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The Prophet Calls It a Day

The future troubles the prophet's face
From chin to forehead
As he gazes into the Dish of Infinity --
Swirling clouds and blue indications.

"It doesn't look good," said the prophet.
"There will be many wars, even in my lifetime.
There will be floods, there will be pestilence.
And in the distant future, horrible things,
Machines and weapons unimaginable."

"This is news?" said his wife
Coming in with tea.
"You're right as always," he said.

"Tomorrow is another day,
And that, my dear, is from something
They will call a movie,
After you and I are dead."

So saying, he drank his tea,
Covered the Dish of Infinity
With a black cloth like the cloth
You'd use for a bird.
Then he wound the clock and went to bed.

Author notes

I think I am quite good at dialogue, interaction of characters and wry humour, the kind not everyone likes. I acknowledge that these are unusual qualities for poetry.

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 11 of 11

  • cricketjeff gold member
    September 28, 2008

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    Very enjoyable and wry

    A lovely entry to my contest. I'm having a lot of fun with the wide variety of poetry, but it is proving to be hard work!


  • movedon
    May 15, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Well done. Good luck

    Alex and Mylee


  • Zixaphir
    February 14, 2008
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    Very deep

    I how you portray reality, the irony of, "Oh crap, WARS" then, "Yeah, and?"

  • luvdrkchocolate
    January 12, 2008
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    Oh. This is a cool little story poem that you have going on in here. I liked how it was about the past but you were kind of abstract about it. It made me think of those old fortune tellers and little wood huts and stuff like that. It was fun to read. You did a good job with this.

  • fairyzion
    January 11, 2008

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    Nice interpretation of the timelessness of suffering.

    I like the humorous and nonchalant attitude of these characters, knowing full well that change and the process of suffering hits everything infinitely and eternally. It reminds me of a phrase by Joseph campbell, "Joyfully participate in the sorrows of the world"
    Though appearing maybe callous and unmoved this prophet knows that in seeing the future one cannot disregard the past and the cyclical process of growth. Different perspective to appreciate. Thanks for the angle.


  • just mercedes gold member
    December 10, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I love the way you have made the prophet and his wife into everyday charcters, chatting and drinking their tea while the world disposes itself as it will. Especially love the image of winding the clock before going to bed. Very clever, very human, simple and direct take on a complicated subject. Well done with the gold!


  • Emile
    December 10, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Very good

    You have a quick wit and a colorful imagination ...a deadly combination to success. Your word choices and colorful imagery make this a very interesting and thoughtful read. Wonderful work with great feeling given to the subject mater as it is gently unfolded for the readers delight.


  • W B Burkholder
    November 11, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for your entry

  • Judith Chandler
    October 29, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Thank you, Pollycheck

    for the gold trophy. It has made my day.

  • xTomorrowx
    October 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this is such a unique take on the picture, I think the rest of us entrants took it the same way but this was really unique =)
    Congratulations on a well deserved gold! =)


  • Pollycheck
    October 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for entering my contest and good luck. This is fantastic and what a great take off this picture. I was not expecting anything like this but I am very happy that you were willing to share this with all of us.

1 - 11 of 11