FORGOTTEN
With teeth set tight
and nails that pierced his white clenched palms
alone in vaults in binding chains
where meditating shadows stretch.
Ignoring themes of deep regret
with padlocks kept on silent thoughts
and memories in sealed urns
unseen by prying sentinels.
An acting thinking sentient man
a man who kept assiduous court
his destiny patrician cast
a man denied of books.
No empathetic thoughts are stretched
in sympathy with his domain.
-
Author:
Michael Edwards (
Offline) - Published: November 13th, 2018 02:45
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 44
- Users favorite of this poem: kingOfOne, Laura🌻
Offline)
Comments10
A fine write and pic M. The next book I shall read is: 'All You Need To Know About Syllables And Metres', by Miss C. Berles.
Cheers Orchi
Very good though provoking write Michael.
Had a relapse after my surgery and was readmitted- all a bit traumatic .Just catching up - thanks Andy.
I hope all is ok Michael.
Within 48 hours I had a near cardiac arrest from haematoma which grew and burst through the scar tissue - the original henia repair was opened up and all traces of the clot were removed and re-sutured and I'm now back feeling a bit sore but otherwise okay.I was out painting when it occurred and looked to see blood streaming down my legs I was so lucky to have a first aider nearby who applied pressure untill the paramedics arrived and then an ambulance. I was rushed straight into Resus and had emergency op in a specially opened Theatre by a great dedicated scene - I still van't believe that having literally been close to deaths door with a declining pulse of 30 I now back home almost where I started. My wife and family have been great supporting me throughout and dreading the worse. I can't describe the amount of bl;ood lost - all - yes all - my clothes had to be cut away - It was not a day for dignity>.
Dignity is not an issue when life is at stake.
That feeling of being close to deaths door may really change your life, you always seem to be in a positive frame of mind, this may extend that positiveness, it certainly did me when eleven years ago I was told if you do not have this operation you will die. it completely changes your attitude on life, a second chance has been given - grab it with both hands and move forward into your wonderful life.
I am thinking of you Michael and I am so glad that you are recovering.
Thanks for so kind words of encouragement - back thinking up ideas and must get that painting finished which I started on Tuesday morning.
I love the imagery you create with this piece.
My empathetic thoughts were stretched to this figure 'with nails that pierced his white clenched palms'
Thanks so much Sylvia - probably my favourite line in this piece. It did take some writing.
by far,
your best yet!
You are so kind - thanks for the encouragement.
Your words draw a picture as clear and beautiful as the sketch above despite the stark subject. Great work.
Ah bless you Debs - I really appreciate your encouragement.
Ah, the thinker who spoke his mind to the wrong persons. People who heard but did not listen.
I'm left wondering about "No empathetic thoughts are stretched
in sympathy with his domain". Does that refer to his own thoughts or the thoughts of others?
The interpretation is in the eye of the reader I guess - but i did have in mind the thoughts of others - him being locked away and forgotten.
wise man. lovely charcoal drawing, did you draw it?
Thanks King - yes all the pictures which accompany my poems are my own - I am primarily an artist who enjoys poetry as a second string.
A fine summary of attention paid to the words those whom the world deemed best forgotten . A chill runs through every line Michael as we put ourselves into the places of vaults and chains.
What I most enjoy about these kind of writes is that there is an air of the abstract about them leaving room for interpretation - at least that is what I try to achieve.
Michael, this poem is excellent. To date, I don't believe you've written one better.
Yet, who is this man? Did he live in ancient Rome? One can only guess.
Perhaps this mystery man is Socrates - Mamertine Prison, ancient Rome? Yet, I do not know if he was denied reading material.
Great write, Edward. 🙂
Really interesting to see how others interpret the words - and this makes it even more exciting for me.
Yes, exciting for you Edward, but will you ever give us a clue about this mystery man. I'm not very good at interpreting contemporary poetry, but I'd love to know the answer. 🙂
It was written with the idea that a man of lowly birth was imprisoned and foe unexplained reasons forgotten or ignored by those still at liberty - beyond that it is up to the reader to read into it.
Oh, then my interpretation is just as good as the next man's or woman's. 🙂
Michael,
As I was reading this masterfully penned poem, it made me think of “The Man In The Iron Mask”! An outstanding write!
~Laura~
Could well be Laura - Having just returned from a traumatic experience (see my last reply to Goldy above) it's so uplifting to see such praise from fellow poets.
OMG 😲How horrible and scary!
I’m so, so very happy that everything turned out well and you’re back home! Such a frightening experience!
Maestro,
Please accept my warmest wishes and loads of love for a speedy recovery!🤗
~Laura~
Woke at home in my own bed this morning though it never happened - it seems a bizarre experience and I know my loving family went through so much. And now head is back buzzing with ideas and must finish the painting I started on Tuesday = it seems like it never happened.
Buzz on my friend! I’m so happy you’re much better! Yes, it is difficult and painful for the family when a family member becomes ill...especially when something happens suddenly! Now you’re on the mend and so are they! Bless you all! Stay well!🤗
Please finish your painting and post it. I would love to see it!
Will do - it was bit of an experiment but think I'll leave it for a while - I'm beginning to feel a bit drained but I suppose that's to be expected.
Yes it is! Relaxation is in order!☺️
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.