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Open Poetry #26
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It Didn't Work Out The Way I Planned ( Memorial Day Memories)
| Open Poetry #26 |
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It Didn't Work Out The Way I Planned ( Memorial Day Memories) |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows 
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I was a young man deep into violence, son of a true flag on a mission to kill, things had gone badly, I'd lost everybody, I waited in darkness for my turn to die. My leaders had warned me there'd be no one to turn to, my training had taught me there'd be nowhere to hide. I met an old woman deep in the forest, born of the old blood, her father had called her his daughter of sunshine; her mother had known her as child of the wind. Well into her eighties when I'd come upon her, she was skyclad in a mindstorm wearing lightning and rain. She stood calm before me, me, the armed monster, she laughed at me gently then reached through my pain. She lifted my armor, I cast down my weapons, she opened her soul wide her eyes drew me in. When I was inside her she was in me, she became as a light on a doorway within then without asking helped me pass through, beyond it was all I'd forgotten I'd been. She said, "We are all gods." and so I became one, "You know good and evil; you may choose without awe." "Harken to birds when they call out a greeting. Walk on the water if the water will have you. Talk to the trees they'll teach you as friends. Do as you will for there's no other law. Call upon lightning when you need reminding. Be of the earth not simply upon it. Remember your passage when the moon is drawn down. Join with the stars as your new life begins." She left before dawn's light yet still was inside me, and all of the world was a place to be free. ©2003 by icebox [This message has been edited by icebox (05-26-2003 12:41 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2003 icebox - All Rights Reserved | |||
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
***Be of the earth not simply upon it.*** well, that line alone speaks volumes to me I'll keep this one, to read again later. |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Well, I wish to say that I think you have done very well with this poem. Very well indeed. Thanx for sharing a piece of your heart with us all. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
icebox I don't have the words to tell you how meaningful this is to me. Amazing depth and insight you have, sir poet...amazing! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
very emotional write, very deep |
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snowpants Member Elite
since 2000-09-16
Posts 2061KS |
"Harken to birds when they call out a greeting. Walk on the water if the water will have you. Talk to the trees they'll teach you as friends. Do as you will for there's no other law. Call upon lightning when you need reminding. Be of the earth not simply upon it. Remember your passage when the moon is drawn down. Join with the stars as your new life begins." Awesome imagery, icebox...you've done an excellent job of choosing words for this one...great write! sp just a hang-up call and the quiet breathing of our persian we call cajun on a wednesday... |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Well, Icebox - that old lady must be in me too because I believe what she believes! If you didn't happen to chance upon her in the forest, she has still imparted her wisdom somehow or other. It's strange to think that we can know so much and yet don't use the knowledge. Why do you think that is? |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
Midnitesun ~ The earth is a precious gift; it should be touched with honesty. Thank you for reading my poem and for your comment. I have gained much insight from reading your work and I say again, thank you. Magnus ~ Thank you for reading my poem. I value your comment. Martie ~ If you ever find your words, I would love to read them. *smile* Thank you for reading my work and for taking time to comment. passing shadows ~ *smile* You are a river calling a small stream deep. I appreciate the comment and I value your opinion. Thank you for reading my poem. snowpants ~ Thank you for reading my poem and for your comments. As a poet, I am sure you know that some lines write themselves. It is like the sculptor who merely removes all the bits of stone that do not look like the sculpture inside the quarried rock. Honeybunch ~ Dear friend! Thank you for reading my poem. I think she may be in many of us. Not really so strange that we do not always use the knowledge. I have learned that with it comes a multi-part burden. It is at times difficult to know what happens "next" and to not be able to change outcomes; it is painful to know that sometimes I must be silent and let others make mistakes, even terrible mistakes; it is tiring at times when I am the only one awake; and finally, though I am well suited to being solitary there are times when I would enjoy compatible human company. I appreciate your time and your comments. I wish you peace and happiness. |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Thank you, icebox, for sharing your wisdom. It helps to know that others are awake. One day we all will be but for the moment I guess we must remain on the surface asleep in order to "fit in". |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
Yes, remember...the oxen are slow but the earth is patient. |
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lost_star Member
since 2003-03-15
Posts 114NY, U.S.A |
Great write! |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
lost star ~ Thank you for reading my poem. I am glad you liked it. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
Thank you. *smile* |
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