Rise..Only This Once

I'm not religious as such but I am spiritual..yet aS child I always found the story of Samson from the bible very intriguing. After all this while I began contemplating the situation his life came to

He cried out “O Lord, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the enemies for my two eyes.” And he grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested.

 

***

 

A soldier and his salt walk on the grounds cold,

The distance is no longer known to the old.

The winters crowns; they stub his roughened feet,

The Devils snide, the angels hide, not saying what he needs to be told.

 

As I keep running towards the horizon, louder my feet get,

The grounds no longer cold, the heat in my veins pulsate.

I crush the first touch, only to watch myself in pain, in sweat,

 

Let me climb, Only this once, oh God

The walls too high but I can see through as yet.

 

The turn has revealed of the masses in misery enough,

Biting at his hands, as he hardens his fists tough

Blunt the blows, yet the that he is shield has not tested its steel,

The distance has not moved, only the path rebuffed.

 

I can hear as my palms get scarred as they ravage,

The flame in my soul begs me to let it out and set it all ablaze.

I pound my head against these stones praying not to be savage,

 

Let me break, Only this once, oh God,

To bring down what has made me crawl and scavenge.

 

The tears of heaven, fall gently upon his shoulder,

The woman cries to the skies in, no one’s told her.

The scarred back near bent, erupts, to blood and wings,

Soaring into the grey, his legs still chained to the boulder.

 

I can feel my hearts as it beats start pounding,

To leave every inch of my skin behind I have started,

The split the air leaves my ears resounding,

 

Let me strengthen, Only this once, my God,

                As I bring down these pillars that shields my dawning.

 

The barrier’s been broken; what seemed like baptism is done

Never knowing that the horizon is the journey itself

Lying crumbled below, eyes of those sleeping yet awaits the sun,

The heights blur these visions that speak of the none.

 

I let go of my senses, all but one is still awake,

To keep moving into the tufts the skies throw at me,

The distance is the same as it was, with no cuts to take.

 

Let me burn, Not only this once, my God,

For the soldier and his salt can never live without ache.

 

***

 

He leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. In that moment the Lord had returned on hearing his prayer. Strength returned for its last break, in death and destroyed all that was harming his people.

Judges 16:28-30 (paraphrased)

 

 

Written By Roshan Nair

Author's Note

Please pardon any grammatical (unintended) or rhyme-based (intended) errors in the work. I hope you enjoy the piece, looking forward to your reviews. Cheers! :)

Reviews

[The StoryTeller]

This was pretty cool, it seemed to be from Samson's perspective, and that was awesome. the way it flowed was intriguing, and I liked it. The way you worded the lines... wow. I also think this could be used in everyday life. We are beaten down, suffering as Christ has, and we can ask the Lord for His strength, just this once, just one more time, and maybe, just maybe we can make a difference before we die, maybe, just maybe, we can bring the house down.

[Roshan Nair]

thanks for the appreciation of the perspective and style :) I agree with you, if we do introspect and reach for our inner strength and love, maybe the impossible isnt really a phenomenon. Cheers!

[The StoryTeller]

Well, one of the greatest things is there is no such thing as impossible. The word itself says, "I'm possible." And with God, anything can be done. :)

[Roshan Nair]

I believe so too :)

[The StoryTeller]

So we all must rise... only this once in this fact!

[Carol Phelan Aebby]

An intriguing write bouncing from the happening, to Samson's mind to his dialogue with the Heavens. The sensitivity of this write reminds me of the many stories of yore that touch deepest despair, and the power of words to touch hearts, change views and create compassion.

With respect and admiration,
Carol Phelan Aebby

[Roshan Nair]

Thanks carol, Im glad you took the true essence I was going for, the depths of despair only can bring about the highest rising flames of determination in us.
Cheers! greatly appreciate your reveiws

[dan]

Roshan, Nothing like a Biblical tale to take in on a Sunday! I confess I'm not that well versed in the Bible, but I do remember someone being chained to pillars, then tearing down the Temple with his God-given extra strength. I like how you have one part (not italics) doing what is seemingly narration, while the other part (in italics) being the one chained to the pillars. The back and forth between the two works very well. I wish I was more knowledgeable about the Bible so I could comment more intelligently, but I'm sorry I'm not. Very good writing with excellent rhyme scheme. Well done! take care...dan

[Roshan Nair]

Lol heck dan, I didnt realize I did post it on a sunday. serendipitous!
I am glad you liked the structure I used here, because I found context and setting are as important to his monologue as well. I'm not that well versed myself with the bible too, but somethings just stick with you. :)
Thanks again for your great review dan! Cheers!:)

[Emily]

'I can feel my hearts as it beats start pounding'
I love this line!
Well done!
Keep it up!

[Roshan Nair]

thanks emily! glad you liked it :)

[Madison Rose]

This poem is well written Roshan! It is very interesting how you let us read about this happening from Samson's own personal experience of it. You told this story with words that were words of a warrior, words that were as great in force as the story's character Samson. Great job! :)

[Roshan Nair]

Thank you so much madison for the kind appreciation in your review. I am greatly intrigued by the warrior persona in general, their drive, motives and justifications. I guess you sensed that part perfectly spot on :)
Cheers! really appreciate your review

[Jamestown]

This is fantastic my friend, I am blown away, for sure one of my favorites,
Thanks for sharing, i appreciate it, b-blessed and God bless you!

[Roshan Nair]

Thanks James, I knew you'd find this one interesting. really glad you liked it so much!
Cheers :)

[Sakshi]

I can save this for a day when I know I am a tough girl on a mission. Absolute genius way to putting together feelings of miserly, despair, anger, revenge, passion and life itself. Maybe one of your best till now, literature wise!

[Roshan Nair]

Wow, thats something. Really happy you found the piece that good. :)
Thanks for the kind words sakshi :)