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Meticulous Pyre

The decorated knight-errants

with penchants for self indulgence

Incite hostilities of unforgiveness

in the badlands of the heart

 

Seeking redemption in absolution

the philosophers of the fortuitous occasion

find only the machinery of futility

looking for its’ next prodigal beggar

 

Breaking free of our lashes

Falling to the embankment of our burden

The doctrines of healing

stand under withering fire

 

The evanescence of tenderness

lays the framework for a final denouement

struggling to stay the oil

from our meticulous pyre


— Michael Anthony, Jul 29, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski, Billy Collins, Ted Kooser, Haiku & Harvey Kurtzman (a visual poet, of sorts)

More from this author

Critiques

Cloudthings

Cloudthings

16 years 10 months ago

You use delicious words, many of my favourites, so rich in emoti

I quite liked this, though didn't miss the darker intent, nicely woven none-the-less, I am making efforts to overcome my desire to choose poems to my taste. I prefer less cynicism, but this is supposed to be about creative writing. Interesting metaphores & well placed I thought. Hard to pick just one stanza as a favourite, but this is rather brilliant... "Seeking redemption in absolution the philosophers of the fortuitous occasion find only the machinery of futility looking for its’ next prodigal beggar" I love those lines that hold such a variety of interpretive fulfilment. You use delicious words, many of my favourites, so rich in emotive representation & these lines are crowded with them. I could easily interpret, but it wouldn't matter in the end, it's what it speaks & how well it is formed. It is one of those writes I think do not require any change in terms of production. Hope the pyre is comfy. Great poetry Cheers Anni~ ` "Those who dwell among the beauties & mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life" ~ Rachel Carson Writer/conservationist
Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony

16 years 10 months ago

Hi Anni

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your much appreciated thoughts about this piece. I am obviously flattered that you chose this poem to work on expanding your poetry tastes. Like you, I often have to push myself out of my poetry appreciation comfort zone. I have definitely been tapping a darker vein with some of my recent efforts. This was a very enjoyable write for me. I started with the last stanza, and once I had that the rest of it "fell" together. Glad you enjoyed this. Best Mike
Bonitaj

Bonitaj

16 years 10 months ago

We each have our favourites.

The opening stanza really worked for me! Liked the line: 'with penchants for self-indulgence'... Isn't that an all too human trait? Excellent use of imagery and vocabulary throughout, as Anni has stated! Very good piece! Keep up the great work! Boni
Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony

16 years 10 months ago

Bonni J!

So true about self indulgence! Certainly the downfall of many a good soul. Best Mike
Race_9togo

Race_9togo

16 years 10 months ago

Michael

This work simply rocks. The last two stanzas are kick-me-in-the-head wow. Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race
Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony

16 years 10 months ago

Race

Rock on my brother from another mother = ) Best Mike