we sit here, set apart
shunned by a world
carefully taught
put in our place
to them, the righteous
we have fallen from grace
our names, fables
synonymous with sin
cursed
at dinner tables
then beautifully written
on shards of clay
what a wicked,
malicious game
for grown-ups
to play
Rene ~ February 2011
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your rhyme scheme, with the combination of end of line, internal, and near rhyme makes me feel like i'm spinning, even though you write, "we sit." that was a pretty cool trick. the contradiction between the harsh reality of the poem and it's optimistic title adds to the spinning world realization. again, like with "the astronaut's lover," you manage to pack an incredible amount into so few words. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA lot going here, and I'm not sure which way I'm headed with it.
ReplyDeleteI like this...but I can't tell you why, yet :)
what a malicious game indeed...
ReplyDeleteI have to check in from time to time, you know. You have a way with images that I can relate to but cannot imitate or reconstruct, and it always leaves me awestruck.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered having your work published, even if only a self-funded chapbook? :-) Seriously. I would buy one and refer to it often.
Pearl
Stunning piece, as 'we sit here, set apart' observing, shunned to the shadows... yet still 'synonymous' with them... beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteWell written, capturing well.
You have a way of stopping my day. I can't work on anything else until I'm done thinking about this poem. I could get back to work if I could just cry. Haven't cried in twenty-five years. Maybe longer.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can't thrill you, but, this touched that ugly girl inside of me.
ReplyDeleteYour words are beautiful and touched a nerve.
I think that is what poetry is all about.
This is enchanting. It has the feel of myth, myth of origin. It's where all poetry comes from. Beautiful write, Rene.
ReplyDeleteVery thought evoking.
ReplyDeleteOh, Rene, this one certainly struck a chord with me! Witty and packs a punch. Love it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a timely warning of what to avoid at all costs...
ReplyDeleteA sad commentary on modern society...hell, modern? What am I talking about. It's a trend that defies era - "carefully taught / put in our place"; it's always a case throughout time that the many shun those that go against the established grain, and it's a horrid state to be sure. Thought-provoking piece, one that leaves you shaking your head as you settle into it.
ReplyDeleteI am now playing a fame called "I'm a grown up and don't care what anyone else thinks or says."
ReplyDeleteIt's working.
I spend a lot of time trying to avoid poetry online but I found myself reading this three times.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful job you've done here.
Grown ups are so judgmental...I'm getting a whole range of names synonymous with sin now, from Bill Clinton to Dick Cheney--probably not what you had in mind, but hey.
ReplyDelete"what a most malicious
ReplyDeletegame for grown-ups
to play"
Indeed
organized religion sucks
ReplyDeleteeverything done to control the masses
what happened to spirit that lives in the mountains
wake up, open your eyes, get off your asses
One Love,
Tiger Windwalker
If I am not following I should be. That was incredible and I agree needs to find its way into a book. Beautiful job Rene!
ReplyDeletewow this is great
ReplyDeleteOh very well written indeed. Backstabbers. So good.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully provocative - and unanswerable...I think.
ReplyDeleteDear Rene
ReplyDeleteYeah grown ups do play games.. I liked the vividness with with you have created the atmosphere in the verse.. thanks for sharing..
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com/2011/02/whispers-another-kind-of-valentines-day.html
Aaahh..powerful, and really drives the point through!!
ReplyDeleteHow we lose our innocence as we grow up, and how we try to cover it all up, and how we give ourselves false hope of some day setting things right...(sigh)
Very well expressed here, Rene! And the rhymes so well done too!!
Kudos, my dear..
This is wonderful and painful at the same time.
ReplyDeleteMalicious and dangerous too. Beautiful writing ....
ReplyDeleteThat piece is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Painful. Truth. Well done!
ReplyDelete