Pain and sorrow
are Tigris and Euphrates,
roots of fertile flow
in self-absorption’s
narrow crescent;
Hard, cracked furrows
soften to soothing
clays of compassion,
waking seeds of sympathy,
lifting heavy heads and
hands that hang down;
Arid, scouring sands
of adversity
scratch through thick
outer coat of thoughtlessness,
admitting patient moisture,
beginnings of growth.
Firestorms of grief
alter soul’s landscape,
toppling towers of thoughtlessness,
sundering tight-clasped smugness,
cracking kernels of conceit.
Hawk of haughtiness stifled,
sacrificed to form
fresh-fledged Phoenix,
ascending kindness’s lofty lanes.
Blessed flames of Trial!
Piercing pride,
germinating growth,
causing...
rebirth.
A contest entry
- A Tear and a Smile - Winklings #93 by Lyndon.
900 points, ended June 24, 2008, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Beautiful metaphor or growth through trial and adversity.
The "fire" refence reminds me of the fires at Yellowstone in 1988. When we returned there in 1998, there was much new growth, forests of "tiny" trees. The rangers explained that the pinecones of the one species most prevalent in Yellowstone only released their seeds at high heat.
I can't help but think this has very personal meaning for you right now.
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MAGNIFICENT GIRL! Each time I read you I am just more and more impressed. A fabulous story of rebirth here. And nestled in the cradle of creation--the fertile crescent. A new birth indeed! I love how all the human erections and faults came tumbling down at the wrestling with each trial or testing. One by one, but most assuredly!!!! SUCH TRUTH! I love it. This was so inspirational and encouraging to me. A real faith booster. Makes me wanna wave a white hankie in the air!
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Such interesting analogies of nature to human emotions; so many innovative thoughts and the imagery is very well done to show important ideas: parched ground, hard cover seeds; fire, storm and flood; renewal is not always painless or forgiving. This is very well done. Thank you for this fine entry into the contest and best of luck in the judging...PK
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