliff words
Never dare to test th’eye’s limit to soften
The bludgeoning beaks of prim birds.

Hair singed off skin but otherwise unhurt
In body where wounds would soon heal
Avoiding the nightmare mouthful of dirt;
Cards played on Sunday, Satan to deal.

I fear less worthy than the Good Doctor
I would prove all my detractors correct;
Discontent final for my supposed creator
Who to purgatory will send this subject.

Sartre’s silly conjecture of other people
Inversed to punish this destiny’s dupe;
Below the altar and above the steeple of
Faith fall the footsteps of soulless troops.

High upon hill stands the shepherd white
As the symphony pastoral behind plays,
Skillful strings beside tender brass bright
Distractingly strummed for better days.

Resolve made to walk the fiery coals,
Starboard bow a plank with flesh eaters
Below the neck, will soft as sandy shoals
Hesitation without push to self defeaters.

But,

The mind is its own place, and in it self
Can make a Heavn'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell;
Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.


And yet again fear of fire conquers will,
Though mind knows flames false show,
Unreasoning heart senses naught but ill,
Forward path remains untrodden below.

Re-coil, re-treat, with-draw, far within
Myself; Only to badger and beat my own
Brow, seeking to stab my heart stricken,
Murdering fear, leaving strength alone.

Yet Heav’n o’er all does reign supreme,
Casting out and letting in too arbitrarily;
Of my mind springs forth Rage extreme,
To challenge judgments fundamentally.

Here my pride precedes and predestines
All actions with cause lacking humility,
My descent to darkness and flame begins
As I embrace windless fall with alacrity.

Vacuuming gates polar to pearly white,
Passing each of the nine in turn terrible,
Rings of fire clichéd and needles bite,
Finally Beelzebub’s heads horrible.

An ancient friend Mephistopheles greets
Me; His formerly sweet tongue a lash,
Form stripped, essence bared he beats
My hideous birth impaled on black ash.

Black phoenix from sulfuric fumes born,
Wagnerian refrain releases the punishëd,
The winged beast rises to Hellish horn;
Across the great void daemon returnëd.

Drill to temple with pi inside to drain,
Concussive trauma, blows blunt in kind;
A spider trapped inhead devouring brain,
Loneliness perpetually eats at the mind.


---------------------------------------------------
So,

Loneliness perpetually eats at the mind,
A spider trapped inhead devouring brain;
Concussive trauma, blows blunt in kind,
Drill to temple with pi inside to drain.

Yellow belly soft unstudded underneath-
A dragon on his hoard watchfully asleep,
Wiley with only his proof buried beneath
Reams of printing paper and ink deep.

Future focus forever pushing people past
Probable point of tolerance towards me,
Memory plagues as time’s blow falls fast
Upon the tormented cowardice manly.

Rejection reveals character the old often
Say, so many times upon the cliff words
Never dare to test th’eye’s limit to soften
The bludgeoning beaks of prim birds.

Hair singed off skin but otherwise unhurt
In body where wounds would soon heal
Avoiding the nightmare mouthful of dirt;
Cards played on Sunday, Satan to deal.

I fear less worthy than the Good Doctor
I would prove all my detractors correct;
Discontent final for my supposed creator
He to purgatory will send this insurrect.

Sartre’s silly conjecture of other people
Inversed to punish this destiny’s dupe;
Below the altar and above the steeple of
Faith fall the footsteps of soulless troops.

High upon hill stands the shepherd white
As the symphony pastoral behind plays,
Skillful strings beside tender brass bright
Distractingly strummed for better days.

Resolve made to walk the fiery coals,
Starboard bow a plank with flesh eaters
Below the neck, will soft as sandy shoals
Hesitation without push to self defeaters.

But,

The mind is its own place, and in it self
Can make a Heavn'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell;
Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.


And yet again fear of fire conquers will,
Though mind knows flames false show,
Unreasoning heart senses naught but ill,
Forward path remains untrodden below.

Re-coil, re-treat, with-draw, far within
Myself; Only to badger and beat my own
Brow, seeking to stab my heart stricken,
Murdering fear, leaving strength alone.

