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wranx
Member Elite

since 2002-06-07

Posts 3689
Moved from a shack to a barn

0 posted 2004-04-04 09:39 PM

I went to the gun show today
to buy a new pistol
something to replace my ancient Beretta

But, came away with a handweapon
of a different persuasion

An obsidian knife, handled in bone
mineral and animal gracefully married
made by a fellow that knew how to do it

I then, bought for a friend
a more utilitarian blade

A plowshare, it seemed, given new life
with a comfortable balance
and comforting weight

Sold for a bargain from a booth by the door
the gift of a token costing a fraction
of the worth of his friendship

So, when I present it to him
I’ll need to disguise my niggardly nature
by sheathing it snug in a generous tale

Of how blades just like it, in scabbards of wood
could be found tucked into the waistbands
of smallish dark men
who dwelt in the jungles of old Southeast Asia

And that perhaps, one such blade
was used to trim the green centuries
from the fallen faces of the fallen deities
in Angkor Wat’s ruin

Or maybe
Blades of like kind, precipitated that fall

"In looking Northward, I see a light"

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

1 posted 2004-04-04 09:48 PM

Ed

I've learned to appreciate some things about weapons....and I never thought I would. You bring heart and history together in a gift...who could find anything wrong with that?

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

2 posted 2004-04-04 09:56 PM

give me a gun any day

but great write

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

3 posted 2004-04-04 10:11 PM

wranx
A soft brush of truth, enjoyed.

Juju
Member Elite

since 2003-12-29

Posts 3429
In your dreams

4 posted 2004-04-04 11:14 PM

Makes you think............
Alot of things can kill and cause havack.
That is why I cherish every moment.
juju

icebox
Member Elite

since 2003-05-03

Posts 4383
in the shadows

5 posted 2004-04-04 11:42 PM

I have carried a knife since I was a child and sometimes I carry a gun. I walk away when I'm goaded as long as I can. I have always believed self defense is the right of a free citizen and so I don't hold with hoplophobes.

Tell your friend that when you held the knife, their safety came to your mind and you knew it was for them. Remind them that while a gun can be useful, a knife is always loaded.

Live freely and vote for freedom.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

6 posted 2004-04-04 11:58 PM

yes...

On the rare occasion I'm allowed to play with knives--it is the weight, the balance, the heft of it.

It has to feel right, home, within my hand--and?

chuckle...

it has to feel right leaving it.

awesome poem

majnu

Senior Member

since 2002-10-13

Posts 1088
SF Bay Area

7 posted 2004-04-05 04:51 AM

last time i was here your pic was different. you look happier in this one; that is good.

nice write as usual, especially for someone who loves blades - historical ones especially.

-majnu
--------------------------------------
Timid thoughts be not afraid. I am a Poet.

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-12-27

Posts 8348
Florida

8 posted 2004-04-05 09:10 AM

I came to work one day and as I was walking to the building, two guys I work with stopped me and asked if I had a knife (they needed to cut something on a tire). I reached into my backpack and pulled out my knife. They both started laughing, saying they just knew if anyone had a knife it would be me.....

I understand the love.

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

9 posted 2004-04-05 09:43 AM

Ed~
As a long time collector of many things, I so appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a well made knife~

'An obsidian knife, handled in bone
mineral and animal gracefully married
made by a fellow that knew how to do it'

Oh yes ... such graceful handiwork, indeed!
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost,
the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
- Sufi epigram <))><

[email protected]

Sadelite
Member Elite

since 2003-10-11

Posts 2519

10 posted 2004-04-05 10:52 PM

loved the last line and of course, the whole poetic tale
Sadie

Dark Angel
Member Patricius

since 1999-08-04

Posts 10095

11 posted 2004-04-05 11:04 PM

Excellent detail in this wondermous write Bro.

Enjoyed.

Maree

Beauty of the world which is soon to perish has two edges, one of laughter and one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.
(by Virginia Woolf)

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