Open Poetry #24 |
I H S |
RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
I H S The gray man's haversack, cumbrous, more so this night than any other. Chiaroscuro* images, ponderous memories, some drawn in whispers from guilt's roots Lade of fear, burdened with proof, or lack of, to rest it in the dark may cause other's stumble, in light, it's onerous visage sap the vigor to regain it, to leave it's to be fed to Cerberus* The harshly angled wood beams of Golgotha*, skewering of He whose death far more than a pregnant woman denied a place to labor is reason for this night's steepled toll I H S In Hoc Signo (In this sign thou shalt conquer) After a few days the Massacre of the Innocents*, After a few centuries, when the furies changed from North Wind to sirocco*, the diaspora of the pagan solstice, feral celebration's end After a few millenium ill wind yet blows, they our Satan, we their Eblis*. From the lyceum adjacent to the church the choir practice drifts across snow, carrys through an open window, whirls the white arc over the blue wickt flame, reminder of midnight mass, sung with father, the unclaimed ashes coffee canned these 22 years I H S In Hac Salus (In this (cross) is salvation) There were no halos, no blue robed gilt sleeved pageant, no wealthy men would witness such poverty and walk away (?) leaving inappropriate gifts Just the glow of a loving mother under guard of a working man, the stench of two beasts of burden and fear of controlling authority A child in the minority brought up in obscurity who spoke the truth of light who didn't run from the warrants, fixed trial, death penalty I H S Iesus Hominum Salvator (Jesus savior of Men) . . . . . . *chiaroscuro- the distribution of light and shade in painting *Cerberus-3 headed watchdog at the gates of Virgil's hell *Golgotha-The place of the skull, An experience of intense mental suffering, The place of Christ's crucifixion *Massacre of the Innocents-young children killed by Herod after Jesus' birth *sirocco-hot, dry southern wind *Eblis-Islamic evil spirit or devil "Happy people have no history" - French Proverb |
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© Copyright 2002 Richard S. Wells jr. - All Rights Reserved | |||
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Hi Richard...I'll be back to read this when I can think a little more clearly. |
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Sandpiper Senior Member
since 2002-06-15
Posts 738land of flora and fauna |
I have read this over and over again--each time your words touch, and are felt, in a different place. There is no comment appropriate--I rarely use the word "masterpiece"--you have created one here, this is poetry at its finest. "And it was at that age...Poetry arrived in search of me...And something started in my soul." |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
RSWells You have mixed a stew of the finest brew But My teeth are warn and I cannot chew. Excellent. Happy Holiday [This message has been edited by Seymour Tabin (12-25-2002 11:46 AM).] |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Richard I'm back The tapestry of your mind is deep and intelligent; woven into words it is haunting and beautiful. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
does the altitude ever get to you? writing from so high. most impressive poet sir...vocab, imagery, theme of inspire... all of it..every line. Will the wind remember the names it has blown in the past? |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Richard, on one of my posts, you commented something about the Sun... by it, I read you. See how it works? |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Richard, I know that I've told you this before (probably many times). Sir, you are one of the most talented poets I have ever had the pleasure to read. Your vocabularly is excellent, to say the least. You write like the classic poets, Richard. Not many writers can do that. I think you were born a little late in time, Sir. But, I'm glad you were. You grace these pages of blue with pure elegance....... "Love makes the world go around" ~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~ [This message has been edited by garysgirl (12-27-2002 10:12 AM).] |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Amazing. The simplest story, the one closest to the bone of truth is not only the most believable, but the one that really outshines all the hyperbole. Well done, master poet. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Very well done, Richard. Always a pleasure to read such talent. |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Hi Richard, this touched me. Excellent work. Sandra |
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