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Qui Vive?!

Missing image

 

 

 

~ C'est l'Amour, C'est la Guerre, C'est la Vie ~
(A walk with Love ~ A talk with Light)


The Lily
to the Flame
For Your Love I gave
The blood and the crown
For Your Blood
You know
I'll never
water
down

When will they Hear
When will they See?
How long, Oh Love
Till they be free?

Until they choose
to break the seal
Upon their Hearts
That they may Feel

Though weary I'll keep up the Fight
I'll hold Your Sword and Banner high
Your Truth I will declare
Your Love I won't deny

The Anger is still Burning Bright
Through this Solitary Sunlit night
But, must it always be that this
Love-intense hyper-sense
Makes every stone and arrow
Their fright in spite can throw
Like dagger thrust
Then twists the blade
To try this Trust
And make it fade -
To maim my appetite
For all these hearts
Who cannot win but fight

They think I'm mad
They said that of You too
And smirked to see us sad

I cannot bear this armour
They say that I must wear
You're my Shield and Helmet
Oh, keep me in Your care

Though weary I'll keep up the Fight
I'll hold Our Sword and Banner high
Your Love I will declare
Your Truth I can't deny

From the Last now to the First
Quell the pain and quench our thirst
Bring us Your comfort in Moonlit respite
Through the watches of this endless  Night
From the heat of hatred give me shade
Beneath Your wings I'll never fade

The Lily
to the Flame
For Your Love I'll give
the blood and the crown
For Your Blood
You know
I never
water
down

When will they Hear
When will they See?
How long Oh Love
Till they be Free?

Until they choose
to break the seal
Upon their
Heart
that they
may
Feel

 



 

 

 

 

 

 c. 1987

Author notes

[click ->fleur de lys: mp3 song audio]

Ref: www.leonardcohenfiles.com/album3.html#27
& www.leonardcohenfiles.com/album3.html#21

Note:  egocentric emotionalism (reactive) is not to be confused with deep, intuitive feeling (responsive) which is from the soul.

 

Posted May 3rd, 2004

In a list

A contest entry

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    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
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Comments

1 - 58 of 58

  • Hetha gold member
    August 21, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Nice shapely form and flow. Wonderfully affirmative and it feels like a securing warmth and depth that is rare. It was lyrical and a tuneful write. I love this, great job! Thank you for gracing my contest with this.


  • Kari gold member
    August 4, 2008

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    I guess a lot of people can't really see even tho they think they can
    The affirmations in this piece are beyond incredible.
    It gives such reassurance,hope, and love.
    I love the shape form that gives it a very special touch that not many people can do.

  • piccola silver member
    August 4, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    the last word is fine but if you were really asking for an alternative, what about heal? It sounds as if the hard hearts needed to heal ... feel is fine though. Prepositions do clutter and this could be tightened a bit. Thank you for your entry


    • Maatkara gold member
      August 4, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks. Actually no, I was not looking for any alternative wording (if you are referring to the previous unsolicited suggestion).
      When the real meaning is understood, so is my careful word choice - of 20 years ago


  • RushofBlood666
    May 17, 2006
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    Beautiful, it folds a certin lightness to itself, when a reader comes across this piece it seems to really grasp them and rouse the mind. I have no workds on how to mark this piece but it is beautiful.

  • Maatkara gold member
    February 18, 2006
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    Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion. But I'm not a fan of stilted syntax, and that would read as forced rhyme. It also loses coherence in meaning.


  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    February 18, 2006
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    I use melding forms as well, so I was merely looking through the contest-holders preferences.
    Each word matters, so I think that I would juggle the last stanza if it is comfortable for you and trim the prepositions.

    "Upon a
    Heart
    that longs to
    Feel
    its final choice
    to break the seal.     <--- something like that.

  • Maatkara gold member
    February 18, 2006
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    Thank you, Cookie I wasn't aiming for any particular form (this is more a lyric, with refrains, than a 'form' poem per se). If you think it needs a "stronger word" to end on, perhaps you could share what you had in mind.

  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    February 18, 2006
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    a rich poem full of what must master the parts of our doubts!

    Form is very good overall. Some juggling of words would put the iambs in line for its truer form. The last word, though not forced rhyme diluted a bit for me. Just a thought. It could have been a stronger word...~

    Otherwise, this is beautiful.


  • MargaretG
    February 16, 2006
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    I stand by my previous comment, and only observe that metaphor is a higher level of language attainment. It takes time to understand the intent of the author in using images to stand for ideas.

