Evolution of an Elegy (Revised 4-1-15)

If there were a tomb to hold my thoughts alone
where only those who seek it, meditate,
guffaws would echo on the heavenly green;
ideas will not live beyond their youth
unless they catch the glint of steel beneath
the torch of battle.  So

let now be the arena for my wars,
my intellect, my flooding heart to charge
at enemies who rise today
but cannot raise the dust of my posterity.
This very hour I choose to fight
amid the phalanx of the white-robed clan.

No! It is a field of bloodless strife
where victors search inside themselves--
for ripening flaws to extricate,
for keys to open doors
that never should have closed,
and for regrets that festered, unexposed.

Then as a spirit leaves its body to embrace
an unknown paradise,
down at the end of that long corridor
a dying candle flame blinks twice
and gives its rising smoke
to cense the larks above.
             ~

Reviews

[ewest1220]

... Wow this one really had me pause and reflect. I absolutely love the line "for keys to open doors, that never should have closed." For some reason that line really stuck. But the whole poem was a very interesting read. I read it several times and, as a rather rash human being, this has given me reason to pause. Your word here are full of wisdom and experience that I have yet to touch myself. Very, very intriguing read after so long away from writing for me. Thank you for writing this!

[Dean]

thank you for your enthusiasm!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

If there were a tomb to hold your thoughts alone, I should roll away the stone, immerse myself in your thoughts, and exit a much wiser, more brilliant, and profound woman. Thankfully, your thoughts are captured in verse, dispersed across the world, granting the gift of wisdom, intellect, and worth to all. Your words are your sword, and no enemy can withstand you.

[Dean]

Well, I mean not to have enemies. And I am so glad that your own observations are gentle arrows finding their mark.