Notes About The Poem

The Marmalade King

The Man casts a shadow purulent with stealth
    Having seen his apportion of nebulous days.
In fear of himself... too long on the shelf
    And a vague memory of far better days.
He then lowers his head.
Overcome with a feeling of dread.
Dreaming of marmalade and bread...
    As he ponders the end of his days.

"I'm the Marmalade King!" He shouts
    To a world passing him by.
"I'm the Marmalade King," he pouts
    To those who are left alive.
"Was I somebody once?" He reflects.
"Who was treated with gentile respect?
But I have a vehement tendency to forget
    This thing for which I strive."

"There are vile beasties intent on mischief."
    He whispers to a Juniper tree aside his tent.
"They task me when I am fast asleep
    In a melancholy slumber of sly torment."
Now the tree failed to address
To the comments so pressed
But the King would have to confess,
    "You seem a perfect and absolute gent."

"If I truly be King?" He continued to say.
    "Then I should lord over all that I see.
But my Kingdom seems to have filtered away
    And I'm not sure where my subjects might be.
So I will remain here on this spot
Until my loyal subjects are brought
Whether they come freely or caught,"
    Said the King to the Juniper tree.

"Oh how silly of me... I've made a mistake."
    He said as he rose from his chair.
"It is good to have given my head a fair shake
    As there are new facts of which I'm aware.
I've been unloading my fears
But it has now become clear
While standing right here...
    My Kingdom is right over there!"

"I see you're a conifer of hearty regard,"
    Said the King to the Juniper tree.
"We must do well to keep up our guard
    As lesser mortals have been known to flee.
But I've come to the conclusion.
The outer world is a fallacious delusion
And if I'm meant for seclusion...
    I'm glad it's just you and me."

While a callous world attempts to ignore him,
    There is a venue for which he might cling.
Made only for him... less dour and grim,
    Where he has control over differing things.
And in that sacrosanct place.
He will find not a whiff of disgrace.
Bathed in the love of God's Grace...
    All hail the Marmalade King!!

                    The End
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Buehler Avatar
May 4, 2021 at 5:11 PM
Thanks for sharing this gem, which was pure joy to read, David. You are a wonderful storyteller. :D
Mchattie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 6:48 PM
Thanks again Evelyn. It turned out okay. Tried a new rhyming scheme. Have a great day.
Laurie Avatar
May 1, 2021 at 11:03 PM
Hello David ... when reciting poetry at different senior citizen venues i pleaded with to write their past life before this modern electronic age will see the past of older generations obliterated and forgotten. I really do enjoy your style of poetry - thank you David - Lindsay
Mchattie Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 12:45 PM
Thanks Lindsay. That's a great idea. Generations seem to disappear far too fast. Have a great day.
Romios Avatar
April 30, 2021 at 9:03 AM
Hi David, I envy your imagination in writing. Truly you are astounding. Simpletons like me, cannot even come close. Plus, love the depth with which you pen! "Bathed in Loves's Grace!" You are sooo gifted, PANGIE xx
Mchattie Avatar
May 1, 2021 at 4:55 PM
You are too modest my friend. You have a talent for romance I can never hope to equal. Stay well my friend.
Rodrigues Avatar
April 30, 2021 at 3:59 AM
A fave for me, David. I read it twice. Makes me think of my Dad and his “once kingdom.” Now with Mom gone (April 14th) he must find his place. I wonder how I can help him...pray! God bless you and yours.
Mchattie Avatar
May 1, 2021 at 4:53 PM
When people retreat into their own little world... I hope that is a good thing for them. Men are proud... they will not ask for help so be there for them whether they want it or not. Have a great day my friend.
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