Tolling Mercy

Shards of distress pierce me
when probing memories for
     purpose in mournful
deeds; stingy cords dangle
from teetering curtain rods,
     begging me to pull.

Macaroni starch drips into the
sink in slow drips, marching
     along with pattering
pings in the tin basin, making
my yellow eyeball quiver in
     gelatinous custard.

Somewhere within pools the
glint of creation in devastation:
     equals of bombast
never sharing purpose. Blistery
palms press on my shoulder,
     propelling me on,

past acres of debris and
superstitious domiciles hiding
     friends long spent in
selfish conquest, distorted in the
glow of giant, dancing screens of
     worthless, dazzling light,

over valleys carved into once
lush marshland punctuated with
     sporadic honks and chirps
until overpowered by the mechanical
roar of turbines whirling in steel
     safety cabinets locked,

into gothic structures etched with
archaic icons, taunting with brash
     esoteric energies until my
mind surrenders logic, divergent
timelines and mortality to kneel,
     washed by absolution.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Bird Avatar
April 24, 2009 at 9:16 PM
A marvelous piece, you sure did put it all out there, great!
Loveless Avatar
April 24, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Amazing i love it..
Devonshire Avatar
April 23, 2009 at 8:30 PM
"Porbing memories for purpose" can be a lifelong exercise, John. How well you look into the human soul in this excellent poem. Much to think about here. Very intelligent observations.
Moreno Avatar
April 23, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Man, that opening line is nice. Fabulous use of imagery...Raul
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