Healing Waters

(a repost.) I took a poetry class a couple of years ago and had to write a ballad for the first time.

Healing Waters

 

 

"O help me down to the healing waters, my son.

Betrayal of brittle bones has left me undone.

You are young, I am infirm.

You a strutting bull ; me a shriveled worm.

Down into the swirling, sulphurous stench,

Place my robe and sandals upon this bench.

O help me down to the healing waters, my son."

 

"I was once like you are now, my son.

As radiant and strong as the noonday sun.

But now my skin has sores, my bones easily break,

My limbs are sore, they tighten, they ache.

My body is frail.

My skin, thin and ghostly pale.

O help me down to the healing waters, my son."

 

"Can this mystical water, odoriferous as an egg,

Heal the aching pain in my back and leg?

Will a magic bath spring strength back

Into used and decrepit bones,

Will it still my incessant sighs and moans?

Will I rise as strong as a horse with plow,

Or will I feel as jaded and as ancient, as I do now?

O help me down to the healing waters, my son."

 

As he laid in the waters he took a deep breath.

He closed his eyes and quietly welcomed death.

His son gently shook him and tears came to his eyes.

He cradled him in the water, as he looked up to the skies.

 

"O Father, your strength does not lie in these waters,

You have given it to your sons and daughters.

We have absorbed your strength of character and soul.

Your body worked hard and exacted it’s toll.

We are grateful that you have given us your best….

O Father, in these healing waters

You have found  elusive  rest.

 

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

You know what? Until the last, I thought this poem was just catchy and maybe a bit humorous, but then it hit me with a big, emotional hammer. This is outstanding. Easily the best poem I've read in days.

[Nautili]

Thank you so much.....i wasnt crazy about it went I wrote it, but it is kind of growing on me when I read it from time to time. It is an old fashioned way to write poetry, so it isn't going to appeal to many, but that archaic style is what I like about it. : )

[Samuel Dickens]

That's one thing I like about it, too. In regards to the written word, I prefer old fashioned.

[Leigh]

Love the feel of this and the reference to water, which creates strong images and also the old-fashioned language and text, a really moving piece of poetry - thanks

[$êlvån]

Lyk it..

[Alvin L. Kathembe]

This is...awesome! I don't know why but that font just did it for me. I like the simple rhythm of the verses and the lines are graceful and natural...I really like this piece and there's nothing I can think of to improve it.
You are a great writer!
Thanks for sharing

[Gordon]

Very well done. I can see you know how to write and choose words of power and grace. You have impressed me. As good as this is, I think you probably have better stuff. I will try and read more to see if I'm correct. This one didn't fully connect with me but that's not your fault. I'm weird like that :)

Thanks for sharing.

[Kaa Na Kalyanasundaram]

An excellant poem. Great write. With regards.

[Revery]

I love the complexity of your spiritual writes. Not trite but capturing the profound nature of the message, Nautili this is a great write.

[Lawrence Parlier]

Another excellent poem. Absolutely powerful. Nice job.

[Ed Hart]

a soaring achievement, deeply touching