Songs of Power Paint It Black

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A great war leaves the country with three armies — an army of cripples, an army of mourners, and an army of thieves. ~German Proverb

 


 Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong? ~Holly Near
 

Your body is lowered into the ground, where you lie in darkness.
My warm tears mingle with December's cold rain... I lament.
War's grip holds me in depression, for this should be my grave.
"TAKE COVER!" you yelled, as your body and your blood fell over me.
My malaise of guilt: you died for me without a "thank you."
I'd give my life to find a doorway to you; my life is just a beautiful lie.
 
But my fear of death 
           keeps me from reaching for the door handle.

An alabaster portal that may not allow me in, a wretched sinner.
I have need of paint and brush, for it must be darker to open.
I weep for you, my brother, as my incarnate heart weeps for me.

But my fear of death 
           staunches my progress; I cower in my shame.

Damn my trembling hand, for the door is only darkened to gray.
My mind, an unassailable weapon against my will; it paints... It paints.

But my fear of death
          haunts me;  I fall to my knees in mental anguish. 

Tears rain down as mortar shells, and flow into the ink of my pen.
I write these words for war mongers to read. "Death is a painful truth."
With labored breath, I brush a final stroke on the door to paint it black.
I am on my way, Captain, for I have found the courage to thank you.

My fear of death
         was an illusion to mask the longing for my demise.

The only way I can be free from my fear of death is to let death claim me.



November 9, 2015

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 11/21/2015 11:07:00 PM
Lin Congratulations. **SKAT**
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Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 11/22/2015 3:43:00 AM
Thank you, skat.
Date: 11/21/2015 7:04:00 PM
Congratulations Lin
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/21/2015 7:15:00 PM
Thank you, Nayda ;)
Date: 11/21/2015 10:20:00 AM
CONGRATS ON YOUR WIN MY FRIEND. A7 This fine poem goes into my fav list. Thanks..
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/21/2015 11:07:00 AM
Thank you, Robert. It was a different style than I'm used to writing, but it took me out of my comfort zone to help me write an epic. I'm glad you liked it enough to mark it as a favorite.
Date: 11/21/2015 8:13:00 AM
this packs a powerful punch Lin congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/21/2015 11:05:00 AM
Thanks, Jan.
Date: 11/15/2015 11:59:00 PM
An amazing, powerful write, Lin! I love that song, and your interpretation of it...I wanted to thank you for your visit to my page and your kind words about my poem. I am honored that you placed it in your FAVs...hugs, Rhonda
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/16/2015 12:48:00 AM
Thank you, Rhonda. It's one of those songs that stays with you long after it's over.
Date: 11/10/2015 3:59:00 AM
and when you let death claim you, you earn the will-power to live!!! loved this...
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/10/2015 4:16:00 AM
Hi, Rem. I'm happy to see you again. Thanks for reading this one and equally glad that you like it.
Date: 11/9/2015 3:40:00 PM
wow, what a strong final line on this one. You chose MY favorite song as well from that group. I just love this song and I enjoyed the thorough way you did your entry!
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/9/2015 4:43:00 PM
Thanks, Andrea... I've been singing that song for the last 3 days. It's one of those, isn't it? I look forward to seeing what your take on it will be. Well wishes!
Date: 11/9/2015 2:27:00 PM
"Tears rain down as mortar shells, and flow into the ink of my pen." Yes, isn't this why we write? Lin, this is beautiful and heart-wrenching and going in my favorites.
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Lin Lane
Date: 11/9/2015 4:41:00 PM
This IS why we write, Felicia. Thank you so very much for your comments. Hugs.
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