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Open Poetry #10
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Purgatory
| Open Poetry #10 |
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Purgatory |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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PURGATORY What are these hands that reach to me In darkness draped o’er mindless thought? What are these images I see Which carry me where I dare not Give nod the reckoning of Chance? Nor beckon by the light of day, In visions gained of Sweet Romance, This chance to dream my life away. What are these pillars to the sky? What sacrament belies their touch? Cold marbled stone, a dead man’s cry, Could ne’er aspire to mean so much! Lo, prison bars, the requiem, I take my place in dampened cell, To kiss the floor from which they stem To trap me in this private hell… Where all I watch by tainted eyes Or painted smile resounds as truth, But all I reach for turns to lies Which cauterize the dreams of youth. Exasperation, poignant price, I bear the gift with stoic grin, And taste the wines of Paradise That all may know I know my sin – That all may claim, by Virtues dead, The innocence of fallen Hope, Or by some weary notion fled Reveal to all a broader scope Of life within this velvet shroud That holds precious, a dreamer’s eye, But, lo, where dream begins to cloud Better judgment, returns a sigh. Michael But dreams of those who dream as I, Aspiringly, are damned and die. EAP |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Okay...now here I am, and I can't even begin to express what this poem speaks to me. It was like you took the random fixings of my mind and made gumbo. So glad to have you back, Michael! |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Michael, But, lo, where dream begins to cloud Better judgment, returns a sigh. A wonderful and literate write, but I always expect that from you. Sy |
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Daniel J D Senior Member
since 2000-10-01
Posts 1471Hillcrest, Queensland, Australia |
Michael, Very well done, you are one of the best. Love your work. "And taste the wines of Paradise That all may know I know my sin –" Respond to my call and let the waves of my heart fill your life with the wonders of love (Daniel J D) |
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compassion Member
since 2000-11-01
Posts 135USA |
Micheal, I am such a fan of your and this writing is superb, allow me to quote from "Speak, God of Visions" by Emily Bronte, as a reply follow up with my interpretation. Quoting last two stanza's. "My darling pain that wounds and sears, And wings a blessing out of tears Be deadening me to earthly cares; And yet, a king, though Prudence well Have taught thy subject to rebel. And I am wrong to worship where Faith cannot doubt, nor Hope despair Since my own soul can grant my prayer? Speak, God of Visions, plead for me, And tell why I have chosen thee!" Michael, your poem is of Classic, your writing speaks. Marcy |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"Lo, prison bars, the requiem, I take my place in dampened cell, To kiss the floor from which they stem To trap me in this private hell…" "Where all I watch by tainted eyes Or painted smile resounds as truth, But all I reach for turns to lies Which cauterize the dreams of youth." Oh my, you've done it again Michael. It feels like you reached deeply into my mind and gathered so many of it's thoughts and questions, placing them all so beautifully into this incredible poem. Exquisite wording, and so fluent, wonderfully written!  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
Michael-- first off it is wonderful to see you again. i hope life has been treating you well. secondly, as always your writing is equisite...this is absolutely stunning. an amazing talent you have that leaves me in awe and speechless time after time. a classic poet...you are. Take care. Amy |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
serenity, Indeed, we've shared many of the same emotions, I know... good to be back, btw Sy, Thank you kind sir, your words mean much to me. Daniel, So pleased to meet you. Glad you enjoyed the poem. compassion, Wow - I am awed at the little piece you quaoted here from Emily Bronte but even more so that you quoted it in reply to my works. I am truly humbled. Kit, To have my works reach you in the manner they do is of great honor to me. Amy, I am wonderful, hope you are doing well too, my friend. Thank you all for the kind replies... Michael |
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Kevin
since 1999-11-02
Posts 729Torrington, Ct, Usa |
Michael, As always, you prove that time spent looking up all the words I dont know, which you use so eliquoently in your writing, is time WELL spent. I see so much POE in you. Your talent is mind boggling Forgive the poor spelling in this reply |
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Masked Intruder
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-05-23
Posts 1231Near golden sunsets |
Michael, Michael, Michael I forget what I was going to say... BRB |
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Masked Intruder
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-05-23
Posts 1231Near golden sunsets |
Right! Where was I? Ohhhh, yes.... Michael, Michael, Michael Does you angelic namesake send you inspiration like this all the time? It's like you plucked a Purgatorian's thoughts right straight out of his head as he kneels there in quasi-hell begging for forgiveness. Ummm....good job. *grins* |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Mike - hmmm... well, this carries your trademarks wording, heavy handed verbiage and intelligent phrasing ... but.. I have to say I felt a little loss of heart in it... course it could just be me. Not that I don't like it - I think it, of course, is well-written - But I think you could have done a wee bit better... maybe you're in need of some time away form that lady of yours...  C |
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wayoutwalt Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870TEXAS (it's all big) |
micheal just perfect i love it oman |
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Poeminister Senior Member
since 2000-02-26
Posts 1862Regina SK; Canada |
Micheal, Looks like I'm late comer, just wanted to say this one's magnificent. Your words touch down fluently and powerfully. Nicely written. Take care -Poeminister "...no single sound too rude Upon thy slumber shall intrude, Our thoughts, our souls- O God above! In every deed shall mingle, love." --Ed |
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Highlander Member
since 2000-11-06
Posts 50Dundee, Scotland |
This is classic poetry written by a rare talent. I applaud you! Andrew |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Kevin, I spent many years studying Poe, the first and favorite of all poets I've read. To have someone say they see Poe in me is a great honor. Thank you. Hey, M.I, How ya doin'? I think my angelic namesake couldn't possibly be responsible for the snivel and drivel I pour out as poetry... If so, something's very wrong in heaven of late... LOL Hey, where did you end up going to school again, anyway? - just curious... Good to see you here! Chris, As far as the content of this poem, Purgatory, in my mind anyway, is a land between realms - neither hot nor cold, neither black nor white, for those lacking conviction or resolve to persue what they know to be right and justifiable and in effect, lacking heart - so I will take it that my message came across as intended... However, I fail to see where time away from my woman would bring back "loss of heart" in my poetry. If anything, I would think it would prove more disheartening so I am not sure how to take that part of your comment. Walt & Andrew, so glad you enjoyed... Poeminister, better late than never so they say, anyway. I apreciate the belated reply.Thank you all for your complimnets... Michael |
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Skyfyre Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906Sitting in Michael's Lap |
Chris: Ahem ... AHEM..?!?! Them are fightin' words, mister ...  Michael: I am as fascinated as ever by your dichotomy ... how you can write such black poetry and come out of it in a fair mood is beyond me (for I certainly haven't seen any of this mask of late). As always, you render darkness beautiful, m'dear ... and I love you for it. --Linda Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers. |
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brian madden Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 4374ireland |
Where all I watch by tainted eyes Or painted smile resounds as truth, But all I reach for turns to lies Which cauterize the dreams of youth. Exasperation, poignant price, I bear the gift with stoic grin, And taste the wines of Paradise That all may know I know my sin – again I will say it powerful writing, your words jump straight from the screen. excellent poem. "an afixiation a fix on anything the line of life the limb of a tree the hands of he and the promise that s/he is blessed among women". Patti Smith |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Michael - you may be the only person I know who can make me open and read a "dark" poem.... Check your email, OK m'friend?? |
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dragonpoe Senior Member
since 2000-11-12
Posts 608Palm Bay, Florida |
I am moved, deeply moved. I love this poem. |
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