Penance

Cotidie damnatur qui semper timet*
                              -Publilius Syrus

The Sun will rise, ever watchful
Over Man's terrestrial firmament
And you too will rise amid the chanted
Prayers and smoke of your daily vespers

Oh brother let us make amends

The passionate fear that has racked our souls
And made its way into our beds to lay with our loves
And trades whispers with newsmen under our skin
Licks the salt from your imagined wounds

My sister let us atone

And the men made of air, the birdmen
Gathering in the dusk to plot their points
To deliberate, in foreign tongues, the falling sky's name
And the likelihood of winter

My brother, let us make amends

And the hospital beds, devoid of patience
How can they not know your sorrow?
The apprehension that has gripped the throat of your happiness
What color will the warning signs wear today?

Oh brother, let us make amends

And the Sun will rise, ever watchful
And the White Dove will descend through the haze of half-truths and smoke
And speak the words you have been waiting to hear
The words you have yearned for your children to know
The words that will return you to sleep.


*He who is constantly in fear is every day condemned.

Reviews

[Rene Salinas]

Oh I really Like the circular motion in this writing. The explanation of the paragraph always of some moment in need. Starting with the smoke of daily vespers. The stop, silent and looking up while entrusting the unfolding to something different at the end of every paragraph. A supplica feeling. I guess becuase liturgy is not in latin anymore we have lost this feeling. Even turning around like benedicting monks would so. I guess then The Kyrie Eleison would be the most fitting image but not quite.

Full of reverence.

Thankyou

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and strong words.
"Oh brother, let us make amends

And the Sun will rise, ever watchful
And the White Dove will descend through the haze of half-truths and smoke
And speak the words you have been waiting to hear
The words you have yearned for your children to know
The words that will return you to sleep. "
I like the above lines. True and sad. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Patrick]

I love the imagery on this. I can feel all of your powerful emotions as I read this. great write

[Susan Beth Horvath]

A reflective write and one that I can relate to. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here

[Matching Socks]

Incredibly moving Vito. You're delivery is so powerful with this piece.

[asdarkeyesclose]

'And the men made of air, the birdmen
Gathering in the dusk to plot their points
To deliberate, in foreign tongues, the falling sky's name
And the likelihood of winter'

what a powerful stanza- reminds us that the year is starting to turn- I loved 'falling sky's name' and 'the birdmen' line it all left me with the feeling I was reading some real poetry for a change! this is a super write. fantastic.

[Blake Fodor]

An interesting place that you have taken the reader!

[John Anderson]

the imagery in this is vivid and the delivery of your words so powerful! Yet another amazing poem from your pen

[Lauriegirl]

I really liked and appreciated this write

[R Smith]

will they all atone for their sin, I doubt it, live each day in fear this comes to those who have penance to pay, excellent work Vito, bravo