Amen
A Poem by Pete Marshall
The amber glows on darkened walls
as embers spit within the hearth
A finger trawls an ancient list
and takes a name that’s walked its path
The creak of leather mars the sound
as Death would glide across the floor
and from a hook he takes his robe
and holds his scythe to reap once more
The horsemen ride beyond his grasp
to sow the seeds for Death to seek
the roots lie strong within the fields
as harvest gathers in the meek
His mouth is curled with withered lips
and eyes are sunk beyond his soul
his mind cares not for creed or Man
as Death collects his countless toll
************
The significance of today has not escaped me which is why I bring you this piece. Death cares not for colour, race, nor creed; he cares only for the dead. I have witnessed acts of terrorism, first hand, within the UK. It is always the innocent who suffer. So today I would like us all, as a world, to unite and say no....there must be a better way to settle our differences...amen.
image courtesy commons flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fenoswin/
Most metaphysical. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Boonie
It's a heavy hitting poem Pete. Often our society tries to skirt the issue of death but it lurks weather we allow it or not.
ReplyDeleteGreat One Stop Poem my friend
Moon smiles
Death the ulimate leveller cartes not who or what you are.
ReplyDelete"his eyes are sunk beyond hs soul"
that's a terrifying, but wonderful image.
((gulp)). Here in Spain, in rural areas up north, it is still not uncommon to see gaunt old men dressed in black (for one year after the death of their wives) walking slowly with scythe in hand to cut the long grass in a pasture. Although I know they are not the grim reaper coming for me just yet, the sight does give me pause. Very nicely done, Peter.
ReplyDeletehauntingly spectacular
ReplyDeletenice. like the personalizing of death...a great book is 'on a plae horse' by piers anthony...when death chooses a mortal to take over when he is done...kinda made me think that direction...nice pete.
ReplyDeleteAnd gently she goes about her work. Nice piece!
ReplyDeleteAmen...
ReplyDeletethankyou to all who have read this piece....violence creates bigger issues and solves nothing other than the suffering of innocents..cheers pete
ReplyDeleteSmooth sound and great depth; prompted me to recall Donne's lines...
ReplyDelete"Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee."
Strong image too. Nice work Pete!
Wonderful imagery. Lovely poem, very poignant right now. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewell done, my friend, well done.
ReplyDeletewell done, my friend, well done.
ReplyDeleteAnd the way is love.... Amen.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing; death will certainly reach out for us all. Hopefully, we will be ready to take his hand. Heartspell
Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you blessings this day. Death comes for us all but we pray we accomplish something with the talents we've been given. You have! You were blessed with a great talent my friend. You have given it back in your writing. Well written and well received. Peace and Namaste. Gay
ReplyDeleteHtis is amazing..
ReplyDeleteHis mouth is curled with withered lips
and eyes are sunk beyond his soul
his mind cares not for creed or Man
as Death collects his countless toll
THX 4 ur soul
Amen.
ReplyDeleteGood one...I am going to look out the window tonight before I get in bed to make sure this guy is not around....Great write Pete..bkm
ReplyDeleteyes.
ReplyDeleteAmen...
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing description of death. You set the atmosphere so dramatically. Great work.
ReplyDeleteChristine
Truly beautiful, the dark feel flowed within this poem truly intrigue me, thank for sharing!=D
ReplyDelete"and eyes are sunk beyond his soul..." This line stopped me dead in my tracks (excuse the pun). I have never read a line that so perfectly shows the image of death, whether physical or spiritual. This poem was masterful, beautiful in so many ways, and this line was unforgettable. Great work, Pete and thank you for your thoughts on 9/11.
ReplyDeletenormally i try to reply to each comment but the sentiment regarding this piece meant that perhaps it should just be as it is....thank you all for visiting.....and AMEN
ReplyDeleteriveting. Amen.
ReplyDeletewow!...splendid write with a vivid image...death cant be left hungry...we must feed it one way or the other but the greatest joy is the fact that it cant consume the soul and that is where the "real man's" substance should lie.
ReplyDeleteCheers!