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Open Poetry #36
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The Peaceable Kingdom
| Open Poetry #36 |
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The Peaceable Kingdom |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
 Painting by Edward Hicks-(American Quaker) Title-"The peaceable Kingdom"-1848 . . Search....search...researching Seeking visions in a modern world, Where all spirits seem entangled In snares of popular illusion; I find some clarity by My fingertips touching, My eyes deciphering, Messages in an old painting... *********************** Sky clearing allows sun in-on Clean water, on-to a place Without corners That no one really owns- A place without boundary, Where stewards bow to one master A space, surreal, a heaven known. Comparted, but nearly touching Enough so, as their paths cross Each and each retain appointed slots. Space enough to live and play Under eyes (lit up by grace) A peaceable kingdom Where all can find rest, Between rigors of chase. Human children, lambs and leopards, A painted scene, of living subjects- Framed in Isaiah paraphrase; Wolf and goat-kid, bear-cub-tigers All around them, golden light Not from bulb or burning star- But glow uprising from their hearts Ascending arteries, Illuminating all in sight Through fiber optics Of Gods eyes... A tree divides, held out- Palms up, Lifted into holy light That sheds its gold On branch and child, Dusting Devon hide. Nearby: Puzzled by the bears strange meal, The lion fixes willful eyes, a metaphor For those congressed Across a dark divide-discussing Promises, etched on charts That show upon their carta...men Ignoring fright of change, By filling in the great abyss with inner light. |
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| © Copyright 2005 ford hume - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Angelheart Senior Member
since 2005-09-08
Posts 754Jacksonville,FL USA |
This is a well thought of poem, thanks for sharing this and I like the picture..  Poetry can get you very far |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
*smiling at you*..Magnificent!! I'm placing this masterpiece into my library for a when I have more time to take it all in. And may I congratulate you also on becoming a Member Elite! There is so much one can learn from you.. pure poetry this...pure poetry!! Thank you for your wonderful critique on my poem The Woman's Portrait. Your thoughts and time are very much appreciated. Hugs~Nancy ~Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.~ |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Thank You, Angel.. * * * * * * * The painting is a bit unclear in parts, I think I need to explain a few things about it... The theme of the painting, and also my poem is fundamental Quaker beliefs (my own, not all) Hicks was inspired by the book of Isaiah, I was inspired by his painting. The Englismen on the left side, include William Penn, making treaty with the Indian people, the only treaty signed and its promises kept by both sides, to my knowledge.. I hope this explains a few things, but if anyone has any other questions about the content, please ask..... Peace-------ice ><> |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ford.....I want to live in that painting! Thanks for explaining a bit...it's hard to see the small people and what they are doing in the background. A very lovely belief of the goodness and beauty and compatibility of all creatures great and small. I really enjoyed your poem!  |
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froggy Senior Member
since 2003-06-23
Posts 1893Michigan |
Ford, This is just as beautiful as it was last night when you showed it to me. :-) |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Nancy, Martie, Ella.... Thank you for reading and the very kind replies... The picture is too small...  but I have just learned how to get it here at all, thank you Nancy for the help in Q&A...Now all I have to do is learn how to enlarge the photos without making them too big... A much larger picture of the painting can be found here, also a bit of history about the artist.. http://www2.gol.com/users/quakers/Hicks_Peaceable_Kingdom.htm again, thank you all.. ----------ice/ford ><> |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Thanks for the link, Ford! |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Ford, I loved the lines: "Ascending arteries, Illuminating all in sight Through fiber optics Of Gods eyes..." Actually, loved the whole poem. That last verse...yes, that last verse....an answer to the question I posed in my poem (Bombing Eden)....thank you. .....jo |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Wonderfully written Ford. believe in what your heart feels... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
When one takes into account the historical nature of this piece, your own adapation to history makes it all that much more interesting... Thank you, Ford! |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
As in the Kingdom of Heaven, may there be peace on Earth between all creatures great and small! Not only was I intrigued by your poem, I was fascinated by your explanation! Love & Light, Linda |
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