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The Ballad of Circumlocution

In realms where thought and tempests meet
where shifting sands outpace the feet
a creature stirs with cunning guise
Circumlocution cloaked in darkened skies
its words like desert viper’s sting
they strike the heart then coil and cling.

Through jungles thick with tangled green
where vines obscure what might be seen
it stalks like the jaguar sleek and sly
its golden gaze a riddle’s cry
or like chimera fierce and wild
a fractured beast both false and beguiled
its serpent tail in shadowed trees
betrays the hope the heart believes

In ancient halls where diablos dwell
it wields the lies that empires fell
in Caesar’s court where daggers gleamed
and treachery unspoken sat and schemed
or slinks through Troy a wooden guise
where victory rose from cunning lies
it twists the winds with hollow cries
then veils-the-vale / in dim disguise.
Yes, it veils-the-vale in / dim disguise.

Behold the beast of mountain stone
its peaks adorned in clouds alone
it soars above a harpy fierce
its talons sharp its cries will pierce
or climbs as goat with steady tread
to mask the lies its steps have spread
from Babel’s tower words were torn
and chaos birthed the world forlorn

In dungeons of ancient kings
where secrets hide and silence clings
a sphinx will wait with golden stare
its riddles trap the unaware
on Nile’s flow where Pharaohs reigned
the truth lay masked its essence stained
it encrypts itself through hieroglyphs
as devils dance on wordless rifts

It circles round volcano’s fire
a salamander of desire
its molten skin both burns and lures
its beauty masks what none endures.
or like a Fenghuang cloaked in flame
it rises false then dies in shame
from Pompeii’s ash to Vesuvius’ roar.....
deception-claimed both / rich and poor. 
yes, deception-claimed / both rich and poor.

This beast swims deep through ocean tides  
an orca cloaked in strength and pride  
its dorsal fin slices the blue.  
its dialect hides what once was true  
or like a siren’s mournful cry  
it lures the lost where truths must die.
as sailors sought the spice-filled seas  
to find their dreams but not their peace .

Oh how the mind in stygian deep  
will clutch at lies the soul must keep  
for truth though pure is sharp as blade  
and scars the heart where hopes have stayed  
yet hearts once pierced may rise anew  
their wounds the proof of what is true  

Through darkened ages truth lay bound  
its voice suppressed its light unwound  
yet from the shadows rose its flame  
reborn to cleanse the earth of shame  
the wheel of time turns lies to dust  
as truth revives what once was just  

In webs of glass and circuits hum  
where truths dissolve and lies become  
a digital chimera spreads its guise  
its code conceals its shadow lies  
through algorithms sharp and thin  
it bends the world and draws us in  

The Earth deceived by mortal hand  
succumbs to greed its truths unmanned  
yet nature’s voice though silenced long  
revives in reverance fierce and strong  
the jaguar stalks the heron waits  
and rivers carve through time’s debates  

In constellations vast and bright  
deception veils the ancient light  
the stars though fractured still endure  
their truths eternal vast and pure  
through cosmic winds and endless skies  
the universe unmasked replies  

Oh Circumlocution vast and wide  
your reign dissolves with time and tide  
though sweet your voice though grand your schemes  
the world now bleeds for simpler dreams  
in silence truth reclaims its throne  
and hearts once lost now / stand alone.
yes, hearts-once-lost /now stand alone.

