The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

New Never Is - Charles Wood

New never is...  
	(Charles Wood)
	
	
	
	We are but voyeurs, 
	peering through the iris 
	of the painter’s eye’s recording 
	details of a scene 
	not meant for sharing, 
	when wealth and power 
	are kith and kin 
	of the common man, 
	and rank hath neither 
	meaning nor memory 
	or power over 
		the passions,
		the needs of youth,
		the sway of love, 
		the slip of flesh on flesh, 
		the scent of earth, 
		the consequence. 
	
	Do you not feel the crackle of
		fear and violence, 
	smell as I do 
		shame and desperation, 
	comprehend the role of
		each of the players 
		by the masks they wear? 
	
	Imagine if you will 
	the hours sure to follow: 
		the actions dictated by convention;
		the disregarded pleas;
		the assignment of blame;
		the mean whispers; 
		the banishment; 
		the unchangeable fortunes. 
	
	If only it were true 
	that love will triumph
	instead of being mere 
	frayed threads of duty.
	
	At last the artist looks away 
	from the unfortunate scene, 
	quelling memories 
	far too close for comfort.
	
	
	
	
	For Isaiah Zerbst’s contest.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Herriford Avatar
September 15, 2024 at 4:46 PM
Very unique and deep feeling poem I really like it
Lamoureux Avatar
October 19, 2013 at 6:39 PM
Jack this is an exceptional piece, I am adding it to my favorites! Personally for me this was one of the best I have read for Isaiah's contest.
Jordan Avatar
October 19, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Thank you for the kind words, Richard. It's an honor... Jack
Puddifoot Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 5:14 AM
I think this is an outstanding take on the contest, jack, I always love it when someone finds a different angle for a contest...you have a real ability to connect with art and produce excellent poetry about it; I predict this will do very well indeed :)
Jordan Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 7:57 AM
Thank you, Charlotte. I couldn't read the painting as a love about to be approved by the woman's father - too much visible anger and threat. We'll see how the contest goes, but thanks for the support... jack
Dietrich Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 12:29 AM
wow, you have a most interesting take on the topic. It's so fun to see how everyone does things in a different way. Very unique.
Jordan Avatar
September 20, 2013 at 8:00 AM
Thanks. As I wrote to Charlotte, time will tell whether I was successful in my interpretation... Jack
Rain Avatar
September 19, 2013 at 6:31 PM
stunned with brilliance ! 7&7
Jordan Avatar
September 19, 2013 at 10:15 PM
Thank you for the kind comment, Yvette... Jack
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
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