Pillar

A second ago.
Yes just a second,
she was beautiful 
beyond comparison.
Not a wrinkle or a frown line.
Succulent lips, 
glowing skin.
Gorgeous hair 
cascading down her back.
Even her hands were elegant.
Men and women alike 
looked upon her with admiration 
If truth be told, with envy as well.

Her’s seemed a charmed life
there in a city by the sea.
Status, a beautiful home.
She moved through space 
like a butterfly,
flitting about without a care.
Perhaps she was oblivious 
to the darkness permeating her city.
There were things 
done in the shadows.
Evil had also made the city its home.
Her Lot in life protected her and her daughters.


Genesis 19:17
And as they brought them out one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”

Her heart ached 
for what she was leaving behind.
The grandeur, her status, possessions and servants.
Sulphur and fire 
rained down from the heavens!
The great Sodom and Gomorrah both being consumed.
She stopped to looked back.
Not just a glance,
she gazed with great sadness. 

Her anguish immortalised.
In an instant she was turned to salt.
One second.
Yes, in one second.
Wrinkles formed around her eyes.
Her mouth turned downward 
in a frown.
Her skin no longer glowed.
With grotesque hands 
she held her face.
Her once gorgeous hair 
in stone like clumps.

Nothing is left 
of her once great beauty.
Nothing is left 
of those cities by the sea.
She instead, 
like them, 
remains a cautionary tale.
Now immortalized 
in pages of scripture.
Her, just a pillar of salt 
looking towards 
Sodom and Gomorrah,
cities that are no more.

Carl Butler’s picture prompt.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2024 at 7:15 PM
A warning to everyone who gets too attached to this world and its pleasures. That's didn't have to be the lot of lot's wife since the angel had warned them not to look back. Great write, Richard. Hope all is well.
Lamoureux Avatar
May 2, 2024 at 5:46 AM
Hi Eileen, all is well. I officially am retired as of Tuesday. My Sweetie is retired on the 24th.
Kauffman Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 9:39 AM
What a powerful re-telling of Lot's wife, Richard with the ultimate question do we look back on what we had turning us into a lifeless pillar or do we run from dangerous choices and into an unknown future? Ultimately it is about choice - our world or God's plan? This is masterfully crafted. So glad I found it today! Blessings to you!
Lamoureux Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 6:39 PM
Thanks Sam. I appreciate your input and visit. Blessings Rick
Walsh Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM
A powerfully scripted piece Richard. Reminds me of the style of Phillip K Dick in his book Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? the book which became Blade Runner movie.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 6:55 PM
That’s cool Peter. Thanks for reading and commenting.
One Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 7:18 AM
Great use of comparison poetry here Richard.. Nicely done..
Lamoureux Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 6:55 PM
Thanks my friend.
Iannone  Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 9:05 PM
Richard, “Pillar” says to me: A woman who dares to glance back at her vanishing opulence turns her into a pillar of salt. Lot’s nameless wife! How beautifully Biblical! God be told, her transformation serves as a vivid reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty and the lingering weight of our choices. Lesson: March ahead, (and March it is), enjoy life, and don’t look back, unless of course you drop your iPhone! ~Don
Lamoureux Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 7:02 AM
Ha ha, good one. Thanks for a entertaining analysis. :0)
Jones Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 8:08 PM
I love the way you examine her and paint her presence with words like “She moved through space like a butterfly, flitting about without a care.” Great job I enjoyed reading this Richard!
Lamoureux Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 8:23 PM
Thanks Karen. Your comment brings a smile.
Greenhough Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 7:31 PM
I liked this poetic retelling of a biblical story. It was much more exciting in the poem than in the scriptures.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 8:25 PM
You are kind. I wanted to add a different dimension to the story. It’s interesting that in the story she is nameless.
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