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Open Poetry #46
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Ringo
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Saluting with misty eyes

0 posted 2010-08-13 12:50 PM


I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness
Sitting cross-legged on the floor with their hearts in their hands
As the world they’ve known revolves without them
Without their thoughts
Without their souls added to the collection of spiritual energy
Comprising the higher consciousness of this once great society
Left vanquished in the dust of war
The dust of famine
The dust of pain felt in the eyes of the young as they see what once was
Is no more than a memory best left in the history of the unseen
Forces surrounding the world that was left to them
That was left for them
That was left by them as they gathered their belongings in the knapsacks
They once held so dear

Rage
Rage, dear ones as the light of integrity leaves their eyes
Cold and dead
Devoid of rationalistic light, harmony, and peace
They refuse, this walking cadre of the night
Any semblance of the cornerstones
Friendship Love Truth
Guiding the principals of those who have been awakened
Unto the sparkling reflection of awareness
Given unto them by the removal of the chains
Once binding them and the blinders
Keeping them enslaved by greed and the false gods they once knew


Hold aloft thine outstretched arms
That beg forgiveness for the sins uncommitted by ones so pure
It is to them this existence is all but denied
Leaving them wailing with no understanding as to the reasons why
Providence left ne’er to return
They are so bold, so hard, so hard in their spirits
As to have never touched the hand of G-d

The scene, having been witnessed within the nightmares of my age
Reminds me once again that within the lofty dreams of my youth
I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness


I was watching a movie this early AM and someone quotes the opening (and ending) line from the Allen Ginsberg poem "Howl". I had been rolling the title around my brain for a few weeks, and when I heard the quote decided to see what I would do with it.


Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "WHAT A RIDE

© Copyright 2010 Bradly Stott - All Rights Reserved
Amaryllis
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since 2010-05-20
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1 posted 2010-08-13 02:14 AM


A powerful write, for sure.. and Ginsberg worthy of much inspiration.. very well written, here.
~Amaryllis

passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
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2 posted 2010-08-13 02:24 AM


lofty dreams....

I had a few of those

but life got in the way

profound writing here Ringo

Cpat Hair
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3 posted 2010-08-13 07:12 AM


Very powerful write sir... and one I truly enjoyed for the intellect and theinspiration.
Ringo
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Saluting with misty eyes
4 posted 2010-08-13 10:40 AM


Thank you all very much for the kind words. It is truly appreciated that you took the time to read my little scribble.

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "WHAT A RIDE

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