The Warring Curses

We stood atop God's hill
among God's hills
and saw no mountains
where mountains are not seen,
but gazed hatefully, fearfully, longingly
into Satan's valley.
Ours was the grandest little hill,
and below was the wickedest valley,
and between was the contest of angels dark and fair
where the living is not easy
and the dying is not quick.
At once we knew both
all that there was to be known
and nothing that could be known.
Once born, twice seduced, yet more,
we dared to peer sideways and downward
and morbidly at the edge of the plague.
And weary, or indifferent,
some were claimed,
vanished into the core of the depraved,
where the dying is not easy
for the killing is not quick.
The warring curses were one.

6th July 2018

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 1/24/2019 8:11:00 AM
I njoyed rereading this one.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 1/24/2019 10:03:00 AM
Thanks, Richard, I'm pleased if it was good for another look.
Date: 1/10/2019 10:15:00 AM
I like this Lawrence.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 1/10/2019 11:44:00 AM
Thanks very much, Rob, very pleased that you enjoyed.
Date: 9/3/2018 6:02:00 AM
Your choice of phrases is very open for multiple interpretations and full of metaphor. Excellent contrasts between the waring factions. The language puts me in mind of something out of The Divine Comedy, Milton, or Blake.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 9/3/2018 10:08:00 AM
Thanks Luke, if it brings to mind anything from the great old epics, I'm pleased to hear it.
Date: 9/2/2018 11:08:00 AM
I feel an awe-inspired beauty in the exquisite expression of your deeply meaningful poem, Lawrence. Your artistry touches my spirit and your imagery enlivens my imagination. I enjoyed the contrast in your poem and the nuances of your word play. Brilliant poetry! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 9/2/2018 1:54:00 PM
Very high praise indeed, Susan, thank you no end.
Date: 7/26/2018 9:07:00 AM
Exceptional poetry from a true and gifted poet! A fav, a shining gem...
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 7/26/2018 9:34:00 AM
Thank you, far too kind, you are.
Date: 7/23/2018 1:59:00 PM
I really enjoyed your play with words here...
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 7/26/2018 9:35:00 AM
Thanks, I just about enjoyed it myself...;-)
Date: 7/18/2018 8:59:00 AM
Somehow this brought to mind the Devil bringing Jesus to the top of a mountain to view all the kingdoms of the world. I enjoyed this piece. A belated welcome to the soup.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 7/26/2018 9:40:00 AM
I hadn't actually thought about it, or intended it that way, but that is a very keen and welcome new perspective.
Date: 7/6/2018 10:58:00 PM
Lawerence.. enjoyed your write about the Warring Curses!
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 7/7/2018 1:32:00 AM
Thank you Lyric Man. Later in the day, when I can steal some time, I look forward to reading yours.
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