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The Passive Bucket

This was inspired by the excellent,informative Hearth & Home series on Robert Frost's Banjo
this passage in particular:
"At first I innocently accepted the fraternal invitations to visit the study, feeling that when my day’s work was done I earned a right to rest and read. But I soon found that this was not the idea. I was not to read; but to be read to. I was not to enjoy the flowers, pictures, fire, and books; but to keep them in order for my lord to enjoy. I was also to be a passive bucket, into which he was to pour all manner of philosophic, metaphysical, and sentimental rubbish."

The first part is written by the lord of the manor, the second is the servant's voice.

you are
a vessel
into which
I pour
My knowledge,
My understanding
My sorrows
and My passion
of
a world you
know not
My sharing
of it
strengthens Me
and
enriches you

i am no more than
a passive bucket
into which
you gaze
seeking
your reflection
i much prefer
the hearth scrubbing
of my world
than the
self righteous
soul polishing
of yours
and
it is
your payment, sir
that
enriches me
Peace - Rene 2009

Comments

  1. Hi Rene: Thanks for the mention, & Eberle will certainly be flattered by this! Liked the poem--especially the "self righteous/soul polishing"; that's a pithy way of summing up the Master's activity.

    Thanks again!

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  2. Nicely done, Mizz Rene - soul polishing...sharp...

    Shade and Sweetwater,
    K

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  3. you are a vessel in which I pour my knowledge.


    this is fantastic.

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  4. Ouch. I would much rather be the servant.

    Very nice.

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  5. Soul polishing -- I've seen them haul the tools and potions out for that a few times.

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  6. A powerful dialogue of alternative personas! The two voices bare some interesting insights!

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  7. Yes skillz - a thoughtful and well crafted poem.

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  8. Wonderful. i love the vessel and the bucket metaphors. We are constantly giving to and receiving from each other. Lovely poem.

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  9. SO many relationships echo this dynamic. You captured it in a most excellent manner!

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  10. i much prefer
    the hearth scrubbing
    of my world
    than the
    self righteous
    soul polishing
    of yours...

    What great lines these are! I love the dual perspective you offered in this poem.

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  11. A lot of passion behind this well done

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  12. I really like this and echo Kerry's comments, those are great lines! Nice writing. :-)

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  13. Thank you for visiting The Friday Forgotten and linking your post. Your imagination and creativity should never lie dusty in a dark corner of your blog. We are happy to help clear away the cobwebs.

    The back and forth of this poem is so fun but yet wise. Ireally enjoyed reading it and now I must ponder myself.

    ReplyDelete

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