I wonder who it was to deem
the first holy man
as holy man.
You know,
the first to speak in awe of storm clouds
as being anger from the gods.
The first to dream of inner cunning,
a shaman becoming a priest,
certain their words spoke true of how
these gods operate.
Somewhere, some time, by someone, this first holy man
was named holy man.
I wonder to this day what makes
these holy men holy,
and what it is about these gods
that I need help with
a myth.
What is it these men know
that a wretched soul like me needs
in order to appease these angry gods?
How is it that I wasn’t chosen
to know right from wrong,
reason from passion,
love from hate,
joy from doom,
peace from war,
truth from untruth,
Ad infinitum.
Maybe that’s why there are so many gods out there,
a holy man needed for each,
and someone like me is left to my own fate.
Yet as I sit here rocking,
my own boy snuggled wholly into my arms,
thinking of holy men,
I am humble with the knowledge
if my son be borne with fear
in his eyes,
than I must be the father of myth
and can correct it.
Holy men indeed.
Author notes
I have been unable to complete a poem lately, and find it interesting how this one came to me this morning as I began jotting down thoughts I was having about "holy men." I didn't even have the title until about a third of the way through it. I didn't even have a direction I was going. Then my son woke up and crawled into my arms, "interupting" my writing, and as I sat there rocking him, thinking about his own fears, I had the thought that I must then be the father of said fear, and can perhaps correct it with him. The circumstance of my morning seemed to lead me to the ending of this poem, and the poem itself.
I hope this "unravels" it. The poem certainly does fit my spiritual path thus far.
A contest entry
- SOULFUL ABSTRACT by Pisces rainbow.
1000 points, ended July 13, 2008, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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This is food for thought. Well thought out and well written. Thank you for entering the contest, good luck.
♥
whisper
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Thoughtful and searching. I love the image of your son in your arms; this is a holy scene.
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Thanks, Pania. A "holy scene" is the image I'd hoped to convey.
peace
doug
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An interesting thought path Doug.
I was echoing your thoughts through the first part of this piece mentally nodding my head in agreement but your ending was a surprise. The idea, not of nominating a holy man, but of being nominated is a frightening one. Thanks for your poem notes which make things clear, though no less awe-full.
Jim
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I always enjoy hearing from you, Jim, and very much appreciate your reading & commenting. It has always frightened me as well if I ever consider myself a "holy man." And yet, perhaps this fear itself is but a block hiding truth. Who is holy, if not me and you. I know I've earned such a status... lol.
peace
doug
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Good job here Doug!
Excellent work. I liked the message conveyed about "holy men" and what they do. You shared some interesting thoughts. THANKS!
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Thank you, Pat. It is always pleasant to hear words such as yours, and your reading & commenting is appreciated.
peace
doug
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wow!!!! verry good dougie!!!
when r ya commin up again??? ive been missin ya!! lol
peaceout dude madi -
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I hope to be up for your mom's wedding. My wife and I plan on attending. See you then!
peace
doug
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Indeed...such inspirations are what makes a holy man...well… holy. And I have felt it in your presence before!
Magnificent writing, Doug.
Marianne
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In reading this and concidering historic firsts. I envision a group of cave dwellers listening to one of their own kind speculating in a motivation brought about after being struck by lightning. Ha! Not your conclusions poetically scribed within the depths of thoughts here. Just that the question evaded to here took me to origins of firsts. Questionings of the validity of faith teachings deliver just what is faith to the spirit. Hopefully,this makes sense.Deep quandry for sure. Nice work.
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Funny you mention the lightning thing, suseann, as I was just thinking of the first time that happened as well, what they must have thought about. lol. It's kind of funny, and easy to see how "the gods" could be blamed for such a thing at the time.
peace
doug
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of course the holy man leads only by example
Confucious was asked "in a single word, what is the meaning of life?"
reciprocity
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Confucious was in many ways a smart man. I wonder what his personal life was like...
Good to hear from you, Crowheart.
peace
doug
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Holy man, indeed and in deed,,,
That Your Are.... Holy, whole, hallowed... when you are simply present with your strong(er) arms around One you love in caring support... teaching the Truth by being the Truth...
Anyone less is just a snake oil salesman...
Thank you for the image...
Rahad
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And thank you, Rahad, for the insightfulness you always bring to your comments.
peace
doug
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