  • Maatkara gold member
    February 16, 2006
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    Thank you Lyn (and Col)! Literalist dogma is a trap for so many; ironically, to which my poem alludes

    "You will know them by their fruits." Matt 7:16

    ~Gen


  • Lyndon gold member
    February 16, 2006
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    I enjoyed the mystical in this poem exquisitely. What I did not enjoy were comments which took literally the metaphorical truth of this poem, the world's mysteries as well as the metaphors of Christ's teaching. Who would fertilise Christ because He is the true vine? Who would knock on His wood because He is the door? I find literal interpretation of the nature of many comments above sheer nonsense. Lyndon.


  • ColinSJones
    February 16, 2006
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    actually in the hebrew a day is "yom" and it talks of literal days ie 24 hours but the NT is in greek and Peter was indeed being metaphorical by showing that God exists out of time when he said a day is like a 1000 years to God

    col


  • ColinSJones
    February 16, 2006
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    love the sybolism you have employed throughout this piece
    Gen very ethereal quality about it too#

    col

  • Maatkara gold member
    February 15, 2006
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    And Peter was being metaphorical, not literal, regarding the unknowable (i.e. "as a" = 'like'). Ref Matt 24:36 again


  • BonnieQ silver member
    February 15, 2006
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    And, Jesus said, "You can look at the sky and determine the weather, but cannot discern the times by the signs?" We can discern "close," just not the day or hour. Peter provided a clue with the passage you cited: mankind has seven days in a week, whereas earth has a 1000 years representing a work day for her; 6000 years she labors and the 7th 1000 years will be her Sabbath rest. 6000 years has all but expired.

    Nevertheless, I love your poem! And, I meant to mention that it is quite uniquely shaped like the sword!
    Edited on Feb 15, 5:44 p.m. because ''.

  • Maatkara gold member
    February 15, 2006
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    Thank you, Bonnie! But "close"? No one can say that...
    But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Matt 24:36

    But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8



  • BonnieQ silver member
    February 15, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful Plea

    This is so beautiful, Gennelle, and echoes my constant cry, "When will they see, when will they hear?" And, the Lord said to me, "I never said they would believe you." Too few see or hear muchless accept and do. It's heartbreaking, especially knowing how close is this old earth's end. Best wishes in the contest!

    Love and hugs, B♥nnieQ


  • Sharon Corr gold member
    October 4, 2005
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    ~Wings of the Divine~

    Gennelle Marie Stunning Beauty
    “A heart of fire, a warrior's soul”
    A song of liquid velvet beauty
    Your soulful heart a divine messenger.
    May your wings be blessed eternally
    “C’est La Vie" remains love flowing within eternity.
    Once again my new old friend Beautifully Penned
    Your artistry crystalline breathless~
    Radiant wings heavenly in your song of prayer singing free.
    Namaste Blessed Be, Sharron

    Edited on Oct 04, 12:53 because ''.


  • myrataal silver member
    September 27, 2005
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    Powerful and divine

    Dearest Gennelle

    Although this poem is written some time ago, it is timeless in spirituality. Refined in both content and structure. Well done, dearest Heart.



    Myra


  • Poetmari
    August 8, 2005
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    Very nicely written piece! tres tres bien! I could feel it inside and it was soo good!
    Great write!


  • Amunet Wolfbane Moderators member
    July 22, 2005
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    Outstanding piece. Very uplifting, you could feel the spirit soar within yourself as you read it. Very wise sentiments and a powerful piece as well. Absolutely outstanding in every way! Blessings, Gypsy


  • DamnUnique
    July 9, 2005
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    WOW! what a lovely poem....i liked the way it flowed so smooooothly you chose amazing words to say whatever you wanted to...n i loved the way you repeated the verse....adds a unique charm to this work...
    well done! hope to read more such works of yours...till then,ahppy writing


  • Running Poet
    July 5, 2005
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    beautiful

    I found this spiritual,as love can be.
    It has a reverance about it,as its shaped and the picture and beautiful verse,thankyou for sharing this creation,I wrote a poem called battered armour recently,and its also about love.
    Feel free to read it and tell me what you think?
    thankyou
    Edited on Jul 05, 4:43 because ''.

  • Draco africanus
    June 22, 2005
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    Beautiful.

    There is such a great strength to every line of this poem that only appears in pieces that have been written from the heart. You clearly mean everything you say. The style is particularly lovely as well - very easy on the eye and it flows very well. This poem can be appreciated on so many levels. One is very impressed, I bow to your greatness.


