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Sanctuary
| Open Poetry #45 |
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Sanctuary |
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AncientHippie Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411Surfing the Cosmic Flow |
The lone priest fussed over his nightly chores: fresh coffee made, new styrofoam cups, bulk cookies, clean bathroom. The month old magazines lay scattered like the broken promises of yesterday. He dreaded the ritual that was about to occur: nightly flow of addicts, teenaged prostitutes of both genders, older hookers, and many others who accepted, for a brief time, sanctuary. He hated how his body, kindled by the presence of his younger visitors, betrayed his faith, as he fought a lonely battle, already lost. Sutra 93: Do not speak to me of Reality: it is a personal concept that varies with the Observer. |
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| © Copyright 2009 James D. Fanning - All Rights Reserved | |||
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dragngrl28 Junior Member
since 2009-10-12
Posts 45Texas, USA |
I enjoyed reading the first 2 sections but would have liked the poem more if it led to the priest's loathing of the bottom parts of society instead of his sexual feelings. The description of what is done at night to prepare for the incoming tide of less desirables was excellent and I like how it was compared to a ritual. |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Interesting rituals and contrast of the human being~ between faith and practice is character conceived. |
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unboundpoetess Member
since 2008-05-24
Posts 477 |
Not where I saw this leading, but only made me enjoy you more. Write on. H |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
AncientHippie I love your straight forward style and your fearless look at the dirt under the fingernails of humanity. can't wait too check out more of your work~L |
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AncientHippie Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411Surfing the Cosmic Flow |
Thank you all very much for your kind comments. This is from a series I have been working on called "Anger in the Street" about the homeless, and urban anger and hopelessness. DragonGrl, sorry to disappoint. I did not feel that the priest felt disdain for his visitors, which, considering his calling, would be almost as serious a sin as his misguided sexuality. Namaste. Sutra 93: Do not speak to me of Reality: it is a personal concept that varies with the Observer. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Boldness and unabashed honesty are hallmarks of a 'secure' writer. Well done, AncientHippie. |
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dragngrl28 Junior Member
since 2009-10-12
Posts 45Texas, USA |
No disappointment here. Thoroughly enjoyed the poem. I can see how both would be grievious sins on the priests part and I can't wait to read more.  |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
I guess only "ancient hippie" could tell the unvarnished truth in this way. I admire your honesty as much as your consiserable talent. . Ida |
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AncientHippie Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411Surfing the Cosmic Flow |
Midnitesun, I don't know about the "secure" bit, but glad you enjoyed. Ida and DragonGirl: Thank you for your kind remarks. Namaste, all Sutra 3: See your reality for what it is, not for what you think it is: this is the first step to making your reality what you wish it to be. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
They have said sometimes the truth hurts, and you are sure hitting our mark on these writes. This is real life, and sometimes we have a blind eye to what is really surrounding us. |
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AncientHippie Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411Surfing the Cosmic Flow |
Mysteria: Thank you for your sincere comments. This piece is from my collection "Anger in the Street" which was written as a social commentary on the urban devastation of our time. Best regards, Jim Sutra 6: If your Path seems to be sprinkled with shards of glass, you should examine each shard to ensure it is not a diamond. |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
My first reading... I will be looking for more. "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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AncientHippie Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411Surfing the Cosmic Flow |
Thank you, Susan. And you shall have more. Jim |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
You have gained many followers here.Truth and honesty is sometimes refreshing even if it hurts or stings a little. Latearrial |
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AncientHippie Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411Surfing the Cosmic Flow |
Thank you, Latearrival. Some time back I wrote a guide for my life, entitled "Jim's Guide to Englightenment: The Complete Sutras. In presenting poems from my series "Anger in the Street" I had to tread carefully between two of those Sutras: Sutra 59: Never seek to impose your Reality upon others: Reality to you may be Illusion to them. and, Sutra 60: Your opinions are, to others, the street map of a different reality. Thank you for your comments. Namaste, and Peace Sutra 6: If your Path seems to be sprinkled with shards of glass, you should examine each shard to ensure it is not a diamond. |
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