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The Ouroboros

Arched in reflexive flexibility Steady and taut like a bow Tension creaking* to extreme limit The stretched serpent snaps And bites its tapered tail Clinical symbolic cyclicality Leading to self re-creation A renewal from death to life Spinning a conceptual image Of eternal return, reflection Of a diseased earth in throes of death Cleansed by utter devastation Paving the way for a brand new start Discarding the fetid outward form Revitalising the immortal inner soul. --------------------------------------------- The Ouroboros is a tail-devouring snake. --------------------------------------------- 1st October 2014 Contest: Designed by Devise Sponsor: Debbie Guzzi Placed: 3rd

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Doug Vinson

Date: 3/10/2017 11:46:00 AM

On a bit of a cruise backwards in time here... Excellent, Paul - there is also a cyclicality throughout the poem, a nice rise and fall, ebb and flow; surely rebirth is sweet.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/11/2017 7:35:00 AM

Incidentally I also have been checking on your earlier poems, Doug. Thank you for the excellent comments; they make for meaningful feedback. Regards // paul

Earl Schumacker

Date: 10/6/2014 12:12:00 AM

Good morning Paul, This is a very tight, concise, thought provoking piece. Very well crafted with merit. Congratulations on a well deserved win. Earl

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 7:57:00 AM

Good day to you Earl. Thank you for both visit and lovely comments; yours was undoubtedly a deserved win, too. // paul

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 10/5/2014 3:57:00 PM

The Ouroboros was new to me and I'm sure many others. [eternal/returned illustrate assonace as well the urrrrr sound - I think LOL] Congrad's on your win please do enter my next contest. Light & Love

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 7:55:00 AM

Thank you Debbie...so very pleased with the high placement in your challenging contest. I'll go have a look at what you have in store for us in your next contest:) Love & Peace // paul

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 10/4/2014 11:15:00 PM

This one would have been very difficult. Congratulations to you and God bless you. Happy writing with love and prayers, Gina

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 8:13:00 AM

Many thanks Gina; I thought it was going to be difficult, but eventually, once started, it picked up speed. Have a nice week and God bless. // paul

Hsk Alkendi

Date: 10/4/2014 6:03:00 PM

"Cleansed by utter devastation" Paul, my friend, this is an amazing piece. The choice of words really related to the topic and captured me from the start until the end. Though, is it alright if you expand on the "stretched serpent snaps" part. Thanks and congrats for the win... HSK AlKendi

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 8:21:00 AM

Thank you HSK for stopping by and for the lovely comments. The serpent stretches to arch round to reach its tail and then snaps (not breaks, but catches with the teeth in order to bite). // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 10/4/2014 11:51:00 AM

Dropping back with my congrats Paul:-) Hugs jan xxx

Jan Allison
Date: 10/6/2014 11:19:00 AM

28th Octotber :-) and I'm counting down the days!! hugs jan xxx

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 8:25:00 AM

Thank you Jan:) This weekend we had a start to our rain season with a solid thunderstorm. Today it is warm and sunny again. Just returned from Valletta...invaded by tourists, mostly from two big liners in Grand Harbour. Wonder when it's your turn:) hugs // paul

David Mohn

Date: 10/4/2014 11:51:00 AM

Wow...just terrific Paul...well written

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 8:49:00 AM

Wow...great comments, David! Thank you...much appreciated! // paul

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 10/4/2014 10:38:00 AM

Brilliant take on theme Paul! Superb win for a Fabulous write! Learnt more on serpents too! Oh u don't know how much I love their beauty! Big congrats!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 8:54:00 AM

So glad you enjoyed my serpent, Upma. Thank you! A couple of months back I had the opportunity to handle some snakes. My daughter took pictures of me and a big yellow python arching round my neck, but somehow she managed to lose them!!:( // paul

Brenda Meier-Hans

Date: 10/4/2014 10:10:00 AM

Congratulations on your win Paul. I like yours best because even I understand it.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 9:01:00 AM

Many thanks Brenda...I very much appreciate your honest comments. [just read your bath for two....don't forget to draw the curtains:)] Have a nice day. // paul

Carrie Richards

Date: 10/4/2014 9:59:00 AM

Not to mention the unusual subject you chose.........but a great way to use all the devices for Deb's contest.... Excellent, Paul !! Congratulations!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 8:58:00 AM

Hi Carrie! Glad you found my poem subject of interest; must admit it is not that common. Thank you for the lovely comments. too. Have a lovely week. // paul

Dr.Ram Mehta

Date: 10/4/2014 9:43:00 AM

Awesome write, Paul. congrats on the win

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 9:18:00 AM

Thank you Dr; your visits are always most welcome. // paul

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 10/4/2014 9:24:00 AM

I am so pleased Paul to see your name on the winners list. I love this poem my friend. A BIG HUGE CONGRATULATIONS.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2014 9:16:00 AM

Many thanks Maurice; glad you enjoyed this poem of mine. I very much appreciate your support. // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

Date: 10/4/2014 9:16:00 AM

dearie Paul Congratulations!! :Dice creams!