  • June 8, 2005
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    this was easy to read. thnk you. i like the "shape" for some reason i find it very eye catching. the lines are nice and short and stong. just my kind of poem.

    i like the strength you protray with it. something i am in much need of lately. i find mine wavering some days. so the poem itself is like this hug ive been needing for sometime.

    a shoulder. its nice to be reminded by someone elses hopefullness once in a while. it's to wasy to celve on death; and to hard to love life.

    we all need a little inspiration now and then.

    i know i do


  • John Timothy Bailer
    June 3, 2005
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    Wonderful

    Hey, what a great poem, i love everything about it, they way your words flow amazes me, its like ever word is in the perfect order and they are just as they should be, like it was meant to be that way, thank-you for sharing, do you think if you have some time you could comment some of my poetry, i would value your opinion highly as i am a 17-year-old person fairly new to this, thank you, Tim aka Childofthenight


  • capricornpoet
    June 1, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    the holy grail of love

    A gothic poem about love like a holy grail , was also cryptic,with mystery , the repetition was good with the flow
    of the next verse . unique in style


  • terrytheterrifyc
    April 29, 2005
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    Very Good

    Very deep poem. I especially love the repeating verse in shape of a lily. As I read through this piece I can vision many different things.


  • Cheeky paper
    April 26, 2005
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    Extramely powerful , it was so cool ! nicely , really beautiful flowing.

    Wow you're so great with this !!!!!!!!!!!! whoeeee !!

    I LOVE YOUR ALL POETRY , I think I must be drop off with yours first now. Hehehehe Thanks for sharing this with me.

    ~ papergirl ~

  • Maatkara gold member
    April 24, 2005
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    Thank you, Sandi! Yes, you read it correctly, as it is the universal struggle in any time or place against forces driven by hatred and greed.

    ~G


  • Sandi Alford gold member
    April 24, 2005
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    Maybe I am wrong in my summation, but I read this as a sacred prayer/song that is felt in the hearts of those who live and die for their country and beliefs, which I might add could be sung from ages past on thru the present. Love is shone in many degrees, not only for one person, but also for a unity or belief in a deity. There was great reverance shown here...Excellent read this beautiful Sunday morning!
    and blessings, Sandi

  • ecrivain01
    April 15, 2005
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    Your cheering section has covered everything. This is a great poem. There's nothing else left to say.


  • squirrelmick
    April 11, 2005
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    This is one of the most beautiful poems I have ever had the joy of reading, your words are music to the ears (except that I didn't read this aloud because that would make me seem mad! lol) Great emotion expressed here, a lovely piece of writing. Well done, keep it up!


  • Yemassee gold member
    March 3, 2005
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    Very faithul in Arthurian tone and style. The whole idea of love and romance, and indeed these are the original romances, and sometimes these notions still have strength. Has anyone noticed that the poem is in the shape of a sword? Quite inventive...and it would seem nearly impossible to accomplish---yet you do! I'd try something like that but, well you know, I'm inept. This reminds me of a pledge, like one given to or by a Knight before heading into battle...and yet it is far more personal and touches a modern chord...when looked at it from that light it sounds like a pledge of another (yet similar) sort.

    I hate talented people!

  • Maatkara gold member
    November 20, 2004
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    Thank you, Sarah! I'm so pleased you liked it. I must explain that the capitalizations are intentional, to convey greater implications (i.e. addressing Christ). I should also mention that I used capitalization of certain words for emphasis long before I ever read anything by Emily Dickinson (not well known in Australia). It was good to discover I was in such good company in that regard.

    ~ G


  • sarah nyc
    November 20, 2004
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    First, I have to express how much I love this poem:
    I LOVE IT!

    Okay, but now to the nitty gritty. There are many capitalizations in the middle of sentences. Unless you are referring to something/someone in particular, they really shouldn’t be capitialized. An example is S4, L1, “Though weary I'll keep up the Fight.” The word fight should have a lower case f. The same goes for the following line, “I'll hold Your Sword and Banner high.” Your, sword, and banner should begin with lower case letters.

    “Love-intense
    Hyper-sense” I love this. Rolls right off of the tongue. I am extremely impressed by this piece, and I can not give it enough praise for how beautifully writer, wonderfully expressed, and how imaginative this is. Great job!


  • Anly Stede
    September 23, 2004
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    Impressive :)

    hi there this is an extremely nice poem... I really like the tone setting the mood... it is very strong with hope and love there is no doubt about that at all... this is a beautiful and most powerful write... sincerely, I'm impressed... the wording is great... the format really gives it sense and strength... and the picture is so representative of all your words expressed here... marvelous work

  • Sharon Corr gold member
    September 20, 2004
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    This love song is so beautifully penned. You delight us with such divine grace fervour passion and elegant wisdom. When I look upon the young woman’s face reaching up to the Lord. And her hands seem to be clutching a Sword of love. My doves have flown toward the heavens. How can I express how beautiful and angelic this Song of Songs is? Truly, this song is a kiss. What could be more beautiful in life, then to have a walk with love and a talk with light …

    Stunning, Awesome, Filled with light and hope.
    This is a song of Miracles Signs and Wonders.
    Bravo and a thousand kisses deep to you
    May your dreams forever remain by our side
    May your hand always be here to be our guide
    In your timeless angel eyes.

