The Trials of Meretrix Canto Iii

Diminishing virtues stripped away
From the flesh
By the fierce brined rods that freely 
Course thy hot crimson blood; 
Dry cracked lips attempting to
Fashion broken words of compliance
That so must needs to be spoken...
But...Ohhh, Meretrix...
My foolish and innocent child -
If you but only could!

Consider, Meretrix,..humility!
To which pleasure one thus 
Submitted
Guiltily discovers:-
The joy in the act or posture of
Lowering oneself in relation to 
Others.
For in your anguished dis-repair
You will find strength to endure and
Embrace:-
The acceptance of all your defects
And ultimate seduction
In the power of your:-
"Submission to Divine Grace"!

I will adorn you in the yellow Toga
Of the Vestal virgins,
They whom wise Augusta did abhor; 
Burden upon you with an Imperial 
Tax
Imposed by perverted Caligula:
Whither all Matronly protestations he
Didst dismissively ignore;
My Tribune forcefully exact -
When employing you in the 
Degenerated role
Of my most reluctant Whore!

Clasp jeweled anklets abouts your
Shapely bones,
Decorate upon you like fired and 
Painted porcelain figurines;
Whilst all the while, as your lost mind
Bemoans,
Choking between involuntary gurgles
And low-pained, stifled screams,
The gagged mouth bites down
Amidst salivating sounds
Borrowed from the hurtling 
Nightmares
Of your darkest dreams!

For I will lift you higher than the 
Tallest mountain peak...
So you may gaze with awe over all
The innumerable Kingdoms and their
Proud tyrant Kings;
Of the many differing species of all
Mankind type things...
And of the immeasurable riches
They so endlessly seek.

Lower you to the solitudes of the 
Grassed floors
That sweep across the sunken 
Valleys deep;
Where, besides enchanted streams, 
Violated Nymphs quietly weep
For Abels broken schemes;
Now, tragically, all taken apart;
And for the wicked callousness
Of fallen man...
Whose desperate greeds ripped out
His live brothers still beating heart -
Then tore at the living throat of 
The one true Gods Holy Lamb!

TO BE CONTINUED...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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Cresswell Avatar
September 3, 2017 at 12:23 PM
It sounds like Christs temptations in the desert. Is it Lucifer who is torturing her?
Fleming Avatar
September 4, 2017 at 2:22 PM
You are perfectly correct in assuming that she is being tempted...but tempted into what? All is not as it might seem, methinks! I am very pleased, and grateful, that you are working your way through the poem, Patricia...it is very decent of you; your comments are very welcome - Much obliged! :) john
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 1:50 PM
I enjoy reading these with enough time in between to digest their content. Your meaning in this canto is very clear to me. I look forward to reading your next John.
Fleming Avatar
January 20, 2016 at 2:17 AM
Please keep with it, Connie. You have intuitively grasped the basic core...But there is so, so much more! Your friend always! :) john
Nunez Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 2:50 AM
Another awesome installment, John. About that line 7 in last stanza...did I get that correctly...you used "schemes" for Abel, not Cain?
Fleming Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 8:39 AM
Hi, Kim. "Schemes" is one of those words that, in English, can be used in several contexts. I know in what context, Regarding this poem, you refer to: The plotting against some person or persons. However it is also a term used in Algebraic Geometry, and in connection with organized plans. It is the latter (In a good sense) that I refer. Thank you very much for keeping up with this poor "unfortunates" desperate straits...She appreciates it greatly! My very best regards, Kim! :) john
Onclaud Avatar
December 26, 2015 at 2:31 PM
epic in storyline and imagery, john... your imagination knows no bounds!.. huggs
Fleming Avatar
December 29, 2015 at 6:17 AM
So very nice to see you visiting again, Nette - You are always most welcome here! Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best in the New Year. Thanks for the lovely comments, Nette...They are very much appreciated! My very best regards! :) john
Lamoureux Avatar
December 26, 2015 at 9:32 AM
You have weaved in the creation story, I see you have a knowledge of scripture. I enjoyed the piece but would caution you on not altering the narrative when it comes to the "One True God's Holy Lamb". For me being a believer that last part about tearing at the living throat, is a stumbling block from moving further into this story. I do though admire your tremendous skill shown in this write.
Fleming Avatar
December 26, 2015 at 10:50 AM
You have an intrinsic ability that has allowed you to read and understand this poem...many do not. The last verse ends with the death of Abel when slaughtered by Cain. The "One True God", whom I fervently believe in, is an all seeing, all knowing, all powerful, omnipotent being. He may not be exactly as you envision him...But he is the "Great, immortal Creator! As for the "Stumbling block" rest assured the "Lamb of God" is used to signify Cains betrayal of Gods teachings...Not an attack upon God. I hope this goes some way to reassuring you, Richard. My very best wishes! :) john
A   Avatar
December 25, 2015 at 4:58 PM
Hi John, I want to Wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year May all your days shine and dreams come true. :) Every day should be a day with family and friends. I appreciate everyone. Sorry to all those I have taken for granted. SHAME ON ME. I promise, 2016 will be a new me. Merry Christmas!!! May the true meaning of the holiday season fill your heart and home. Always & Forever ~LINDA~
Fleming Avatar
December 26, 2015 at 1:15 AM
Many thanks, Linda! And may I also take this opportunity to wish you a very Christmas and a happy new year. My warmest regards! :-) john
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