Notes About The Poem

Author's Note: This lyric poem, entitled: "On the Brink," delves into certain notions and images that I have explored before over the years in other poems I have written that concern death, transformation, transition, the soul, God, Lucifer, prayer, and forms of cosmic symbolism and awareness. Poetry theme categories for this lyric poem include: anxiety, change, death, emotions, god, introspection, and life. I found it very interesting in my development of this poem to include various aspects of imagistic symbolism and metaphors to craft a compelling word picture that I believe captures the essence of what the words "On the Brink" mean in the realm of metaphysical transformation and spiritualism pertaining to mankind's relationship to Almighty God Himself. (Gary Bateman - November 17, 2020) (Lyric)

On the Brink

On the Brink

Many do reach this point,
Death’s an option . . .

Not the only one though,
As illusion is here too . . .

Just wondering what this is all about:
Life, Death, Heaven, Hell, Glory, Sorrow?

Half-Empty . . . Half-Full . . . And . . . 
Leprechauns with Big Buckets of Gold.

Seeking God’s solace,
Whilst finding Lucifer’s smirk and smile.

One’s soul—
The sticking point always,

And tonight is the night of
The Full Moon.

Why should I be surprised?
Maybe the Moon might know?

Looks like everyone knows anyway . . . 
Looks like everyone is onboard with this event.

The Cat’s got your tongue?
Ah . . . now you’re not so sure are you?

They do say that blood drips and flows,
And that it dries cake-hard over time.

You can’t really explain and justify this one:
The blood, the stench, and death are too much.

A plea and fervent prayer are the truest options,
And remember that God is waiting and watching. 

The bright-white, full moon no longer speaks . . . 
And now . . . neither do you . . . but God understands.

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved
November 12, 2020 (Lyric)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Mcintosh Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 8:18 AM
The light of Jesus' love shines down to caress those who love in spirit and truth. God bless you always, sweet friend. Love, Gina
Bateman Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 7:01 AM
Hello Regina!! And thanks very much for your kind words here with light of Jesus' love. Always grand to hear!! I tried to capture with this poem the cross-road-event-nature that each person may experience in the realms of transformation and spiritualism. Best Always, Gary
Smith Avatar
April 13, 2021 at 1:30 PM
You will have to work hard to top this one Gary as more on the brink than there have been for quite a while as everything seems out of reach except death for many. Life has always been a bumpy ride and for those who cannot find anything worth hanging on to more so. Thanks for sharing David in NZ
Bateman Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 6:53 AM
Hello David!! It's been a while since we communicated via Poetry Soup here. Many Thanks for your read of "On the Brink." I completed this poem during November 2020, just as my new second book of poetry, "Reflections in the Mirror" was being finalized for publication during January 2021. Many people are "on the brink" with Covid and all. Best Wishes, Gary
Fowler Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 7:37 AM
Very provocative Gary. :) Linda
Bateman Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 6:47 AM
Thanks Linda for your read here and your note!! Provocativce it is!! I still do post poetry, at times, on Poetry Soup as I can, as I am also involved with other literary sites and projects. Cheers and Best, Gary
Downing  Avatar
January 31, 2021 at 8:51 PM
Hey Gary, I hope you’re doing well. I know it’s been a while. I enjoy your magnificent poem :)
Bateman Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 12:57 PM
I am Doing Very Well Akkina!! Thanks for your comment too!! My new book of poetry, "Reflections in the Mirror" was just published and released to the general reading public on 14 Jan 21. (I'm sorry I did not respond to you sooner as I am presently working on other book projects.) Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary
Mcdaid Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 3:54 PM
that moon sure shines through in your pen smiling i pray you both are blessed with a beautiful week bro
Bateman Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 10:23 PM
Hello Liam!! Thanks for your read of "On the Brink" Mate. I plan to call you very soon. The completed manuscript for my second book of poetry is now at the publisher, and will be published and released in the near future. I will be in touch very soon. Best Wishes to you and your family from Ingrid and me!! Cheers, Gary
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