The Great Mistake

THE GREAT MISTAKE

Alternatively titled

‘Pilate considers some of his most recent decisions’

 

For a moment maybe more

He sat in silence

Contemplating spaces

And visualising places

He had never been before

The sacrificial blade of pride

Lay cold against

His naked thigh

A bar of soap

Fell from his hand

The laurel leaves prepared to die

 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I understand your poem ONLY becuz amazing minds have hashed it over thoroughly (in reviews) for me, so this pagan tiddly-wink (me) can catch your jist. I go for a more modern interpretation, such as how AJ suggests --it's not just about some ancient biblical butthead. In fact, these human failings are so prevalent, it's a wonder this behavior could be attributed to anyone. Sometimes you're too lofty for my sensibilities . . . I'm down here playing in the dirt (((REACH))) Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

that is precisely what this old Buddhist was trying to do .. my knowledge of the Bible and associated stuff is limited to what I was taught in Sunday school .................so hold on tight ya heathen (CLUTCH) tightly, Neville :)

[MOON]

Certainly speaks of our times , succinct and beautifully expressed.

[Neville]

...................thank you kindly :)

[Chris Shaw]

No wonder Pontius Pilate appeared so troubled. His mistake far greater than most mistakes people make. He had condemned Christ, an innocent to death. The world would weigh heavy on his shoulders. Tainted forever, no wonder he needed the soap and the laurel crown, a symbol of his power and achievements now in decay. You got me thinking about mistakes Neville. We all make them. From time to time in good faith our decision making can come into question. We reassess and get back on track. A very old poem you have posted today, and a fine one too.

Chris

[Neville]

Absolutely, I quite agree Chris .. thank you for these words and thank you too for keeping me on the straight and narrow :)

[Chris Shaw]

:)).................

[AJNJ]

Though the reference is to Pontius Pilate, I thought of how your words could be applied contemporarily. The sacrificial blade of pride and how it kills many a good cause. Loved the subtle rhyming enhancing the message!

[Neville]

thank you again AJ .. I feel thoroughly indulged & overwhelmed by your support :)

[AJNJ]

Its a pleasure dear sir 🤗

[Einstein Noodle]

very interesting and thought provoking ... the intrigue of Christ's death is something from the pages of Hollywood almost....the elite of religious Jews and the Pilot, a Roman Governor in a cat and mouse game of unity to kill Jesus. Pilots wife has a dream and tells pilot to have nothing to do with "this righteous man" but of course he doesn't listen. Tho he tries to exonerate Jesus but three times the Jewish Priests demand His death ..so to keep the peace he gives the thumbs down then washes his guilt of with soap and water ... while Jesus is lead away to crucifixion ... i see your poem as Pilots scene as he considers and then commits suicide and falls on his sword ... unable to live with such a magnitude of guilt over his decision ...
one of the greatest stories of Mankind ..of Jesus ..vivid very real characters .. smooth in reading ... direct yet i feel the blade of pride on my thigh .. its cold steel gives me shivers and for a moment i am that man of power thinking about so many things of life...with my position i can go anywhere .. do most anything ... tho Pilot tried he could not convince the crowd to listen to reason ..so he caved to their fear and blood lust ... but could never shake his guilty part in the whole mess....rhythm and subtle random rhyming work for me ..nice one Neville!
E.

[Neville]

Wow, I really can't thank you enough my dear friend. You certainly know your stuff & your interpretation of these words is spot on......N

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"The Great Mistake"
Neville Pettitt,
Author's note says this is concerning "Pilate."
His earthly authority gave him the heavy
place to cast Jesus the human being-Messiah to death.
Then this poem made sense!
"contemplating spaces
and visualizing places
He had never been before"
Pilate had just sentenced the God-man
to death.
"The sacrificial blade of pride
Lay cold against
His naked thigh"
Jesus had to die to become the water
of life which would be able to wash
away sin. He,(Pilate) would be God's instrument.
"A bar of soap
Fell from his hand
The laurel leaves prepared to die"
This is the closest I could come to interpreting
Your poem. Thanks much.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Neville]

Your interpretation is very good dear Kathy. I am most grateful to you for checking in & considering these words. All Good Things, Neville

[Lyn Anderson]

An intriguing read. I had to give it a good couple of times to let it sink in.

[Neville]

Intriguing is good, I like intrigue and glad you read it more than once....