The Answer, Man

"When you knock, ask to see God — none of the servants." - Thoreau

Albeit faith is fleeting, fleeing and failing.

Rain won't wash.

Sea shouldn't wave.

Wind wouldn't blow.

Sunlight is scarce.

When night is nailed with nihilism and nirvana no longer nourishes.

Flesh feuds with spirit and isn't fed.

Enemy in hot pursuit.

Double-edged swords are drawn.

Cutting both ways.

Sharp, cold steel breathing.

Bearing down.

Trapped.

No path.

I stretch out my arms.

Looking where I need to go.

Doing what I must do.

Calling out to ...

... the answer, man...

Author's Note

"The man who takes the liberty to live is superior to all the laws, by virtue of his relation to the lawmaker." - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Nicely clever, the way you use spacing/comma/ellipsis in your title line (also the ending line) to provide a variety of possibilities for reading that line & interpreting it, based on how it’s punctuated! One of my favorite lines of yours & of alliteration in general: “When the night is nailed . . . (and so on).” Overall, I’m reading your message to be about how we can end up finding the “Answer Man” whenever life seems the most turbulent (as shown in your dynamic descriptions of strife thru-out). Thought-provoking, as yours always are! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

your eye for detail and "Thoreauness" (thoroughness) shines in your comments. you usually leave no stone unturned and your heart is appreciated ... :)

[sette]

it is one meaningful poem which speaks about man, being human and the desire for freedom and contentment amidst imperfections and idiosyncrasies. nicely written my friend

[Pete]

excellent thoughts. well said. thank you sette! ... )

[Kelly Scheppers]

You are a most powerful force behind that pen. I so admire you, Pete!

[Pete]

as they say in Star Wars, "May the force be with you!" hoping that all your rides on the storms are not too rough. thank you dear, sweet Kelly ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

An outstanding photo, too. One of my fave classics. Heston's performance is riveting!