    I remember
    I was lost
    Wandering in the dark
    Trapped in the tower
    I didn’t know where I belonged
    Until I heard your song of armour
    A song within your heart I feel
    When they find the lost seal
    Then I knew
    Divine love Is Truth


  • L. J. Arien
    September 4, 2004
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    lovely extremely powerful! thanks for entering and good luck!


  • duana
    June 25, 2004
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    absolutely powerful! Dissappointed only because I thought this was going to be written in French. I myself do not know much french, but my daughter was in French immersion for many years.
    Still, wonderful, brilliant powerful poem.


  • princehusayn
    May 5, 2004
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    Revolutionarilly Good.

    I got it, Its the Truth so simple but complex we make it because we don't buy into simplicity. When the Heart is Free that Freedom could never be taken away or lost in wars with men or nations because they did'nt give it to you. This is a Good Write and will free many who read it.insha Allah. Peace and Blessings

  • Maatkara gold member
    May 5, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Yes, I know the play, M I loved the movie (with Kathrine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole) and remember that line. Classic.
    ~ G

  • MargaretG
    May 5, 2004
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    The exact quote from James Goldman's "The Lion in Winter" is Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany, in conversation with his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, about his father and her estranged husband, King Henry II of England:
    "I know. You know I know. I know you know I know, we know that Henry knows and Henry knows we know it. We're a knowledgeable family."
    The whole play is very witty. Just an aside!


  • Cemetery Rose
    May 5, 2004
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    awesome

    Tres bien! Je l'aime'!! okay thats pretty much most of the french I retained since high school A very lovely poem!
    Peace and love
    Susan


  • Maatkara gold member
    May 5, 2004
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    Bless you M "We are a knowing family"...
    Love,
    ~ G


  • Maatkara gold member
    May 5, 2004
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    Thank you, dear brother of the Heart
    ~ G

  • MargaretG
    May 5, 2004
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    Wonderful

    This poem is packed with emotion and speaks eloquently of the difficulty of one who tries to be loving and open in the world today. Misunderstood and scorned, the open heart is wounded with a dagger thrust. I love your refrain, that in accepting the vulnerability, we are rewarded with freedom and wisdom.
    I have read this several times; my heart was too full to comment.

  • skinwalker 2
    May 5, 2004
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    Ho-wa !!!

    "Ha-tlv he'-ga , Do-nv-da-go-hv-i, Ho-wa~ !!"
    Oh m/g so sorry it's Cherokee your work here was so beautiful sister ~ I just had to think ~ "where are you going ,Until we meet again ,with much praise ~ for you" ~ Skinwalker
    Edited on May 05, 10:33 p.m. because 'language ~ ???'.

  • Maatkara gold member
    May 4, 2004
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    Ah, merci beaucoup ma cherie Hmm there must be more times and places than I thought I'd covered. Great to know it has more dimensions.
    Love,
    ~G


  • Mari Goes gold member
    May 4, 2004
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    Cette póesie est très bonne! Je l'aimé beaucoup!
    A very lovely thought, love can protect better than any armour or shield, and he put his life in her hands.
    A very pleasant read, thanks!
    Hugs,
    Mari


  • SusanL
    May 3, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    THis is truly phenomenal. I think you have created a very stunning poem here. I love the refrain you have built. And the change in speakers i think it would have shone even without the font shift.
    You are amazing. In case there was ever any doubt.
    Susan

  • Maatkara gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    Thank you, Bill . I hope the 'Crusade' image you got was to do with the dedication and not that blot on our western history . If you think about the symbols used, you may realize the what and when.
    ~ G


  • BillS2
    May 3, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful

    Hi Gennelle:
    A truly magnificent write. I especially love the last five lines before the final refrain, starting "From the Last". A very deep and passionate write. An emotional roller coaster from fire to dispair and the vivid imagery of the Crusade like effort. Beautifully done my friend, beautifully done! Thank you for sharing this wonderful write with us. Bill

  • space blanket
    May 3, 2004
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    ah...tres bien! manufique! je aime...bon, bon, bon.
    :-)
    lost

  • Maatkara gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    Hi Stephanie ~ Thank you! I was still adjusting layout and adding background, if you saw it on purple, it's now done
    ~ G

  • Green-Eyed-Goddess
    May 3, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    GREAT

    That was wonderful, you have done a great job. I loved it. SUPER job


  • solace
    May 3, 2004
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    wow....truly amazing. i cant wait to see what you will have done in 10 minutes.lol i really liked this...it was passionate and full of emotion. i really liked this, did i already say that? heh...excellent job.-Stephanie

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