Demeter At the Chinese Opera

DEMETER AT THE CHINESE OPERA


So, I invited you to the Chinese Opera impulsively
Thinking of masks and dragons and triumphant mystery
I though it was time we threw off our coats
Of mourning, you for your  daughter

Stopping one night, on the way home from a party,
So randomly, cruelly, killed by the monster
Who has slain more than all the century’s wars
And my private sorrow for which there is no funeral.

I remember your straying husband also
Loved the Chinese Opera.  What will happen
If we all meet between the acts?
Surely forgiveness will come like snow on the mountain

And we will live in a harmony that can never be suppressed
In a slow majestic music that takes account of grief. 

(C) Rosemarie Rowley
From IN MEMORY OF HER (2008)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gist Avatar
July 18, 2016 at 7:16 PM
As I sway to the musical forgiveness by means of an instrument extravaganza the touch you put on this one speaks volumes of your knowledge of God. Please stop by to check out a couple of my breathings when you have a moment.
Magbee Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 9:09 AM
Wow, Rosemary -- bittersweet emotions and thoughts, succinctly expressed. Your poem is interesting to me in that, although it expresses universal emotions arising after the death of someone close, your poem tells a story about the narrator, the deceased and the specific person to whom the narrator is addressing this poem. Thanks for sharing what surely is an important, sad memory, capped with one of positive hope.
Hester Avatar
June 26, 2016 at 8:10 PM
This is my favorite of the poems I have read today.
Dietrich Avatar
February 20, 2015 at 11:05 PM
wow, what an incredible poem!!! A well deserved win because this is sheer genius. Congrats for your win.
Guzzi Avatar
February 19, 2015 at 8:38 AM
Rosemarie, very un sonnet-like BUT exquisite! You have a lot of talent, it reads like free verse though some poets are writing sonnets without end rhyme now calling anything with 14 lines a sonnet. Never-the-less, no matter the name of the form exquisite it is-and know- for my contests I always appreciate out-of-the box thinking! Congrads Light & love
Rowley Avatar
February 19, 2015 at 3:22 PM
Thanks so much, Debbie, appreciate your comments, very kind!
Allison Avatar
February 16, 2015 at 1:49 PM
such beautiful but so sad sad imagery - many congrats on your win:-) Hugs jan xx
Rowley Avatar
February 19, 2015 at 3:23 PM
Thanks, Jan!
A. Sharma Avatar
February 16, 2015 at 3:16 AM
Congrats on ur winning awesome write Rosemarie!
Rowley Avatar
February 19, 2015 at 3:24 PM
Thank you, so kind!
A  Avatar
February 16, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Rosemarie, CONGRATULATIONS, on your Win*** Love **SKAT
Rowley Avatar
February 19, 2015 at 3:24 PM
Thanks SKAT A, love your posts!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace