Of Myth and More Or Less

I. Myth

A giant, I thought, fondly,
one that brought power first;
then, too, love, always love,
then, too, justice, wisdom;
you commanded the supplications
just as surely as your gods;
I thought it would reside in you
and preside over me forever.

II. More

Far more, I thought, fondly,
and gifts of bounty at hand;
then, too, power, always power,
then, too, justice, wisdom;
so, then, more the reward of good
and more the power of the reward;
you were sure it was yours
and divinity would surely follow.

III. Less

No less, I thought, fondly,
it was always these, I assumed;
then, too, those, always those,
then, too, less the malignant seed; 
but assumption is deepest folly,
and greater exactitude held sway;
gone the lesser virtues,
less than the virtues pledged.

IV. Of And Or

I surely walked into a hemisphere
darkened by my own design;
but perhaps you walked, or lurched,
or clumsily something elsed;
perhaps into a hemisphere darker,
unwittingly darkened by folly;
I won't know until I get there,
and even then I might not.

27th June 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Nicole Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 10:52 PM
"but assumption is deepest folly" Oh my!!! It certainly is. One must be very careful- always searching for the facts. Once found. Hold them close. Once again Lawrence, your thoughts are deep and powerful. ~ Brandy
Sharp Avatar
June 29, 2020 at 1:19 AM
True words, Belle... some facts have alarmed me recently, hence this poem. Thanks for visit and comment, I always enjoy seeing you here.
Roper Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 12:46 PM
Love the deep provoking thoughts, Lawrence. Stay well. Hugs Eve
Sharp Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 2:14 PM
Thanks, Eve, always good to see you. Peace and Rest, poetess.
Boddie Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 12:25 PM
we never know what we dont....we never see what we wont....we never speak what we dont say....we never arrive without the right way....this was a very interesting selection my friend....very thought provoking....at least to me....
Sharp Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 2:13 PM
Thanks so much for stopping by, Eric, good to have you here; very pleasing that it piques your thinking.
Lindley Avatar
June 27, 2020 at 10:10 PM
"This held me in a deep, magical spell. Its dark, its winding infinity and heart. The red beach, covered in broken shells. Shreds of humanity once torn apart. Within the gaping gasps and stormy sea. Beauty once trampled in haste and greed. A sad look at the folly within me. Why upon our own swords we fall and bleed." Your poem so awes this old poet! A fav-- God bless..
Lindley Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 9:44 AM
It is indeed I that must thank you as your fine and deep poem has inspired me to compose a new poem continuing the theme, the thoughts that my reading of your piece gave myself and my muse to race ink to page and thus ever onward with my friend. God bless...
Sharp Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 6:38 AM
Thank you, my friend, your visits and very poetic comments are always a truly great boon.
Wanter Avatar
June 27, 2020 at 10:36 AM
Your meditation cap was tweeked, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Really special poetry!
Sharp Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 6:37 AM
Thanks, SW, really good to have you back here. Visit and comment gladly welcomed, poetess.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 27, 2020 at 7:39 AM
Deeper than my coffee is dark, I must come back to this one. Intriguing and engaging piece Lawrence. xomo
Sharp Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 6:36 AM
Thanks, Mo, always good to have you. A few words of startling and unexpected revelation shook me up a bit, and then this one virtually wrote itself.
Pandit Avatar
June 27, 2020 at 6:56 AM
This is quite deep my friend. You dwell in thoughts of wisdom, Lawrence:...I thought it would reside in you and preside over me forever..but then...less than the virtues pledged..the ending stanza summarizes its essence..
Sharp Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 6:34 AM
Thanks, Vijay; I'm always pleased at being able to prod any degree of contemplation, and your eye is consistently thoughtful and pensive, my friend.
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