The Fire of Unwelcome Ideas
Spark from the altar of liberty
Will you finish this poem with me?
My words stumble from fatigue
My eyes burn from writing too long.
1776, your specter steadies my hand.
Let me see with your eyes
This unmarked trail that leads too far.
Unjustly reviled, adored by a few friends,
A mere offer of rum and a hearty handshake
Gladdened your solitary heart -
But only if your absence after taking a stand
Sufficed to smooth ruffled sensibilities in part.
Stay at least and watch as I select the words
That will seal my fate.
Nod your head slowly, "I know,"
As I write head on into the fire
Of unwelcome ideas.
© Judith C Evans 2010
Posted on Thursday Poets Rally #44 .
21 comments:
Judith,
This is just wonderful!
I truly enjoyed this!
Oh my, you are a great poet!
Enjoy your evening.
Aww, thanks Margie! Tom Paine always inspires me to write. :)
An excellent tribute. It was written with th courage and bold determination Mr. Paine represented. And great presentation here. Word choices, lines. Superb.
powerful delivery,
your words carry weight and wisdom here.
Thanks for sharing.
Happy Rally,
You Rock!
Thanks Henry and Jingle. Your kind comments made my morning!
I love your poetry as well, and I usually do not read poetry as it is sometimes too vague and opaque. Your's is beautifully sculpted verse which tells a story, not just an emotion. I truly enjoy reading it.
Judith, count me as a fan of your work. This piece is infused with the heart and determination that made this country great. I appreciate its message.
Thanks Walt and Cecilia. This poem means a lot to me. Whenever I need courage, I read Tom Paine -- he never fails to inspire!
There was a cadence to the words that I totally enjoyed. Have fun at the rally
http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/the-spirit-of-the-sand-boa/
I love how you used the nicknames in the post itself, and made it see perfect sense! :)
Thanks lynnaima and Leo. Mr. Paine used such neat pen names which "sparked" my imagination!
Gorgeous =)
Beautiful and powerful piece. Loved it.
Beautiful thoughts and a nice tribute.
The Rights of Man - perhaps.
Well done for a verse that looks back and then forwards. I'll remember this one.
Judith,
Your writing is beautiful and intelligent. You've selected your words with care. I enjoy poetry for the craft and artistry that writers often show, but you go beyond that.
I appreciate that you've put that care into your work.
debi
I so appreciate every comment, and am grateful to be part of this poetry community. Thanks for stopping by, friends!
Stay at least and watch as I select the words
That will seal my fate.
Nod your head slowly, "I know,"
As I write head on into the fire
Of unwelcome ideas...
Very deep n extremely beautiful words.. Hugs xox
Thanks, Olivia. I wrote this after reading a biography about Mr. Paine, and felt inspired. Blessings to you.
This poem has fire! Great topic and title, and works so well as the finishing lines.....
Thank you, Sherry! This poem means a lot to me.
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