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



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Date: 2/29/2016 3:50:00 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....
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Date: 4/27/2015 9:45:00 AM
You are enviably skilful. Continue weaving masterpieces...7++!!
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Date: 10/22/2014 12:21:00 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.
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Date: 7/22/2014 11:47:00 AM
Very interesting... Nothing to do with anything. Hmmm...
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 6:55:00 PM
;-))
Date: 7/9/2014 12:33:00 AM
Hi Terry, congratulations on an excellent write - I really enjoyed this powerful piece! Bravo.
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 6:56:00 PM
Thank you kindly, Pandita... :-))
Date: 6/21/2014 4:17:00 PM
You breathe life into these lumbering monoliths. As always, your interpretations fascinate.
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 6:57:00 PM
Thank you, Elizabeth... You are very kind...
Date: 6/10/2014 5:09:00 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
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 6:59:00 PM
Kathy - As always, you flatter me to excess!!! ;-))
Date: 5/7/2014 9:55:00 AM
great write Terry,,,i love it,,,the rhymes are tight and sikk,,,history unfolds in poetry
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 6:59:00 PM
Thanks, Richard... I'm glad you liked it!!
Date: 4/30/2014 4:22:00 PM
random thoughts on the nature of the brain case? ;) Light & Love
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 7:01:00 PM
More or less... yes... and on everything and nothing... :-))
Date: 4/30/2014 2:34:00 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!
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 7:01:00 PM
Thank you Connie... Your comments always please...:-)))
Date: 4/7/2014 1:51:00 AM
Neanderthal, that shiny Knight,
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 7:03:00 PM
Duh... 'that'...
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/8/2014 7:02:00 PM
Yep... taht and more... :-)
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