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Duke Beaufort Date: 2/15/2025 12:44:00 PM Daniel, I interpret what you've written a bit differently than some of the commenters. I think you come to allude to the enlightenment and then the recent reign of digital obfuscation. Nature itself will dissolve the new era of circumlocution if we stray far from the truth. It's plain to me that current leadership would rather deny the truth and obfuscate it. The world now bleeds for simpler dreams...yes, we need to live in harmony with nature itself...after all she is what grants all life. I am also thinking about my last career. A small group of subject matter experts (as few as 2) went over manuals paragraph by paragraph to make certain what was said was clear and was true rather than false. In other words, if there was an exception, that would be considered by using terms like usually or in most circumstances. Sometimes, the exceptions would be listed. However, we owe it to each other to say exactly what we mean. Otherwise, people can get misled and bad things follow. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/16/2025 7:20:00 AM Hello Duke, your thoughtful interpretation of my poem is deeply appreciated. I love when a reader sees things others don’t such as some of the themes of truth, nature, and clarity. Your emphasis on the importance of straightforward communication is what is called for no matter where you live, especially in today's complex world. Thank you for sharing your unique insights! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya Date: 2/12/2025 1:38:00 PM Circumlocution, what a word and ain't that the truth! lol. I love hundred-dollar words as a fill-in, I use it, quicker I learn it. Daniel there is rhyme, alliteration, flow, metaphors and all the grandness a ballad should have, most of all your genius, a digital chimera, how clever! I'm so sorry it took this long to enjoy your magic, faving. Keep warm~Anaya Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/16/2025 7:16:00 AM Dear Anaya, your kind words have warmed my heart as always! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the poetic elements and the use of language. Ahh, my digital chimera" is unique and it was one of my last minute thoughts, and I'm grateful for your appreciation. Thank you for adding my work to your favorites! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

CayCay Jennings Date: 2/10/2025 7:09:00 PM I'm leaving you the response that most fulfills me when left on my pages - WOW. Talent fully shines in this write. As a reader, I am stirred; as a writer, I am impressed ... CayCay Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:56:00 AM Dear CayCay, your response fills me with such gratitude! To have my work stir you as both a reader and writer is truly humbling. Your words light a spark of inspiration, and I’m honored by your thoughtful praise. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Len Gasun Date: 2/9/2025 1:59:00 AM Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and superb poetic talent dear poet friend Dan/sir. I enjoyed immensely this outstanding poem and learned a lot. Thank you so much for sharing and also for reading one of my poems. God bless you always and your poetry/poetic talent. Hugs Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:55:00 AM Dear Len, your kind words and support truly warm my heart. I’m grateful you connected with the poem and found something meaningful in it. Sharing poetry is a gift, and I’m thankful for the exchange of words and inspiration. God bless you always! Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Valsa George Date: 2/7/2025 11:29:00 PM Hi Daniel, from time immemorial, we see that truth and light have been veiled by a nebulae of lies and ambiguity that we cannot extricate truth from lies and light from darkness. Lies and deceit always come in attractive guise. "It circles round volcano’s fire a salamander of desire its molten skin both burns and lures its beauty masks what none endures." In Caesar's court and on Babel tower, this happened. In the war between truth and lies, let us hope that truth will win. Your ability for perfect rhyming in such a lengthy poem is amazing. Your knowledge of history and ancient legends, simply awesome. A wonderful poem , dear friend. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:53:00 AM Dear Valsa, Ohhhh, your thoughtful reflection and kind words truly mean the world to me. You see so deeply into the poem's heart, and I’m grateful for your insight and encouragement. Truth’s battle is eternal, but voices like yours keep its light alive. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind Date: 2/7/2025 4:07:00 PM Wow, Daniel... I love your style, and this is powerful stuff "then veils-the-vale / in dim disguise. Yes, it veils-the-vale in / dim disguise." I liked that, and it's music like tone... Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:52:00 AM Dear Paige, your words mean so much! I’m grateful you connected with the rhythm and tone—it’s always special when a line touches a person. Your encouragement fuels the creative fire, and I truly appreciate your support. Thank you! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

David Kavanagh Date: 2/7/2025 3:49:00 PM A poem and a half Daniel, reads well, flows well, and rhymes well, as indeed deceit and lies can, it’s extremely difficult to navigate one’s way through life, and try separate truth from lies, but I guess it has always been this way ever since civilisation began, as your wonderful poem goes to great lengths to point out, reminds me of (We didn’t start the fire) by Billy Joel, another powerhouse piece of work from you, cheers David Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:50:00 AM Hello David, Good morning, and trying to catch up with my notes. Thanks and your words mean a lot, my friend. Life’s maze of truth and deception is a tangled one. And to be mentioned alongside Billy Joel, well, what an honor! LOL! Thank you for your thoughtful insight and support. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

