Simplicity (The Fall of Icarus)

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Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2011-10-03 04:41 PM

Simplicity

‘Twas just a simple ball of string –
The gift given that riled the king…
Eyes ablaze, watching in vexation
The damning of father’s creation.
Minotaur dead, labyrinth flawed –
Stood he, in shame, believed a fraud…
Scourge of Minos falling to us,
I, and my father, Daedalus.

Where landed we on this damned isle,
To march ever our endless mile.
Alas, a prison we would share
Towards destiny fraught with despair.
Our gifts turned curse – our smiles to woe,
No measure of the pain we’d forego.
Standing next each other, each alone,
By dreamer’s eye, or windswept drone.

When just a simple something said
Set forth tumblers in fathers head,
In mind, longing to prove of worth…
(That feeling absent from his birth).
And as the night around us stormed,
These wings of wax my father formed
Brought my vision that timid spark,
Unknown for years spent in the dark.

Indeed, it was a hope yet stirred,
Measured beyond all human word…
As dad warned me of sun and sea
And all serving to undo me.
Now, maybe I heard – maybe not.
Maybe Fate just finally caught
Up to the man I longed to be
In skies from which I now fall free.

Still, as I flap, still as I flail
For flight no longer to avail;
Screaming up at dizzying pace
Alas, I recognize her face…
Life’s condemnation all about me –
The world better off without me…
I finally see the cost of dreaming –
Of all I and my father’s scheming.

…For all we longed to help, or hold.
…For all those years, alone and cold.
…For standing on our dignity,
While drawing the world’s enmity.
…For staring at the sun in wonder,
Her one hope held now rent asunder.
Where but father’s stricken eyes see
The fate beholden unto me…

The splash unheard – the thoughts unshared…
The gleam in eye – the hope I dared
To set my sights on as I soared,
Forever lost as my reward.
As unnoticed in your celebration,
Pass I, to eternal damnation.
‘Twas so simple, I should have known
The dream would die with me, alone!

Michael Anderson

But dreams — of those who dream as I,
Aspiringly, are damned, and die

EAP

[This message has been edited by Michael (10-04-2011 06:51 PM).]

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

1 posted 2011-10-03 04:45 PM

This is truly a keeper - and one of the best poems that I have read on this site.

A

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

2 posted 2011-10-03 04:46 PM

Thank you for both the compliment, and the inspiration, Alison.

JerryPat2
Member Laureate

since 2011-02-06

Posts 16975
South Louisiana

3 posted 2011-10-03 06:21 PM

From the great stories comes a modern version, and one that ranks highly in my humble opinion, to the original.

~~ Those who are silent are the first to be shot. ~~

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

4 posted 2011-10-03 09:00 PM

I read this... read it again... went back for another read... and will be keeping it in my library. But that's not enough... It should be in the public library, Barnes & Noble, amazon... all the places where people go to find great poetry!

I'd copy my favorite part, but every line is amazing!!!

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

5 posted 2011-10-03 09:05 PM

Perfection. I wish you were a book I could hold and read when the spirit so moved me.

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

6 posted 2011-10-04 07:06 PM

JP, I'm glad you enjoyed the read.

Ruth, don't you know poets can't be famous till they're dead? That's how they get out of doing the work it takes to get published to begin with.

I'll leave my publishing up to all you here at Passions once I'm gone.

Mysteria, you wouldn't like all the self-contadiction... kind of ruins the plot after awhile.

Thank you all.

Michael

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

7 posted 2011-10-05 02:06 AM

Michael,

Thank you for allowing me the honor of offering you inspiration.

Alison

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

8 posted 2011-10-06 07:46 PM

Well, if THAT's the criteria and the way the process works, I'll stop my wishing for at least another 60 years or so and just enjoy your work here! LOL

But if there's a loophole somewhere in the rules and talent means anything... I'll wish upon a star AND clap my hands while saying "I believe!" *S*

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

9 posted 2011-10-07 04:35 AM

I am becoming a fan of your poetry, Michael.
Ida

2islander2
Member Ascendant

since 2008-03-12

Posts 6825
by the sea

10 posted 2011-10-07 04:53 AM

michael, this is wonderful, some lines difficult to unsderstand for a french reader, but enchantment at every line, applause ,

yann

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