Neanderthal

NEANDERTHAL

In times gone by, now recondite,
Neanderthal, erect, upright,
spoke softly, tones so lily-white,
and tried to put the world aright.

He taught us how the flame ignites
that wearing furs will warm the nights,
just why the rolling wheel excites,
and how the beveled flint stone bites.

Before the days of dynamite
he fought his foes with spit and spite,
and swung big sticks with all his might,
and rendered death with stones in flight.

Engaged in never-ending fight
(arenas were a global sight)
he forced his forces to unite
to sate his oily appetite.

To quell rude thoughts that may incite
he ruled the realm with fly-by-nights
and culled the winds of words in flight,
and darkened minds to anthracite.
 
With fairy tales of evil sprites
and how the fist of freedom smites,
he washed the world with flames alight
to vanquish hoards of parasites.

Each dawn the damage brought delight,
the foe was bent, a bit contrite…
yet battled on with no respite
until the dusk and evening light.

Encamped beside the firelight
Neanderthal, that shiny Knight, 
awaited morn while sitting tight
assured the end would be alright.

Yes, conquest seemed his sacred right…
Forevermore?… well, no, not quite…
Neanderthal's extinct tonight
and lies beside the Trilobite…


MORAL
The Oreo is round, not bright:
while rolling near the candlelight
at first the searing seemed so slight,
the molten cream an oversight…


NOTE:
 This screed has nothing to do with the noble Neanderthal (whose brain size exceeded our own).
It has nothing to do with 'times gone by' (though who knows what future beings may see and think).
It has nothing to do with anything…
                and even less to do with something…  
                                  unless of course, you think it does….
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Arnone Avatar
February 29, 2016 at 3:50 PM
"and why the rolling wheel excites," Not sure the Neanderthals made use of the wheel -- though it is now said they may have interbred with modern humans....
Mumo Avatar
April 27, 2015 at 9:45 AM
You are enviably skilful. Continue weaving masterpieces...7++!!
Hicks Avatar
October 22, 2014 at 12:21 PM
Your concluding note reminded me of Rod Serling's ending narration on the show, The Twilight Zone. Not sure which I like better... the Neanderthal poem or the Oreo one... the second one said so much more in such a confined space! You're a genius, my friend.
Kearley Avatar
July 22, 2014 at 11:47 AM
Very interesting... Nothing to do with anything. Hmmm...
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:55 PM
;-))
Sietesantos Avatar
July 9, 2014 at 12:33 AM
Hi Terry, congratulations on an excellent write - I really enjoyed this powerful piece! Bravo.
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:56 PM
Thank you kindly, Pandita... :-))
Wesley Avatar
June 21, 2014 at 4:17 PM
You breathe life into these lumbering monoliths. As always, your interpretations fascinate.
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:57 PM
Thank you, Elizabeth... You are very kind...
Collins Avatar
June 10, 2014 at 5:09 PM
Terry - (soup mail) As always you should be in a modern book of American poetry or French or Swiss. Your perfect rhyme and original take is superb. I must say it would not be as brilliant without the oreo.. "molten cream is delicious" My friend once gave me a triilobyte. I can't remember what little creature was emblazoned in it. Argentine Tango? love you. Tallulah
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Kathy - As always, you flatter me to excess!!! ;-))
Palmer Avatar
May 7, 2014 at 9:55 AM
great write Terry,,,i love it,,,the rhymes are tight and sikk,,,history unfolds in poetry
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Thanks, Richard... I'm glad you liked it!!
Guzzi Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 4:22 PM
random thoughts on the nature of the brain case? ;) Light & Love
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 7:01 PM
More or less... yes... and on everything and nothing... :-))
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 2:34 AM
Wow Terry, I liken this awesome poem to the Argentine Tango, with it light and dark movements slow then fast. I was very impressed with this!
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 7:01 PM
Thank you Connie... Your comments always please...:-)))
Pen Avatar
April 7, 2014 at 1:51 AM
Neanderthal, that shiny Knight,
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 7:03 PM
Duh... 'that'...
O'Leary Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 7:02 PM
Yep... taht and more... :-)
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