John Read Date: 2/7/2025 10:18:00 AM Hi Daniel, you've certainly covered every angle with your well constructed ballad. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:47:00 AM Hello John, Thank you and I am grateful for your comment. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Terrell Martin Date: 2/7/2025 8:01:00 AM A BIG BEAUTIFUL BRAVO Daniel! I don't have the words to describe the breadth, depth and grandeur of this poem. Thanks for leaving me speechless. Write on, Terrell Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:47:00 AM Hello Terrell, your words mean more than I can say! To leave a fellow poet speechless is an honor beyond measure. Your encouragement fuels the fire—thank you for your generosity and support. I’ll keep writing, and I’m grateful to share this journey with you. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Sally Eslinger Date: 2/7/2025 5:55:00 AM A s t o u n d i n g poetry Daniel! This should be in The ny Times & The Atlantic tomorrow! Perfect penning! Each word perfect by definition & ‘music’ in the total fit. Fave-ing! I shall never be able to reach such classical perfection, but sure wish i could. Whoa, man, Wow! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/12/2025 4:45:00 AM Dear Sally, your words leave me speechless and what an incredible gift of encouragement! Your enthusiasm and kindness shine so brightly, and I’m truly honored by your generous praise. Poetry connects us in the best ways, and I’m grateful for that connection with you. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mike Gentile Date: 2/7/2025 4:41:00 AM Lies are lies no matter yet when hidden through deception, so often difficult to recognize. Your poem expresses this is such a poetically beautiful way Daniel!. Your pen is mighty and I admire it so! A great write!! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/7/2025 5:10:00 AM Hello Mike, Thank you for your visit. Yes, the real problem is that it is sometimes hidden so well that soon very few know what is true. It seems like it is more of a current issue but the reality is that it has gone on since the beginning of time. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar Date: 2/7/2025 2:20:00 AM Circumlocution, as seen in history, nature and modern times, masks the truth and manipulates truth. Admired your metaphors and imagery. But finally, truth will win. Great poem. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/7/2025 5:08:00 AM Hello Victor, I hope that you are doing well! As Christians, we know that truth is absolute and unwavering, and yet many, through time, distort, lie, deceive, and hurt those of us who do not know what the truth is. Thanks always!! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress Date: 2/6/2025 6:51:00 AM Dear daniel, i love the way youv rhymed throughout here and how seamlessly your lines flow from one to another with exquisite metaphors, alliterations and clever wordplay that goes with the concept of the poem, and youv used such descriptive lines in this that stands out for me such as "deception veils the ancient light the stars though fractured still endure their truths eternal vast and pure" so much depth in just those lines and also every line in this! Pleasure reading your poem. Sending you light always Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/7/2025 5:05:00 AM Dear Empress, I can’t even begin to tell you how much your words mean to me! You always manage to capture the heart of what I’m trying to say. I’m so glad the poem touched you, especially those lines you mentioned. Your feedback fills me with gratitude and thank you for always seeing so deeply. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Woody Date: 2/6/2025 6:35:00 AM Like Crystol the Christian part of the message is what appeals to me. For some 6,000 years of human existence (after the fall) Satan has kept the world in darkness, spreading his propaganda and lies via religion, philosophy, the entertainment world etal. But prophecies in Isaiah ch 2 and Daniel ch 12 alluded to a resurgence of truth and clarity for some in the time of the end. I believe that time is now. Victory just ahead. Nice write Daniel Login to Reply Crystol Woods Date: 2/7/2025 11:14:00 AM Agreed! "Seek and ye shall find", (Jeremiah 29:13 and Matt.7:7) <3<3 xoxo I know I don't know all there is but I believe that promise, that if we seek, we will find! <3<3 your friend, Crystol xo Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/6/2025 12:30:00 PM Hello Tom, I truly appreciate your thoughts and the depth of your perspective. Yes, the battle between truth and deception has raged since the fall, but like you, I believe we’re in a time where clarity is being restored to those who seek it. Your reference to Isaiah 2 and Daniel 12 is powerful, prophecies coming true before our eyes. Victory is indeed near, and it’s encouraging to stand alongside others who recognize it. Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for your unwavering faith. Your words mean a lot, brother. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Crystol Woods Date: 2/5/2025 6:10:00 PM #1)Okay, I think I'm ready to comment! Thank you for such a deep, thought provoking poem Daniel! Me, being a Christian, my mind tends to always turn to spiritual things and, as you make many references to the Bible and spiritual ideas I was very invested. I know you also reference Greek mythology and other myths but I'll just share my thoughts about the Biblical aspects. Login to Reply Crystol Woods Date: 2/7/2025 10:13:00 AM Oh, phew! I'm so glad I didn't over step out carry on too much lol. I always second guess myself. Ty for letting me know! Xoxo keep the good stuff flowing! Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/6/2025 12:26:00 PM Dear Crystol, Wowie! I am in awe for your words mean more than I can say. The depth of your reflection, the way you connect Scripture, imagery, and meaning, it truly it’s a gift. I love how you saw the parallels, especially the sword of truth and the scorpion’s sting. That connection to Revelation 9:3-10. And your insight into how deception paralyzes, how it keeps us from standing in truth—wow. I love your passion for the Word, for seeking and recognizing spiritual depth for it shines through so clearly. I’m beyond honored that my writing spoke to you in this way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so beautifully and thoroughly. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Blessings to you, my friend. Your encouragement and wisdom mean the world. A FAV of FAVs!! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Crystol Woods Date: 2/5/2025 6:12:00 PM #4)Anyway, I thought that was so cool... ""Truth sharp as blade"... reminds me of the word being called a sword. (That's my fav verse btw... beginning, "for truth though pure is sharp as blade") Then you end your amazing poem, "and hearts once lost now / stand alone. yes, hearts-once-lost /now stand alone." Recall the scorpion sting that paralyzes? Now you say this! Stand! Yes! Perfect! Favorite poem! Thank you for sharing and thank you for indulging me as I wrote so much lol. (Not that you have a choice haha) Blessings to you, a TRUE poet,xo Crystol Crystol Woods Date: 2/5/2025 6:11:00 PM #2)First, your poem speaks to the ultimate conflict in this life and the next, good vs. Evil, God vs. Satan, light vs. Dark, and... truth vs. Lies. Your use of imagery was masterful and your rhymes perfection! Such a weighty subject written with smooth and lyrical language, so beautiful. This reminded me of the book of Revelation, especially ch.9:3-10, the metaphor of the scorpions sting to represent how deceit and lies will wound us during the tribulation. Crystol Woods Date: 2/5/2025 6:11:00 PM #3)A scorpion s venom effects the nervous s system, paralyzing is prey while it's digestive juices break down the body for easy consumption. Gross,I know lol, But this is how lies can effect us! It paralyzes us, makes us unable to stand, to stand up to or stand against... having no backbone. The other cool reference is noticed was the constellations! How perfectly true! Job 38:32 uses the word"mazaroth" which in Hebrew means zodiac. Genesis 1:14-16, states God created the stars for signs and seasons! He has written the truth in the stars for is to see!

