the purpose (of the St Nemom machine)

Frank Prem

it was
a queer contraption

 

clear sides

 

a box
of sorts

 

nothing within
but a kind of
vortex machinery
spinning incessantly
in a direction that
when looked at closely
appeared to be
backward

 

from an open-funnel arrangement
came a strange sound
oddly attractive
seeming somehow sad
and melancholy
creating the sensation
of a tang
on the tip of the tongue

 

like the sharp and slightly fruity
taste
of a sunny day
in a distant
young Spring

 

and the sound

 

the song

 

also seemed
backward

 

I asked the man
what he was doing
what his machine
was meant to achieve

 

do you
have time

 

do you have
enough time
sir?

 

I do not

 

he said

 

this machine
the St Nemom machine
is a storage unit
for stray moments

 

consider
all the wasted time
that washes around us
around the world

 

so very much of it

 

the St Nemom
draws it in
captures and contains it

 

and sir
when I judge
it is enough

 

why then

 

then

 

the future
will be mine

 

~

  • Author: Frank Prem (Offline Offline)
  • Published: December 4th, 2017 01:30
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 15
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Comments5

  • Michael Edwards

    I store stray words and phrases in a holding folder and every so often I dip in and write a poem from the ideas and phrases stored there. This is a similar concept but taken a magnificent step further. It is a real cracker of a write Frank - Top marks.

    • Frank Prem

      Hi Michael. Thank you. This was a tricky piece to write, and I'm still not convinced I got it right, but its the best I could manage.

      In response to an idea from reading my favorite provocateur - Gaston Bachelard.

      • Michael Edwards

        Gosh - GB - now that's real heavy stuff - haven't heard his name mentioned for some time - yes not an easy piece but it reads great to me.

        • 1 more comment

      • FredPeyer

        Incredible writing, incredible concept.

        • Frank Prem

          Hey Fred. Thanks so much. Great provocation leading to interesting ideas is what I'm finding.

          Delighted you enjoyed it so well.

        • orchidee

          Good write Frank. I don't even know this GB chap! Uncultured me?! lol.

          • Frank Prem

            Thanks O.

            I only discovered him 18 months ago in a random chat with a fellow on a blog site. He was a French Philosopher who died back in the 1960's and did a lot of work in philosophical discussion and analysis of poetics and of science.

            Usually I find that stuff dry as dust, but this guys translated works rarely leave my bedside and I'm generally writing ideas I derive from reading him daily.

            I don't think his work is for everyone, but I've benefited.

          • Louis Gibbs

            Capturing wasted time ... interesting concept, but not at all sure what one might gain by it. Extending a particular lifetime? Rather pointless, and possibly counter-productive in the grand scheme.
            Be that as it may, this is another of your unique and thought-provoking poems which I enjoy and thoroughly appreciate, Frank!

            • Frank Prem

              More time to read poetry Louis. What more?

              • Louis Gibbs

                Good thought!

              • Tony36

                Awesome write

                • Frank Prem

                  Thanks Tony. Can always use more time. Especially if no one else is using it ...

                  • Tony36

                    Welcome



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