Redemption

Redemption

By C.T. Bailey

 

Wipe my tears with your veil,

for they have washed clean my path,

and they plead the scriptures no more, love.

Can you not discern how

A scarlet judgment waxes cold

O’er an apostate heart?

Earnestly I seek redemption

from a devotion that has grown wanton -

an exchange of Callous stares

and hollow words

for tender clemencies

and an ardent embrace.

Draw near, Oh love, before

The sun sets upon the fervor

Of youth’s last light

Draw near, let us refute

The abhorrence that separates

Us and the disdain that buries

A joyful heart.

Reviews

[Aimee Mahathy]

Wow, this is amazing! Such a rich vocabulary; this is certainly a very refreshing read! As it began, it seemed so sweet- and I took the veil to be of mourning. This is quite a lovely tribute to such a sad subject; love that has grown stale.
I'm actually rather speechless after reading this. I've been sifting through a lot of poetry here in search of something worth commenting on. Now that I've found something worth commenting on, I'm at a loss for words.
I envy your talent!

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Todd,

Your poetry has evolved from the wonderful to the truly remarkable. I applaud the craftmanship and delicate hand that fashioned these beautiful words in the center of a tempest that generally destroys all sanity. But perhaps the stage of lost sanity after the initial "scarlet judgement" is over, and a more loving and calm apostate heart has moved beyond the harsh stage of old testament punishment. And yes, sufficient tears can cleanse the way and allow such a restoration of balance. Now comes the rebuilding of the relationship, even though this redemptionn is scorned. My most sincere wishes that the abhorence between lovers can be refuted, and that you can return to joy. A wonderful and generous hope.

Most hearty congratulations on a powerful and masterfully crafted poem. Highest marks.

Best regards,

Rick

[Mark]

"Wipe my tears with your veil..." Her bridal veil (was your heart having misgivings even at the altar), or the intentional masking of her true self and motives?;
"...redemption for a devotion that has grown wanton..." Had your very love for her become a sort of sickness, for which you had begun to seek a cure?
A haunting medley of symbols, speaking of the pain encountered when the love we fully thought would give us new life entombs us instead. I know the feeling.