Crystol Woods Date: 2/5/2025 4:53:00 PM What a masterpiece! The quote alone gave me pause for thought and reflection. I've taken most of the hour i allotted myself to splurge in Soup, to read and reread, and meditate on your words. I need more time to consider before I try to say anything worth saying, but I wanted you to know I've read this and will be back. I can't promise what I comment will be worthy, but it will be thoughtful at least! ;) <3xo Login to Reply

Sam Kauffman Date: 2/5/2025 11:10:00 AM WOW, Daniel. You have done a masterful job of conveying the disingenuous beast that evades the light of truth and wrecks havoc through evasive actions. Wonderful, powerful words creating images that easily carry the weight of the definition of circumlocution - round and round in an endless spiral in a feeling of isolation. I love reading your work. You never fail to inspire me and leave me with a sense of awe. Sending you blessings of light, dear friend! Login to Reply

Joe Maverick Date: 2/5/2025 9:28:00 AM Very very well conveyed content and brilliant Word-play Daniel ' ( you held onto the original seed ) throughout while enlivening with wonderful imagery.' You narrate well the the infective intent and septic results of (misinformation upon humanity ) Great reading.! Daniel i was more ambiguos earlier So have changed the comment end.' I must Express (my thanks) if any part of our soupmail interaction was catalytic to such an imaganitive and effective poem.!! Login to Reply

Sara Kendrick Date: 2/5/2025 8:41:00 AM Creative work. How much deception is actually going on in just our country? We may never know. Thanks for sharing. Sara K Login to Reply

