A Reliquary Musing

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Notes On the Narrative Poem "A Reliquary Musing" --

This narrative poem has a truly sad meaning and relates to a theme that in certain instances and variations occurred in the death camps of the Second World War. A child's doll, as a reliquary subject item of this poem, is the metaphor that speaks to the greater theme of evil and incivility that accompanied those who were unfortunately incarcerated in horrific prison conditions in the European, Asian, Middle Eastern and Pacific theaters of war during this very sad period of human history. Unfortunately, "War" and the inherent evil and incivility that it brings to human society, in general, continues to be part of the our greater human endeavor in the present world we all live in today. Hopefully, in the future, "War" one day can be relegated to the trash bin of human history. We can only hope and pray that this can be so. (Gary Bateman - June 14, 2022)

Poetic Categories: Allegory, Death, Emotions, Evil, Grief, Holocaust, and Horror.

A Reliquary Musing A child’s doll melded into a stone in a former Nazi Death Camp as its chilling image haunts the collective mind of those who live in the so-called civilized world of today and who profess a hollow concern for a child who’s long dead and who’s been completely forgotten to the rest of the modern world. A sad image like this one should haunt the very soul of mankind that oft professes a political correctness as it sweeps such unpleasant images under a bone-ridden rug that reflects a sad happenstance and mutters only a sigh at the horrific nature of such a truly evil occurrence. And, only Almighty God knows this sad truth. And, now you do too. Amen. Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved June 14, 2022 (Narrative)

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Kabutha Hempstone

Date: 3/19/2023 5:52:00 AM

This poem is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that captures the emotional weight of the historical trauma and forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth of our shared history. The haunting imagery and poignant message make it a great work of literature.

Gary Bateman
Date: 3/19/2023 8:29:00 AM

Hello Kabutha!! Many Thanks for your read and comment on my narrative poem here. Yes, for sure, this narrative poem speaks to the "historical trauma" that you have mentioned here in your note. The "evil" that killed the innocents in the various Nazi Death Camps must never be forgotten. If not, history may indeed repeat itself. Best Wishes, Gary Bateman

Robert Lindley

Date: 7/7/2022 10:51:00 AM

My friend, truth is an enemy to those that live with evil thriving in their souless hearts. Sad that schools in the usa deliberately avoid highlighting the many hideous atrocities that occured during that world changing war. War like its darkness exists in the minds of those that are owned by the devil and tempted by power, greed and infected with heartless souls. .. A fav.. God bless..

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/7/2022 12:14:00 PM

Many Thanks Robert!! I really appreciate your comment here. And many thanks too for the FAV!! This is, from my perspective, a very important poem that speaks truth to power with what the Nazis did to the people in the death camps. Very sad and terrible indeed!! The vital message here is that the present world of today must seek to ensure that atrocities like this never happen again!! Best Wishes, Gary