navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #46 » The Shovel and the Mist
Open Poetry #46
Post A Reply Post New Topic The Shovel and the Mist Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA

0 posted 2010-05-14 01:04 AM


The shovel has dug his fair share of holes
Each a doorway to the long dirt nap
Of watching grass grow from the other side
It’s how he makes his livin’
For livin’ is diggin’

The years have made him hard
Hard as the granite markers
Standing testament to his endless employment
Hard as the steel sinew in muscles
With callused eyes cast in a ceaseless stare
That never blinks in the face of Death
Hard as the hickory hands
That grip the handle of life
A handle that shovels Death’s dirt for a livin’

Livin’ in the land of the dead
Takes dedication
Determination
The shovel has plied his trade
For nearly half a century
A family business picked up from the old man
Who dropped the handle some thirty years gone
He visits every now and then
But they don’t say much
The dead aren’t much for talkin’
‘cept in whispers
And the shovel is too busy makin’ vacancies
For such vagrancy  

Such is the shovel’s business
On this cold and cloudy morn
Shy of the sun’s cleansing sight
Where spirit mist still mingles with the cypress and stone
Business has brought him to the sacred section of Death’s domain
Where father rests nearby
Offering advice through echoed memories
“Focus on the dig, son. Pay no-never-mind to the mist.”
The shovel has always listened to his elders
The shovel digs and suffers no distraction

But the mist will not be dismissed
So close to it’s eldritch home
And on this morn it is thick with threat and promise
Of the claimed who were less vigilant to their duties
The mist has learned well the tricks of the trade
Cryptic images in sight and sound
Are but the first assault
A white silent noise embracing stone sentinels
Seeking vengeance upon the trespasser
But the shovel gives no-never-mind
It’s just white on white
And the weight of each full spade
Is the only color needed

The mist
Knowing its nemesis nears the hated horizon
Recognizes the challenge
And calls its champion forth
The lord of the land
With scythe in hand
To finish business before the day’s banishment is cast
To cease the shovel’s sacrilege
That has scarred its territory for far too long

The shovel senses the presence
And heeds his father’s faith
Keeping hickory in hand
Eyes to the land
Mounting defenses of earthen battlements
With ditch six-feet deep in dedication
Determination
The shovel shields himself in service
With each spade full of soil
Ignoring the icy grip
And pitted eyes of enmity
Seeking eternal attention
The shovel knows not to blink
Not to loose sight
In this land of mist and stone
This land of white on white
For to see the coming sun
One must seek the soil in sight
Until the day is bright
When God’s eye banishes night
So the shovel keeps his head down
Diggin’
For livin’ is diggin’

With final stab before the sun
The mist seeks to reap reward in ruin
To let run the rust colored rivulets of steel
That is the shovel’s life
But the mantra is deeply rooted
Ingrained in the shovel’s grip
That refuses to let go
And as the day breaks
So does the sound of scythe scoring shovel
Leaving scar for scar
In this age old war
The mist departs the field
Abandoning the shovel to his final task

There
Within the rays of the sun
Upon the battle ground
Of littered stone and epitaph
The shovel stands vigil over the night’s work
Gripping life with callused hands
He registers another notch upon the hickory handle
Another marker raised in recognition
Equal to the shovel’s toil
Within Death’s soil
For livin’ is diggin’

© Copyright 2010 Andrew Scott - All Rights Reserved
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
1 posted 2010-05-15 02:08 PM


Very impressive, you wrote this well. Just good to know that spirit can't be shoveled under ...

Love,
Margherita

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
2 posted 2010-05-15 03:15 PM


Margherita, thanks for persevering through what is obviously a long read. Your effort and words are much appreciated. I was beginning to think no one would hazard the trek. I guess that sort of echoes the piece.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 2010-05-15 06:12 PM


Hi Andrew Scott ... The shovel personified...as if its life work was to hold the hands of the grave digger as well as the departed. Makes me wonder where you got the idea for this...I like it.
Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 posted 2010-05-15 07:35 PM


Yo Andrew,

This works well.  It takes me to many grave side memories.

Bobby

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
5 posted 2010-05-15 07:46 PM


Hmmm… well, Martie, let’s see. I have to give credit to the Bones poems posted by Robert E. Jordan. He’s the one that got me thinking about shovels. Then I’d have to say I was channeling an older piece I wrote entitled “The Lakeside Shed of Bocephous Jones” from Open Forum 13. It has a similar feel and style.  After that, I’d say it was a product of watching the Twilight Zone as a kid.  Thanks for reading through and posting your thoughts. I’m glad I could bring such images to mind. Peace.  

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
6 posted 2010-05-15 07:48 PM


Hey REJ, you snuck in on me. I have to give you thanks for the idea of writing this. It all started back when you were shoveling snow. Go figure. Thanks again for the read and write. Peace.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

Bastet
Member
since 2010-05-07
Posts 246

7 posted 2010-05-16 12:54 PM


I really like this poem. It has a down to earth quality that reminds me a bit of Whitman. Could also be dramatic monologue, as you seems to be speaking through your main character. An original subject but one that bears bringing up. Well done.


Earl Brinkman
Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183
Osaka, Japan
8 posted 2010-05-16 07:58 AM


I have never read anything like this in my live.  This was very, very creative.
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
9 posted 2010-05-16 08:32 AM


Sir Andrew, you certainly know how to call a spade a spade!

