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Cross Purposes

Cross Purposes They were always hanging there ----those crosses Condemning me as a sinner ---in first grade Overseeing the evil that ----awaited me Held high above the sheepish flock ----lest one escape Crosses hanging at the end of beads ----mumbled supplication Crosses to be borne ----to curry favor with this god Of crosses -----passed down through generations. They still hang there -----those crosses Dangling reminders -----tarnishing the windows of my soul John G. Lawless 7/16/2015

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Kp Nunez

Date: 7/29/2015 12:54:00 AM

"Tarnishing the windows of my soul"...a strong line to cap the series of declarations with those images. Congratulations, John! Kim

Jan Allison

Date: 7/23/2015 8:38:00 AM

Reminded me of my dad and his rosary beads John - I especially love the final stanza:-) hugs jan xx

Emile Pinet

Date: 7/22/2015 9:03:00 AM

The author uses good imagery and maintains a poetic flow through the whole piece. This poem reads like an emptying of the soul as thoughts are poured out and tumble freely to the next one with a cascading effect. Emile.

Judy Konos

Date: 7/16/2015 10:35:00 AM

Very precise....bringing back memories....mostly of grandmother's house.....thank you