Feathers of Pride and Humility
Become a
Premium Member
and post notes and photos about your poem like Daniel Henry Rodgers.
Owls have always been a favorite creature of mine for many different reasons. I wrote this narrative / didactic poem based on Socrates's excellent question about "What is Wisdom." I incorporated various species of Owls to showcase philosophical schools of thought, and what better creature to represent Wisdom.
----------------
In twilight's realm, where moonbeams entwine,
Two owls engaged in a contrast of minds:
A Great Horned Owl, proud and strong,
And a Great Gray Owl, cunning and long.
Amidst the trees, their feathers shone,
"Who is the wisest?" their voices cried...
As their debate ignited, fierce and esteemed,
Their claims soared through the moonlit tide.
Their egos clashed, each boasting might,
Arrogance veiling their inner strife.
One spoke of conquests, unmatched and true,
The other spun tales, manipulation construed.
From the forest's depths, four owls appeared,
With secrets hidden, their motives pending:
The Screech Owl, with doubts that gnawed,
The Laughing Owl, by pride, enthralled.
The Barn Owl, haunted by past regret,
And the Burrowing Owl, seeking power's beset.
They gathered, judgment in their piercing gaze,
To assess the claims, clear the arrogant haze.
Each listening closely to their cadence,
As they challenge each claim and test each mind.
They use contrast, metaphors, analogy, and irony,
To show how pride can deceive and blind.
The Great Horned Owl glared with fiery eyes:
"I hunt, I rule the night with might!
My wisdom shines in my fierce flight."
The Burrowing Owl hooted with a knowing glance:
"Wisdom hides in a maze...
To see beyond, to adapt and thrive,
Wisdom's skill is ultimately... survive."
The Great Gray Owl uttered with a grin like a knife:
"Knowledge is power that I can spin!
Beware the surface where truths are concealed,
Wisdom's art is mine to wield."
The Laughing Owl chortled with delight:
"Wisdom is found in humorous blight!
To find the answers laughter is key,
A mirthful heart reveals what's free."
The Great Horned Owl boasted with chest puffed out:
"My strength and wisdom surpass all!
Bow to my greatness, or surely fall!"
The Barn Owl said with silent wings:
"Wisdom dwells in knowledge wide...
In seeking truth in ancient scrolls,
The wise sieze the world's unknowns."
The Great Gray Owl articulated serene and wise:
"In silence, I glide unseen and calm...
My wisdom lies in the tranquil psalm."
The Screech Owl squalled its doubts revealed:
"Arrogance blinds wisdom concealed,
Look within for truth's unveiling,
Pride's armor can be most failing."
The Council of Owls in silent debate,
Witnessed weaknesses that each owl did state.
No consensus emerged, no victor declared,
For wisdom's mystery is rarely bared.
Each owl with flaws carried wisdom's spark,
Their weaknesses, strengths, an indelible mark.
But what is wisdom? Can it be defined?
Or is it a paradox that haunts the mind?
Is it strength or skill or knowledge or art?
Is it humor or silence or humility or heart?
Is it something we have or something we seek?
Is it something we know or something we speak?
These questions lingered in the air,
As the owls pondered with solemn care.
They realized that wisdom is not a prize,
But a journey that never ends or dies.
So the contest concluded, no winner in sight,
A reminder that wisdom is not born of might.
The owls flew undefined on paths enshrined,
With humility's lesson in shadows they entwined.
In a Rhapsodic style, their flaws were displayed,
Their humanized traits their weaknesses conveyed.
For wisdom seems to remain a complex quest,
An eternal mystery in each owl's breast.
Somewhere in the dark silent night breezes,
Socrates whispers, "I neither know nor think I know—
Wisdom is knowing you know nothing."
And then he smiles and lets it go.
Copyright © Daniel Henry Rodgers | Year Posted 2023
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.
Please
Login
to post a comment