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) - Published: December 4th, 2017 01:30
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 15
Offline)
Comments5
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.
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.
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.
I'm now up to hundreds of pieces drawn from my reading of his work over the last 18 months. Material I wouldn't encounter or explore otherwise.
I think I'll be working with him for a few years yet.
Incredible writing, incredible concept.
Hey Fred. Thanks so much. Great provocation leading to interesting ideas is what I'm finding.
Delighted you enjoyed it so well.
Good write Frank. I don't even know this GB chap! Uncultured me?! lol.
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.
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!
More time to read poetry Louis. What more?
Good thought!
Awesome write
Thanks Tony. Can always use more time. Especially if no one else is using it ...
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