Justin Bordner Poet Ode

Faithful Shadow

I saw a death shadow in the eyes of my infancy
a soft mercy with calm blue fancy,
in childhood, when free will asserted it's wild supremacy
we sang of star charriots and laughter loyal to hyperactivity,
I see a death shadow in the prime of my ascendancy
outlining my temple of truth, whistling thy words of wizardry, 

I hear It like the madness of morning's ending,
I taste It as if from the burning breast milk of a Dragoness,
I see It in the bleeding smile of my heart's kindness,
I speak to It when love's luster unlocks the lunacy of loneliness,
I feel the humble shade of It's jade justice in a world hot and hustling,

My death shadow has a surface sweet with patient purpose,
It is not rough with forboding frost that frights the fight of flesh,
rattling the scythe of doom and cackling for cataleptic crisis it does not,
It is not a grim God or a greedy Goddess, no taxing terror trumpeted,
It has never been an angel of escape or a demon of dour delirium, 
when suffering becomes a seduction of brute beauty I share in it's wise joy,
my death shadow follows the desperate yet disciplined form of my body battle
through life's plethora of coy poisons and possessive passions,
marching along side me with martial grace, sculpting my face with lion spirit -

J.A.B.

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Afolabi Muideen May 4, 2015 at 11:14 PM Power well constructed poem. Justin Bordner May 6, 2015 at 2:06 PM Death is a motivator, mortality a blessing Afolabi. It makes me very happy that you appreciate my method of expression, thank you. J.A.B.

Joe Maverick February 10, 2015 at 3:05 PM Quite a run of thought in this very reflective piece Justin, good to visit and consider..' Justin Bordner February 12, 2015 at 8:17 PM In many ways poetry is an instrument, an Art of self discovery Joe. J.A.B.

Poet Destroyer A January 25, 2015 at 1:28 AM Justin, I admire the inner you, the pen in which flows in and outward. (metaphorically speaking). This poem reminds me of my Alice. However, very very different. My Alice, is really named Alyssa. Never did she cast a faithful shadow from birth till noon. No purpose, no patience down my path. A most intriguing poem. I know of suffering and seduction, A never ending war! Something about this poem, explains the best of you. This shadow seems to be the ultimate enigma. One I'd count on 4sure. :) PD Justin Bordner January 25, 2015 at 1:13 PM I admire the total you, the Poetess of quill and sword, beauty and brilliance my Sphinx...I loved the poem about Alice...eerie and enchanting...she is mischievous, but she also awoke something very special in you. There is a magic to you Linda...J.A.B.

Charmaine Chircop January 22, 2015 at 6:26 PM My death shadow has a surface sweet with patient purpose-This verse is my favourite cause it gives a beautiful definition to death as something not to be afraid of..I love it.I love the way you described the laughter loyal to hyperactivity-that must have been quite fantastic bombastic laughter.I really find your poem fascinating,each line tells a story,and the story makes me embrace death with affection not rejection.So talented you are_to my fvs Justin Bordner January 22, 2015 at 8:54 PM Yeah Charma, I got a little carried away as a child, my death shadow and I shared some seriously strong laughs and tears...you are such a brave woman, you really believe that you can handle anything, as you should, because you know that your heart is sweet and righteous, a powerful combination! You say it wisely, "with affection not rejection" You got it! J.A.B.

M. L. Kiser January 20, 2015 at 1:32 PM That was powerful and I am left near speechless. Justin Bordner January 20, 2015 at 8:28 PM Life and Death...Love and Breath...powerful depths to learn Kiser. I like the historical character of your work...J.A.B.

Richard Lamoureux January 20, 2015 at 8:01 AM The shadow of death gives resonance and purpose to life. I am impressed as always with your articulation of spirit. You are a passionate and masterful writer. Justin Bordner January 20, 2015 at 8:25 PM Our Death Shadows put an urge in us, a motivation to achieve honor, to appreciate opportunity. Thank you very much Richard. J.A.B.

Laura Breidenthal January 18, 2015 at 2:41 AM It's a tie between "I speak to It when love's luster unlocks the lunacy of loneliness" and this lovely bit "It has never been an angel of escape or a demon of dour delirium, when suffering becomes a seduction of brute beauty I share in it's wise joy" - I think I will choose the latter. Nevertheless, that is no fine matter, my favorite lines. This poem is stunning- it's words gripping and sticking. As always, I am in awe.. Can't wait to read more from you! Always, Laura Justin Bordner January 19, 2015 at 3:21 AM All the lines you've chosen demonstrate that the Death Shadow is that special part of our psyche that we can console with,that part of the mind which we can share the meaning for all of our experience,to seek acceptance for the way we need to see things.The seduction line holds much courage, accepting life for what it is, and enjoying what we can make out of it. My next poem will warm you deeply Laura...J.A.B.

Laura Breidenthal January 18, 2015 at 2:38 AM Wow... mm, I just can't get over those last two lines... utterly brilliant work Justin... can't get over this one! I've read it several times, and still, cannot. It is superbly written to say the least. I love how you open this legacy of this death shadow in the time of your infancy and how it has stayed by your side all the while. Fascinating lines throughout-- "I taste It as if from the burning breast milk of a Dragoness" -unforgettable comparison there! I can't choose my favorite line either. Justin Bordner January 19, 2015 at 3:04 AM This poem makes me so excited for more life, more unique passion and knowledge. Our senses must be synchronized because you always find my favorite line, you always hear my heartbeat...your enthusiasm for my wild feelings and truths make me stronger, I love it, thank you Laura..J.A.B.

Eileen Manassian January 15, 2015 at 10:59 AM You write of death beautifully, but death is something I wish the shadow of which will never touch your face, Justin. I wish you long life, health, happiness, and passion. I wish you every good thing. This is a beautiful piece...as is all you write. I loved the second to last line. Such a lovely string of words....little pearls. Take care. Justin Bordner January 15, 2015 at 8:34 PM Pearls are an ancient symbol for the soul, along with the immortality thereof Eileen, very beautiful in conjunction with your tender sentiments. Age and death are not problems for me, rather they instill gratitude in my soul and a sense of urgency to excel, and to make and share love. I intend on living strongly for 70 more years with the grace of Providence...lots to do! Your loving thoughts are precious to me Eileen...J.A.B.

M. L. Kiser January 15, 2015 at 5:12 AM I love the way that you portray your shadow; we must not ignore, that part of ourselves...a great poem. Justin Bordner January 15, 2015 at 8:14 PM Yes Kiser, to ignore our Death Shadow is to rebuke the gift and industry of mortality...I'm happy that you understand my work...J.A.B.