Yet Heav’n o’er all does reign supreme,
Casting out and letting in too unwarily;
Of my mind springs forth Rage extreme,
To challenge judgments fundamentally.

Here my pride precedes and predestines
All actions with cause lacking humility,
My descent to darkness and flame begins
As I embrace windless fall with alacrity.

Vacuuming gates polar to pearly white,
Passing each of the nine in turn terrible,
Rings of fire clichéd and needles bite,
Finally Beelzebub’s heads horrible.

An ancient friend Mephistopheles greets
With his formerly sweet tongue a lash,
Form stripped, essence bared he beats
My hideous birth impaled on black ash.

Black phoenix from sulfuric fumes born,
Wagnerian refrain releases the punished,
The winged beast rises to Hellish horn;
Across the great void daemon returned.

Drill to temple with pi inside to drain,
Concussive trauma, blows blunt in kind;
A spider trapped inhead devouring brain,
Loneliness perpetually eats at the mind.



-majnu
--------------------------------------
Timid thoughts be not afraid. I am a Poet.


[This message has been edited by majnu (02-17-2003 03:11 PM).]

© Copyright 2003 Zaheer Abbas Ali - All Rights Reserved
Local Parasite
Deputy Moderator 10 Tours
Member Elite
since 2001-11-05
Posts 2527
Transylconia, Winnipeg
1 posted 2003-02-15 12:52 PM


Majnu, I can't believe nobody's responded to this yet.  This is some incredible poetry.  I'm going to read it a second time in order to allow myself the ability to give you a worthy response.

The second one I like best.  You've absolutely perfected it.  I felt "punished" and "returned" are a bit more easy for the flow.  

This is just fantastic writing, Majnu.  The imagery is sharp and dominating, cold and terrifying, just as the prospect of Hell is for every "soulless troop" on earth who is uncertain of himself.  I love your quote from Milton, it is very appropriate, and brings a lot into your poem.  Your technique, the rhyme scheme, consonance and assonance, not to mention the rhythm even without strictness of meter... this is superb.  Only place for this poem is...

I'm not certain what you should title this, but I don't think it's wise to leave it untitled.  It deserves something.  I'll come back if I think of anything, alright?  

Parasite

"Faith" means the will to avoid knowing what is true.
~ Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Local Parasite
Deputy Moderator 10 Tours
Member Elite
since 2001-11-05
Posts 2527
Transylconia, Winnipeg
2 posted 2003-02-15 12:53 PM


sorry for the double post

[This message has been edited by Local Parasite (02-15-2003 12:53 PM).]

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
3 posted 2003-02-15 03:08 PM




BRAVO!!! I wholeheartedly agree with LP, and might I add also that I believe the second one is also the best and after more people read this and give you input, perhaps you should edit this so the 2nd version is on the page as that is my favorite of the two and Ron knows which version you wish to be submitted, though of course it's your decision which of the versions you feel good about most! (BIG HUGGGSSSSSSS) I also suggest you either leave this untitled or choose by your own instincts what you want to title your poem as it is your masterpiece and your heart bleeding with passion! This is marvelous, sweet friend, all the allusions, the onomatopoeia, the figurative language, an oustanding concoction and choreography you create, this has my vote, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Zaheer, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton


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

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (02-15-2003 03:09 PM).]

Local Parasite
Deputy Moderator 10 Tours
Member Elite
since 2001-11-05
Posts 2527
Transylconia, Winnipeg
4 posted 2003-02-18 11:26 AM


Don't know about your proposed title, Manju... The Second Long Journey might fit a bit better.  I don't really like the word "Long," it sounds kind of inadequate.  Basically I like the title idea but think it needs rephrasing.
Kellie_Cantrell
Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667
New York
5 posted 2003-02-19 12:52 PM


The journey?
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

6 posted 2003-02-19 11:06 AM


Brian knows impressive poetry when he sees it. I second his praise.
Excellent writing poet majnu.

" ... And think not, that you can direct the course of love ...
if it finds you worthy ...  it then directs your course."

K.Gibran


regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
7 posted 2003-02-24 07:42 AM




I believe this is wonderful. As a novice poetess, it causes me to sit up and take notice. Imagery, concept, alliteration is all there. I can only say the overall poetry presented here is something I'd expect to find in an anthology. I personally, am impressed with the talent. Wow! Do idea why it hasn't had more attention. But it has my vote.

Enjoyed, Thanks, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
8 posted 2003-02-24 08:43 AM


Majnu, This is really excellent stuff...

I liked the second version too...

one suggestion, though you don't have to change anything, but what do you think of:

Black phoenix from sulfuric fumes born,
Wagnerian refrain releases the detained,
The winged beast rises to Hellish horn;
Across the great void daemon retained.

instead of

Black phoenix from sulfuric fumes born,
Wagnerian refrain releases the punished,
The winged beast rises to Hellish horn;
Across the great void daemon returned.

..........

and for the title... hmmmmmmmm...
1. Journey of the Mind
2. Coiling and Uncoiling
...

well... whatever you decide to do with this... it is excellent stuff...

and of course if you wish a more critical appreciation, you might want to try the Critical Analysis forum...

Regards,
Sudhir

WhiteRose
Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208
somebody's dungeon
9 posted 2003-02-26 05:15 PM


Well my dear friend, what can one say about this. I also like the second write. This is masterfully written, a literary feat carried off with skill. Truly your best work. It's just splendid, truly, just splendid

[This message has been edited by WhiteRose (02-26-2003 05:15 PM).]

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
10 posted 2003-02-26 05:48 PM


Yes..the second version...
and I am humbled in your presence.
This is an amazing piece of work.

~ Trace my body with your words..
And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~

majnu
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Senior Member
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088
SF Bay Area
11 posted 2003-02-26 05:52 PM


thanks all for the feedback. it is greatly appreciated.


I am not going to edit this post to include only the second version because I would still love to have people comment on which they prefer.

however I am leaning heavily towards the second version.

sudhir,
thanks for the suggestion.

-majnu
--------------------------------------
Timid thoughts be not afraid. I am a Poet.

Jason Lyle
Senior Member
since 2003-02-07
Posts 1438
With my darkling
12 posted 2003-02-26 05:57 PM


God knows I love this.
Jason

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
13 posted 2003-03-01 01:21 PM


I enjoyed the second version very much.  Good job!
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
14 posted 2003-03-17 04:50 PM


This is excellent work! *S* The second version gets my vote. *S*
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
15 posted 2003-03-17 05:17 PM


This definitely deserves a second read!

Warm hugs,
EA

SPIRIT
Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745
California Desert
16 posted 2003-03-17 05:29 PM


Absolutely brilliant I am in awe - also prefer second one. Only wish one could vote more than once.
WhiteRose
Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208
somebody's dungeon
17 posted 2003-03-21 06:10 PM




I just had to read this again my dear friend, and let me say again how really incredible it is. Truly, awesome.

[This message has been edited by WhiteRose (03-21-2003 06:11 PM).]

DawnG
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2000-06-23
Posts 1494
United States
18 posted 2003-03-24 12:30 PM


I also enjoyed the second version.

                             Dawn

garysgirl
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since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
19 posted 2003-03-24 01:32 AM


My vote, too!!
garysgirl
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since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
20 posted 2003-04-04 10:10 AM


A second go round?  

(Hey, I didn't mean that as a title....LOL)

[This message has been edited by garysgirl (04-04-2003 10:12 AM).]

SPIRIT
Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745
California Desert
21 posted 2003-04-11 10:11 PM


Still like the second one best, great stuff this and a small push back to the top.
fractal007
Senior Member
since 2000-06-01
Posts 1958

22 posted 2003-04-21 01:37 AM


A fascinating journey.  Once again your use of allusion serves to make this poem even more rich.

2+2=5 for sufficiently large values of 2
--Smit
My Creations

QjQ
Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756
U.S.A.
23 posted 2003-04-21 01:42 PM


i liked the first one better, however both were great
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