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser
Date: 10/5/2014 11:28:00 AM

oh my!! careful PAul!!!! God bless and protect you.. amen.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/5/2014 11:01:00 AM

Thank you Olive_eloi. Back to commenting after thunderstorm disrupted my internet connection. I have two ice-creams, vanilla and mint...we can share one each or two halves each:) // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

Date: 10/3/2014 1:31:00 AM

nice PAul.. :) aside from contributing something in my vocabulary, again you amazed me with this.. :D i especially like the line stretched serpent snaps... same as this poem does it can snap someone's mind.. :D this indeed a difficult contest (i agree with Andie.. :D but well its nice cause it pushes you to review and to find some coach.. :D wahahahha :D :P wink ;)

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser
Date: 10/3/2014 9:57:00 AM

hahahha :D well well.. :D let's do get some ice creams .. :D i miss eating one.. :D!!!! :P

Paul Callus
Date: 10/3/2014 8:06:00 AM

Thank you Olive_eloi. You might not have realized it, but I wrote this poem after our little talk when I had a second look at Debbie's rules, and that picture struck a chord. :) One good deed brought on another! // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser
Date: 10/3/2014 1:33:00 AM

i took bout how many looks on Debbie's contest and some reads before i have decided a topic.. :D!!! hahahha

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/2/2014 11:57:00 PM

GREAT job, Paul. that was a difficult contest, wasn't it?

Paul Callus
Date: 10/3/2014 8:19:00 AM

Hi Andrea.....pleased that you like my poem; at first I was not sure how to tackle it, but eventually something did come to mind! Have a nice weekend. // paul

Barbara Gorelick

Date: 10/2/2014 12:46:00 PM

Once again you've taught me something.. Have to explore this snake...I haven't even tried this contest yet..I groan every time I think about it. What a great job you have done with it. BG

Paul Callus
Date: 10/2/2014 1:33:00 PM

Hi Barbara! If I am not mistaken the closing date is tomorrow, so get cracking if you intend taking part:) You'll be able to see a picture of this snake on Debbie's contest page. Thank you for your kind and lovely comments. // paul

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 10/2/2014 6:44:00 AM

i must agree with charmaine this a powerful piece of writing with excellent vision

Paul Callus
Date: 10/2/2014 9:31:00 AM

Thank you Liam; so pleased you too found this to your liking. // paul

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 10/2/2014 12:42:00 AM

I believe this wasn't easy,but you did it so well Paul.It really made me read it more than once.I really believe the snake has returned to this earth more powerful than ever,It bit its tail to revive stronger than ever.Hope I got the message in your poem Paul,and I do believe We have to use all powers to destroy its evilness.T his poem tickled my brain wire and made me think over and over again.Awesome !!!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/2/2014 8:51:00 AM

I bow to you Charm! You might have had to read it more than once, but you got it right. The Ouroboros is also an Alchemical symbol representing infinity and unity. Thank you for your 'awesome' comments and the lovely visit. // paul

Tim Smith

Date: 10/1/2014 7:59:00 PM

An excellent write Paul...It is perfect for the contest.....Tim

Paul Callus
Date: 10/2/2014 8:29:00 AM

I'm pleased that you enjoyed it, Tim. Thanks for stopping by. // paul

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 10/1/2014 7:14:00 PM

There we go chief! and you even taught us a new word, how cool is that! That wasn't hard was it? Light & Love

Paul Callus
Date: 10/2/2014 8:10:00 AM

Hi Debbie! The Ouroboros was not new to me, but were it not for the picture you inserted in your contest rules, it would not have crossed my mind to write about it....so the merit is primarily yours:) Have a nice day. // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 10/1/2014 6:02:00 PM

Love the imagery of the snake Paul and all the poetic devices you have used. Good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xxx

Paul Callus
Date: 10/1/2014 6:18:00 PM

Thank you Jan; glad you enjoyed. This is my last comment for the day, now being 1.20 am and time to turn in:) hugs // paul

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 10/1/2014 5:16:00 PM

This is very impressive Paul. I have not even considered entering that contest. Form is not my strong suit. I love yours, I hope it ranks high in the contest.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/1/2014 5:29:00 PM

Hi Maurice!...I too had not considered entering the contest, but on impulse I decided to take on the challenge. I would say it's a symbolic semi-abstract poem; hope the readers will make heads or tails of it! // paul

Casarah Nance

Date: 10/1/2014 4:49:00 PM

In my mind as I read I saw that serpent, what a way with words you have, this is a great addition to the contest entries, one that is worthy of a win. I enjoyed this!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/1/2014 5:24:00 PM

Hi Casarah! Thank you for your cool complimentary comments* (*alliteration:)) Glad you enjoyed. Congrats on your website:) // paul