Debt and the Devil's Dancers

Everybody needed something,
and there was always something in the world that needed somebody,
debt is all about connections to affections,
sustenence to stimulus is only half of the formula,
igniting the impetus is provenance of the pursuit,
debt's birth is in the body of temptation,
in the language of lust,
we all find reasons for indebtedness as architects provide strengths for stones,
always a tune to toil for,innumerable impulses to imbibe in the heart's hollows,
needs & wants wants & needs,a crisscrossing of the conscious,
vacillation like breath on candle flame,
on which branch will your bird discover the berry,
what good is satisfying the basics if we are denied exploration of the scenics,
wonderment wrapped in wishes of mocking mortality,
robes of rose petals,
the less we create for ourselves the more we fawn for the fingers of others fantasies,
impatience an instrument for the Devil to revel and drum,strum and hum,
born into a carnival of the careless and criminal
the Devil has a dream and your're his favorite dancer,
you hear in his voice a reflection of yourself and drown in delerium,
a community of stage hands supports your every scream
and silence your shouts for sovereignty,
buy the whole of the basement
but be prepared to be buried there,
a necropolis of creditors and debtors,
expired expressions on the faces of orphans kept alive by water colors
from the pallet of pleasure and perfumes of paradise,
as the spectacle ends the Prince of poverty greets us where dogs bark baldly
and the air is gray with cold,
he grips our hands with a lion's paw and cries coolly  -

J.A.B.  2011
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Empress Avatar
June 11, 2026 at 8:08 AM
~ your mind impresses me like no other, so much depth, so intelligent, and so aware of so much! I find it quite impressive when a man can be patient, and when they know so much and they speak what they know and only when its necessary! You do that ever so charmingly! Pleasure reading you! Sending you light always
Bordner Avatar
June 11, 2026 at 2:16 PM
If a Man doesn't have patience then he doesn't have much...You always discover the essence Poetess, that's impressive...J.A.B.
Empress Avatar
June 11, 2026 at 8:06 AM
Dear Justin, Looks like, its been a long time, youv known and tasted wisdom, and truth, through your soulful heart, i really love alot of what youv said here. And I long to be all that youv somehow left as a reminder too, while you reflect, in such an introspective and romantic manner, cus romance runs through your veins, i especially love "the less we create for ourselves the more we fawn for the fingers of others fantasies" how deep and profound is that! One of your maxims... so poetic too
Bordner Avatar
June 11, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Your response to this poem is the purpose of Poetry brought to life...from the word Maxims the word Aims can be had, the aim of that maxim along with emphasizing self reliancy is encouragement to build love with another person...J.A.B.
Nance Avatar
July 14, 2014 at 6:26 PM
Wow Man you blow me away, What thought and skill in your words! dang babe you got some great intellect in that brain of yours and it was my pleasure to read it. :)
Bordner Avatar
July 14, 2014 at 8:41 PM
Read me anytime Casarah, anytime you need an intellectual thrill or a taste of pain passion...I like it when you read me. J.A.B.
Breidenthal Avatar
August 21, 2012 at 2:33 PM
Love your poetic thoughts. And I love the closing to it. Always, Laura
Bordner Avatar
August 21, 2012 at 7:54 PM
Thanks for the real love Laura - you are so real, and thoughtful! We all at times try to take more than what our wages earn,then there is a price - J.A.B.
Murray Avatar
August 10, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Justin, Thank you for all your wonerful comments on my poems. Cming from someone as talented as yourself, I am thrilled by them. You have written here with such motion, color, scent and vision. It titillates all my senses
Bordner Avatar
August 21, 2012 at 7:52 PM
I give thanks first to Deity Anne, then to artists like you for the motivation and encouragement! I really did get the senses involved here with the metaphors, so glad it stimulates you great poetess - J.A.B.
Dietrich Avatar
July 26, 2012 at 12:21 AM
YOu are such a deep thinker. So intricate that I get a bit lost sometimes. But wow, you sure do use your words descriptively. Lion's paw for his hand grip! the whole of the basement where one can prepare to be buried. Very imaginative!
Bordner Avatar
July 26, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Its all based on truth Andrea; I ever seek,sometimes alone,sometimes with friends like you - thanks for the Fellowship - J.A.B.
Duncan Avatar
July 24, 2012 at 4:03 PM
connections to affections,,,,,love it,,,, get to sentimental about things,,, thank God I don't have debt ;} I'm mindful of that at least. I love this poem,,, you hit it on the mark,,,, or penned it ;},, have a very blessed day ;}
Bordner Avatar
July 26, 2012 at 10:59 AM
I love your light Debbie,and poetry too! So glad I piqued you - J.A.B. %
Maverick Avatar
July 23, 2012 at 12:46 AM
REally good write here Justin I was impressed "buy" the range content; and presentation ( well done indeed )
Bordner Avatar
July 23, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Thank you maverick! Eager to consume your work - J.A.B.
A   Avatar
July 22, 2012 at 2:11 AM
Justin, i like the way you contradict your own poem, with fascinating outlooks. I don't know about being a pet for the devil... I like that line.. The DEVIL HAS A DREAM" if he was to dream what would it be.. i love the whole attitude in your poem.. and the way you used the word cooly. I have a poem "" called *FOOLEY COOLEY* not on the soup... love your poem..xox~pd
Bordner Avatar
July 22, 2012 at 10:43 AM
Please don't tease P.D. - pray tell what your hidden treasures are Linda,don't deny us all your nurturing light - you truly understand,superb analysis - thanks for loving it all - J.A.B.
Atry Avatar
July 20, 2012 at 2:49 PM
Another intelligent stream of paradox Looking. For . More. B atry
Bordner Avatar
July 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM
I have gems for you Brenda - your compliments "mean the world to me"- Here is a special paradox for you, Truth is permenance in transition,J.A.B.
Mac Donald Avatar
July 20, 2012 at 1:16 AM
Oh, I can't stop looking at your avatar, Justin. At first I thought it looked like an electric dandelion clock, now it looks like there's a small eye in the center. Allbeit, I've read and will re-read this profound write. Amazing imagery to sustain this write on poverty and debt. "dogs bark baldly" while the hounds bay at the feet? No one wants to be the "favorite dancer" here! Loving this write! Best wishes, Mikki
Bordner Avatar
July 21, 2012 at 12:07 AM
Mikki you are a real owl of the heart - from the begining of Time The Eye has moved souls to wonderment - you honor me with you thirst for my language - Thanks very much Mikki - J.A.B.
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