How the thunderbolt thwack
of pontificating measurements
bites in stinging stripes of shame,
cross shaped yardsticks
calculating the dimensions of the soul,
brandished in their whitewashed, pious opulence.
Writing their inches for heart beats
upon a scroll in disappearing ink.
In order to change the meaning
for any occasion
when they hate
the gestures of others
who they are too afraid to mimic.
Scriptures methodically carved
into the ruler they have crafted
from a tattered sheet of instructions
received in ritual
held by an ancient guild in blind erudition.
Culling only the ones that will inhibit
so they will fit upon their sphincter scale
used to weigh the litter of villains,
the ones they vow in ardent antics to love,
but never once daring
to their check the ounces of their own rags.
Emerald is the hue of their legalize gauge,
exclaimed as the shade of messianic servitude,
being the crown that dominates their lives,
a thorny diadem composed of fear
shined by rationale to hide its stains.
Author notes
Quote Prompt:
"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo."
- H. G. Wells (1866-1946)
A contest entry
- NO GREENS! - A Rounds Contest by Pamela A Lamppa.
1700 points, ended January 20, 23 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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THWACK,
until truth stings!
This demands and is worthy of multiple readings
"Culling...
but never once daring
to their check the ounces of their own rags."
I could trace through history overlaying your words and find their accuracy again and again; but we are not suppose to look back at what happened as that has all been forgiven.
excellence!
Good luck
Ken
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Your opening line begins a momentum for this piece and does not yield as we move deeper and deeper into the hypocrisy of it all.
I will say that your use of language is impeccable, which comes as no surprise. I would have a hard time selecting any one line that stood out. This poem must be read in its entirety with the momentum building and building throughout.
A brilliant entry. Thank you for such an amazing treat!
I loved it! ~Pamela 
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It is always a pleasure to read your poems because you have such a complete command of the English language. You use unusual words with perfection, and I always feel challenged by your work. This poem merits several readings to extract every ounce of flavor. Good luck in this contest. Peace, Liz
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Still Brilliant. *smile*
-
Brilliant
This is amazing, I am wowed.
I loved it, I am going to read it again. -
Wonderful~
So You did pen for this contest~
Good for You~ Woot!!
Wonderful weaving of words with images to satiate
Filled my Mind with much to think about
Keep that quill dancing~
Thank You for sharing Your Talent and Spirit~
Many blessings to You in all You do Sweetness
Best wishes too
with much love & light~ Desire~*~
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