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Open Poetry #48
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Once
| Open Poetry #48 |
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Once |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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Once There once was a poet, who had no name, Who sought not fortune -- sought not fame. 'Walked a stright line, but lost his home, And in the end, was left to roam The pointing fingers, and leering eyes Of the self-righteous feigning surprise. And so, all decoration spent, He burned the bridges as he went. Along his way, temptations rose, But always, inclination froze. The "damned if you do" set in mind... He never did, and lost, in kind. His shadow growing, day by day, Ever showing, along the way... Soon, even darkness seemed to fear The pitch-black sense of him, drawing near. The measure set, low, and not proud, He still would sing his song, aloud. And, one day, thinking he was alone, To the forest his voice was thrown. It's there the stricken melody Enchanted her, and set her free... And in the trembling moment struck The chord that ever damned his luck. She sang to him, a gentle psalm Of adoration, a soothing balm. His guard was dropped, as he looked on, The mystery having him drawn. It was there he was led from his path -- His road to nowhere -- his aftermath. And it was there she first appeared, In shining white, and enamored Him to her, touched by a tender breeze, As even nature likes to tease... A flitting glimpse of hope, she ran. So did he, as fast as a man can. The way not clear, it made no sense, But he knew he had to convince Her of his love, and the good he held Through years of darkness, unparalleled. But when, at last, she finally slowed, Those hidden things, they finally showed... Touching him with nails, long and sharp As the wailing of the Aeolian Harp. With her wicked grin, disconcerting -- Eyes never meeting his, averting, And her white dress, reflecting in the river, black, He knew there would be no way back. To the self sought agony, once chose; Each night now spent in Misery's throes, As her laughter echoes through the trees, While he spends forever on his knees. And it's said that some still hear his song, Near the deep woods, walking along, But if they do, they ought to run From this haunted place, which sees no sun... Where the dreams of the dead heed no voice, Walking eternity, without a choice. As the very shadow of nightmare hangs Across the sky, as that church bell clangs, Which marks the ending of a time Some nameless poet shared his rhyme... And his vision, so aptly wasted On a peace of mind never tasted. Michael Anderson Death's but a path that must be trod, If man would ever pass to God. Thomas Parnell [This message has been edited by Michael (09-21-2012 02:11 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2012 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
LOVED this, Michael. Don't know how much is lifted from reality, or if it is merely (this poem can never be said of as "merely") the fantasy of a Poeish poet. Everything about this was excellent, the cadence, the rhyming and the story itself. Three times the charm, Michael, and this one definitely was that, charmingly dark. ~*~ If they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
"But when, at last, she finally slowed, Those hidden things, they finally showed... Touching him with nails, long and sharp As the wailing of the Aeolian Harp. With her wicked grin, disconcerting -- Eyes never meeting his, averting, And her white dress, reflecting in the river, black, He knew there would be no way back." If there ever could be a reflective voice to explain, "Black Widow" this is pretty darn close. And thank God, it is only "once"...  Enjoyed, Mr. Michael. JL  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
From soothing balm to misery's throes... we feel his journey as he plunges from hope to hell... and we ache for him. Magnificent write... I don't think I took a breath till several moments past the last line!!! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I am listening to Eric Johnson's song called Gem and what a mood I'm in after reading this along with the musical backing just awesome, an awesome mood |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I loved this Michael, and could see it as an illustrated version. M |
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