The Trials of Meretrix Canto V

Here, this day, on this inglorious
Field
Thy vain struggles will count no
Valour.
All hope now abandoned,
Imminent defeat unconcealed;
Erstwhile countenance display 
Such waxen, languid pallor.
Surround by your dwindling 
Forces
Ye will but sadly find...
That the stout keep of your 
Valiant fortress is all but breached,
Once strong foundations failing -
Wherest badly undermined!

For a rigorous examination beckons
ye;
Stood before impassioned jurors 
Chosen from the feared and all
Powerful families of the ignoble
Medici.
Black curtains drawn back from 
Deep reveals
That look out over the enlightened
Years...
Where conceals...
Hidden between leafs of peremptory
Decree:-
A blight spread upon these lands,
Inflicted from Romes insidious 
Plans -
That cause stain upon the
Renaissance of a golden century!

When clapping thunder breaks and
Brazen lightening clashes
Still I would know ye again: 
A pounding, frenzied reflex devoid
Of all Godly purpose -
Detached from any amount of 
Blame!
For I have sought ye out, O lowly 
Meretrix;
Heaping upon you with bondage
Enforced through servitude and
Shame;
And I, O lowly Meretrix,
I...hereby command thy name.

A fastidious Advocate of intellectual
Character
Shallst I elect,
He who be a practitioner of 
Theological proposal unrefrained,
To represent you -
Raised from the rank files of the
Dead and slain!
A public gallery, wherest seated,
Ghostly phantasms 
That I purposefully select;
And for a judge - A deathly one:
Ill measured, worshipfully detached,
Beneath it all,
And hopelessly arcane.

This "Innocent" fool, dressed in
Guise of highest ecclesiastical 
Enforcer,
Perpetuated a medieval Inquisition,
Both protracted and prolonged,
That openly boasted and rejoiced
In its zealous slaughter!
Thereby spawned a terrible edict -
"Ad Extirpanda":-
Cannon law that advocates the
Use of "Legitimate torture"!

Know thee also, Meretrix, the Pius
Pontiff,
Heaven sent,
Who in his greater wisdom 
Convened over
The council of Trent:
Four hundred years spanning 
Across a Reformations fears;
Reaffirmed when Pope John,
In reflective reiteration,
Was heard to chillingly hiss:
"What was...Still is"!

TO BE CONTINUED...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Cresswell Avatar
September 5, 2017 at 7:18 AM
One of the most onerous of times in all human history. Instituted in the name of God but in reality a time of great greed and cruelty. Meretrix is a product of the times when women were considered objects for political bartter, chattle, and inherently evil sensual beings in need of stick control.
Cresswell Avatar
September 6, 2017 at 7:41 AM
Strick control although stick is also appropriate. Remember the rule of thumb.
Nunez Avatar
January 28, 2016 at 6:27 PM
Ah, I now see a turn here that makes reference to one of the largest world religions. It is very interesting to note that the Meretrix is anything you allude her to be. An epic write indeed. You weave with masterful skill and suspense. Another awesome write, John! :-)
Fleming Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 7:29 AM
You are bang-on, Kim, with your remark about how the Meretirix is anything but what she appears to be...Well observed! Also please note that this poem is not all about religion, I think you already suspect as much, far from it. Thanks for your continued support, Kim, it is invaluable to me...always. My very best regards! Your good friend as ever. :) john
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 28, 2016 at 4:47 AM
This is awesome John. I look forward to the next. I need to be good to my eyes and not spend too much time on the computer which is why I am absent often. I had a stroke in my right eye last May and need to get a shot in my eye every 5 weeks or risk blindness. I keep up as I can. Cheers, Connie
Fleming Avatar
January 28, 2016 at 9:17 AM
Connie, I did not know of your eye problems...May God look favourably upon you...My honest and decent friend! I am so very grateful that you have accorded me your precious time to read my cantos - You do me great honour! I hold you in highest esteem Connie Marcum Wong...God made a "Good-un" when he cast your die! My very best regards and very best wishes always. Your eternal friend as ever... :) john
Onclaud Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 12:26 PM
seems like a poetic code for enlightenment.. wonderfully scribed, john!.. huggs
Fleming Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 10:23 PM
Hi, Nette. Needs a fair bit of editing...But it is getting there. You are spot on with your comment about a journey of enlightenment. The poems central core is based on an immortal beings attempt to seduce a chaste and pure soul into refuting her indoctrinated beliefs...By any means he can - foul or fair! Oh dear - Poor Meretrix! My very best regards, Nette! :-) john
Trifiatis Avatar
January 2, 2016 at 4:59 AM
Dear John, I went through your Magnum Opus (I-V) which impresses with its depth and wealth of expressions that shows a wondering soul among the infinite paths of understanding that might lead onto the highway of knowledge. Good luck! A seven for each!
Fleming Avatar
January 2, 2016 at 5:06 AM
Hello, Demetrios. Your observations are absolutely spot on! Many thanks for your kindly and generous comments - They are always much appreciated! My very best regards! :) john
Sage Avatar
January 1, 2016 at 2:21 PM
nice poem John, will be waiting for the continuation...
Fleming Avatar
January 1, 2016 at 2:46 PM
Hello again, White Sage. I am pleased you are keeping tabs on the Meretrix...I can tell you most assuredly that she appreciates it! However, the end, I feel...Is a long, long, long way away for this poor soul. My very best regards to you, White Sage. :) john
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