The drums beat well into the night.
Remember how we used to listen
To their intimidating, steady slow beat?
The psyched-up young men of the village
Hoist the unwieldly planaquin shoulder high
So the virgin Mary sways precariously
From her high vantage point.
Torchlight reflects from the dark eye slits
Of penitents in their white Klu Klux Clan gowns.
Invoking feelings of the Inquisition
When heretics were tortured
In the name of religious fervour.
This pagent will be enacted nightly
Until the climax of the passion play on Friday.
Then the whole village enacts parts as either
Centurions, priests, Mary or Veronica,
To poor Judas swinging from his gallows tree.
I feel you lean reassuringly against me,
Even though you are weightless
I feel the comfort of your presence
Here with me again this year.
Author notes
Easter week is more important in Spain than even Christmas. Torchlight processions take place in the major cities. Our mountain village was no exception. One Good Friday, right on cue, the sky darkened at 4p.m. A flash of lightning lit up the pagent, thunder rolled and echoed around the hillsides. My late wife is interred in the beautifully maintained small village cemetery on a hillside, looking down the ravine to the river below. A most tranquil spot.
A contest entry
- Season's Blessings by Star Shine.
900 points, ended April 9, 2007, 16 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Description of the dichotomy of the celebration (darkness in the spirit of light) and the dueling emotions. Very well-crafted, thank you so much for entering this and sharing it.
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Well written,imagery graphic and the atmosphere felt,was startling imagery of the klu klax clan gown type robes but effective imagery,sent shivers down the spine,the piece relayed the ferver of these ceremonies well,good luck in the contest
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Oh how beautifully devotional this is. I'm so sorry for your loss,I had no idea. I thought she was still with you.So they dress like Klansmen do they.Did'nt know of this either.
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