we might call eras into play
time that duplicates history
nourishment starving for truth
perennial activity stepping back
from a genuine mystery
circumvented by circumstance
but even if we loose
all these edifying forces
the underlying transition
is merely measured externally
the clock ticks
the calendar pages flip
the rise and fall of days pass
and nature continues to strum
in secret places there is breath
ripening epochs
gestating and then budding
waning and then vanishing
left alone and most likely undisturbed
is thus freedom itself confidently construed
segments of compromise, ideals poked into worlds
deemed hopeless without hindsight's view
indebted with an aptitude to comprehend
we have collapsed as something past
fully championed as present
further discovery waving from a future tense
let us return from the perception of silence
to a greater propensity that solely requires
an integrated narrative of simple hope
Author notes
This is your Prompt:
"Hope is the only good god remaining among mankind;
the others have left and gone to Olympus.
Trust, a mighty god has gone, Restraint has gone from men,
and the Graces, my friend, have abandoned the earth.
Men’s judicial oaths are no longer to be trusted, nor does anyone
revere the immortal gods; the race of pious men has perished and
men no longer recognize the rules of conduct or acts of piety."
- 6th-century BC Greek poet Theognis of Megara
In a list
A contest entry
- Theognis of Megara quote - only serious stuff here please by GotLilt.
1850 points, ended November 3, 9 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Be blunt! Be honest! I'm a big girl, I can take it. THANKS!
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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This is fairly long and lost my attention..sorry it's just not my type of read
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Please read the contest rules. I will be back to comment on the poem later.
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3. Contests are the responsibility and choice of the author they are created by, and we do not regulate whether rules are followed, if they are judged as promised, or how many entries are allowed. Contests cannot require entrants to comment on any specific person's poem. No contests just to hand out trophies.
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As a Moderator at oldpoetry (our sister site) I must inform you that you cannot ask poets to read other poets work (or yours) as a "rule" in your challenge. It is against site rules when it comes to holding contests.
I realize this is your first contest. I will site the rule in our cite policies and return with the link for you.
I usually read other entries in a contest where I have submitted a poem but that is done out of consideration and the desire to interact with other poets. I cannot expect everyone to do the same. I honestly looked over that rules when I entered your contest, and because I knew it was a nil rule, I forgot about alerting you of this site infraction.
I will return with the link.
Respectfully,
Renee
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Another winner
Sounds like a lament for our disintegrating contemporary civilization and its failure to recognize that we've been here before. We're fed so much deceptive distaction at an overwhelming rate that we miss the "genuine mystery" of God's revelation of the Truth. And we're "starving for truth" as you say. His story repeats itself through the ages. Empires rise and fall in prophesied pattern. There are wars and rumors of wars, yet without regard for history we are blind to the future.
"In secret places there is breath ripening epochs..."
These intriguing words bring to mind oral tradition as a means of passing the hope of God's promise from generation to generation. I hear a plea to return to the "integrated narrative of simple hope" (the gospel?) for our common union. I believe it was you, Renee, who wrote,"We are one, as we have always been." That is the gospel truth. To borrow a phrase,"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
I like it!
Danny Boy
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I am surprised at Theognis for the quality of his intellect, but not with you, it is what i have happily grown to expect- Theognis is another matter such pious intonations about honor, If he tired himself by his effort I imagine he turned to a slave for a goblet of wine...so much for honor...but the words are brilliant, your interpretation of them is bold and dramatic, for hope is persistent, facing the darkest moments with and expectation, a faith that goodness will follow, as with Theognis...whether we deserve it or not!...
...Excellent, skillful writing here...PK
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Thank you dear man. Your words of praise and understanding always humble this writer.
Always ♥
Renee
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Thought I commented the first time around. First of all, congrats, sis. 
I agree with Bill's words below. Intelligent, literate, and profound. Impressive indeed.
Dez
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A profound, intelligent and literate poem - I'm impressed.
Well done,
Bill
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Thank you!
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I love 'ideals poked into worlds' Very well-done with prompt!
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Interesting views spoken here. I will have to digest and re-read once I have educated myself further and reached a better understanding.
Deep sis... deep.
John -
Awesome!!
This makes me think about all the things I would have done... But there is still time.
In the last line you wrote "a integrated narrative of hope", It should be 'an' integrated...
Good job here
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You must have read this poem before I made that correction but thanks because I did miss it with a couple of reads. LOL It's always good to have a second pair of eyes.
Much Love ♥
Renee
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Thank You
I am pleased that you did not submit to the "darkness" of our existance, but challenged us to traverse to a better place, for left alone time marches and seasons will contiune to cycle. We alone are the perceptors of our place...
Well done and thanks
bjarne
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And thank you for understanding my train of thought and the generous comment you left. Yes, we set our place with our own personal actions. We would do well to do well.
Renee
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A fine and excellent sharing this is, my friend!
Very, very well written!
Wishing you all the very best in this contest!
Love,
Sandy
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