There are so many lines I could come up with but this piece of writing deserves complete respect. You have taken a subject with so many facets and painted it brilliantly, from the thoughts of death to the thoughts of the man who buries them. The true beauty of the poem is in the flavor you inject into it. It was long and yet I was disappointed when it ended. I wanted it to go on.

Absolutely wonderful writing, Sir A.

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
10 posted 2010-05-16 01:47 PM


Bastet: Whitman!... thanks for that.  Glad you enjoyed

Earl: To know that I gave somebody something new is very high praise.  Thanks for the read and write.

Sir Balladeer: I bow to you and yours in gratitude. Truly, your kindness is an inspiration to carry on. Peace.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

threadbear
Senior Member
since 2008-07-10
Posts 817
Indy
11 posted 2010-05-17 12:30 PM


Really REALLY amazing writing, Andrew.
The intricate layers of feelings thrive in your words.  Truly inspired.
The almost rhyming lines connect with the rest of the verses in a very unique way.  I like the style of that considerably.
I don't say this often, but this a poem that EVERYONE here in PiP should read at least once.
Tip of da hat!
Jeff

Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
12 posted 2010-10-31 03:03 PM


Ah, here it is!
.
Deliciously creepy and down-to-earth     
More superb writing... I truly enjoyed the story, and hadn`t given a thought to it`s `length` as I was engrossed for the entirety! Love the idea of ol`  shovel putting a notch in the wood for each spirit he`s  vanquished... and the voice of his dead father, strengthening and advising.  Great fun, these spooky tales  
.
Best~
Amaryllis

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
13 posted 2010-10-31 03:18 PM


Amaryllis: Thanks for diggin' up this piece, and others (my tri-fecta of horror if you will). I know the length can be a deterrent to most, so I appreciate the effort to read and write.  I hope they’ve put you into the spirit of the season.
Cpat Hair
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

14 posted 2010-10-31 03:49 PM


Well done Andrew... I didn't find the length a deterent, and like the repitition of some lines as they underline the thought.
your trifecta of horror certainly deserves to be read and skill/talent recognized.

very nice indeed sir



Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
15 posted 2010-10-31 04:27 PM


Cpat Hair: Thank you for the read and kind words. Right back at'cha on the skill/talent.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
16 posted 2010-10-31 04:58 PM


Love the unorthodox of this. If each of us were to be given the word "shovel," and then asked a poem to write, it would have been interesting what would have been brought forth, each unto our own. Digging shovelfuls of death's new earth is a time honored profession which has given way to machinery now, as are so many time-honored professions. It was wonderful to read this poem of the shovel standing tall against the mist.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

Prasad Nataraj
Senior Member
since 2008-05-29
Posts 1149
Bangalore,India
17 posted 2010-11-01 06:18 AM


fine writing.Enjoyed your wonderful work.

"Hardwork pays in the long run"

s1nfully_1nn0c3nt
Senior Member
since 2003-10-26
Posts 1105
Watertown, NY
18 posted 2010-11-01 10:22 AM


When I saw the title I wasn't expecting this to be about well - a shovel and  the mist. And I have to admit - I'm not a fan of lengthy pieces, but I found this rather interesting. I was captivated to the end. Enjoyed this.

-Trina.

"To decieve ones self, is truly a grueling battle. One which we're destined to lose."

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
19 posted 2010-11-01 03:12 PM


Andrew,

you never fail to wow me...and make me
strive to do a far better job than
what has been written in the past...

you make it so good!


Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
20 posted 2010-11-01 10:10 PM


What a unique ans well thought out poem Andrew. Well worth the long read.
                               Ida

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
21 posted 2010-11-01 11:12 PM


JerryPat: Thanks man. When I wrote this I was thinking of your part of the world.

Prasad: Thanks for the read and write. Glad you enjoyed.

Sinfully: Glad I could capture you to the end. I know these long ones can sometimes be easily passed over, so I appreciate your time and effort.

Sunshine: Yours is a quality I've often admired, so your priase in turn is truly the coin of the realm.  Thank you.

Marchmadness: Why thank you for your use of "unique." I'm glad you enjoyed.

To one and all... your reads and writes are much appreciated... especially for such a longer read such as this. You are all an inspiration to carry on. Peace.

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
22 posted 2010-11-01 11:27 PM


Your shovel brought to mind my Dad during the depression. He had a long walk to another town, there to pick up a shovel and use it to clean streets and walks. After a long day he turned in the shovel and had a long walk home. All this for his one dollar a day. But he had children and a wife to feed. I admire him and his fortitude and will always remember the things he had to do. No I did not remember this particular job. It was told to me by my mother in later years. But  he was always there to nurture and care. Thanks for the thoughts that poured back to me.  

latearrival

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
23 posted 2010-11-01 11:40 PM


Latearrival: My pleasure to provide such memories. It's interesting to discover what some of our parents did to provide in times of great need. I just recently found out that my mother walked several miles everyday to her secretary job, until she could afford to by a vehicle. This went on for about six months. No bus service in our area back in the early 60's. I'm sure your father was a man to be valued. Thanks for looking in. Peace.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #46 » The Shovel and the Mist

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary