A Song of Defeat

I hammered some words
Out from the quarry of my brain
They fell around in shards;
Some like boulders, 
some like rocks and rubble 
I picked them up one by one.
Block on block, I piled them up
Thinking I could build a ‘pleasure dome’

But,
When it was time for the workman
To marvel over the beauty and wonder
Of his dream creation  
His masonry tumbled down
Like sand castles built
By little hands on sea strands
Or dunes of quicksand sliding down

I have lost count of the times,
This has happened before.
Now that I stay resigned,
Amid a heap of debris

Is there any use feeling remorse?

Like Nero fiddling on his harp
When Rome was burning
I sit on this pile of wreck
Piping my thoughts away
In the cusp between victory and defeat
Exacting as much ecstasy as I can
Before the truth looms large
In all its stark nakedness!

Jan. 2. 2022
Hope Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Mohan Chutani
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Mcconnell Avatar
November 19, 2021 at 4:23 AM
Fine penning Valsa, good imagery and good line of thought throughout. Have a nice day, Gordon
George Avatar
November 19, 2021 at 7:26 PM
Thanks a lot for your very encouraging words , Gordon !
Wolf Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 6:19 PM
'Pleasure domes' fell with Rome. Keep hammering Valsa. The truth requires maximum exertion. ~ Elbow Grease Results in Peace, gw
George Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 7:35 PM
Yes, hammering with hoe and pick axe.... So no greasing of the elbow is required... lol....! Your comments are equally hilarious as your poems !
Jayasankar Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 9:35 AM
Enjoyed reading your 'Song of Defeat'... Valsa...and the metaphor of the quarry... and the thoughts conveyed... sad but beautiful verse, loved specially the last few lines... Hugs... ~ Ani
George Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 7:29 PM
Thanks a lot Ani for your very encouraging comment ! Continue your victorious poetic journey ! All the Best! Love and hugs.
Lawless Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 5:23 AM
There is nothing more terrifying than "THE NAKED TRUTH"....for it bares not only our soul....but our heart. ((the only way to start on top is to be born on a mountain))
George Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 7:26 PM
Yes, truth is often painful.... but has to accept the truth. Some are eternally placed on the mountain, some will have to start from the very bottom with the summit fixed in the mind.... may or may not reach ! Thanks a lot John for visiting my page.
Pandit Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 4:47 AM
Much depth to your thoughts in this poem, Valsa. Superb metaphoric vocabulary evokes the struggle at the cusp of defeat--elusive victory. Brilliantly done.
George Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 7:21 PM
Vijay, thank you very much for making me feel 'big'! You have the art of making Lilliputians feel like giants!
Cunningham Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 3:00 AM
Life can be often an upward struggle but we should never give up Tom
George Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 3:40 AM
Yes, keep climbing even if we pant for breath, may fall but still can rise up ! Thank you Tom for your inspiring words!
Buhagiar Avatar
November 14, 2021 at 10:35 PM
We sing many songs, of love and loss, of creativity and destruction. Lovely poem even if sad. Your imagery is perfect.
George Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 3:41 AM
Thank You Victor for your continued encouragement !
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