Joseph May Date: 2/5/2025 5:48:00 AM A battle between truth and lies, so eloquently expressed my friend, Well done, Blessings Login to Reply

Michael Tor Date: 2/4/2025 9:21:00 PM When reading this Ballad Daniel it was focused on Our Truths and deception. What I thought of in reading was the real world application this led me to realize. That is the Secret Societies, the truths that are not found unless doing real research such as reading, applying common sense and learning acquiring knowledge. I love this because I have always questioned everything to find the truth and the answers they do not want you to know... I am a realist and have spent my lifetime searching the Login to Reply Michael Tor Date: 2/5/2025 4:54:00 PM Thank you for such a lovely response Daniel... Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/5/2025 5:22:00 AM Hello Michael, I truly appreciate your deep and analytical response to my ballad. Your perspective on hidden truths and deception blends right into the dimension of the poem’s theme. I respect your relentless pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking. Many a leader waxes eloquence but either they talk with forked tounge or they do not have a clue what they are truly saying. Thanks for sharing your insights! – Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel Michael Tor Date: 2/4/2025 9:31:00 PM truth in government, Cryptids, Aliens, New World Order Agendas, Toxins in our food, Water, air, medications, radiation, Wi-Fi towers, Cell Phones, Goverment agenda's, MK Ultra Mind Control, Subliminal mind control, Weather manipulation, on and on. So when reading your ballad your theme of what I thought as their deception for us, really hit home. There was much more to your Poetry but this was the piece of the whole pie that I took from in realizing. So much is kept from us and so many lies and agendas. Sadly for most people they are victims, puppets, they do not question what they are told. There are some that do and sometimes uncover the real truth. Really enjoyed this one Daniel thank you for your effort in writing. From reading all the comments I think Dr Lasaad was my favorite...

Akham Nilabirdhwaja Singh Date: 2/4/2025 8:26:00 PM Circumlocution,a deceptive potentially harmful form of communication and powerful manipulative force operating through deception declines in course of time.Effective use of imagery and metaphor in the poem.A great poem Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/5/2025 5:18:00 AM Hello Akham, I truly appreciate your thoughtful reading of Circumlocution! Your insight into its deceptive power and eventual decline is very insightful. Grateful for your kind words on imagery and metaphor. Means a lot. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues Date: 2/4/2025 2:00:00 PM where victory rose from cunning lies it twists the winds with hollow cries then veils-the-vale / in dim disguise. Yes, it veils-the-vale in / dim disguse… In dungeons of ancient kings where secrets hide and silence clings a sphinx will wait with golden stare…Ilove the reverberating verses! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/4/2025 6:34:00 PM Dear Kim, as always your words have beautifully captured the essence of my poem. Thank You! I am glad you blended together the themes of deception and mystery which I tried to integrate. I'm touched by how you've highlighted several areas that I enjoyed writing. Such a pleasure reading your comments. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Silent One Date: 2/4/2025 1:22:00 PM Your poem masterfully weaves together mythological, historical, natural, and modern imagery to explore the ever-present struggle between truth and lies. It speaks to the timeless nature of this conflict and the ultimate victory of truth, even when it seems elusive or painful to uncover. Through its rich metaphors and shifting landscapes, the poem captures the complexity of human experience with deception and its eventual unraveling. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/4/2025 6:29:00 PM Hello SO, as always your analysis has truly touched my heart. I'm grateful for how you've captured the essence of my poem, highlighting its exploration of truth and deception in a way that feels both personal and universal. Winter Blessings, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich Date: 2/4/2025 1:17:00 PM Your work shows such knowledge. I bet you loved history and philosopny in school. What did you major in? Login to Reply Andrea Dietrich Date: 2/5/2025 1:27:00 PM wow, you sure loved college. I could not wait to get out! Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/4/2025 6:27:00 PM Dear Andrea, thanks for your wonderful comments. Yes, I do love reading about history, philosophy, psychology and art. My undergraduate and first graduate degree were in Music Engineering, my 2nd masters was an MBA, my third masters was Professional Counseling. I am always appreciative of your visits. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Tom Woody Date: 2/4/2025 2:58:00 PM Girls!

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