Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Fire of Unwelcome Ideas

Dedicated to one of my heroes, Thomas Paine (1737-1809), author of Common Sense -- the pamphlet that sparked the American Revolution. "Spark from the altar of liberty" and "1776" were two of his pen names.

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

21 comments:

Margie said...

Judith,
This is just wonderful!
I truly enjoyed this!
Oh my, you are a great poet!

Enjoy your evening.

Judith C Evans said...

Aww, thanks Margie! Tom Paine always inspires me to write. :)

Henry Clemmons said...

An excellent tribute. It was written with th courage and bold determination Mr. Paine represented. And great presentation here. Word choices, lines. Superb.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

powerful delivery,
your words carry weight and wisdom here.
Thanks for sharing.

Happy Rally,
You Rock!

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks Henry and Jingle. Your kind comments made my morning!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

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.

Walt Wojtanik said...

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.

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks Walt and Cecilia. This poem means a lot to me. Whenever I need courage, I read Tom Paine -- he never fails to inspire!

Anonymous said...

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/

Vinay Leo R. said...

I love how you used the nicknames in the post itself, and made it see perfect sense! :)

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks lynnaima and Leo. Mr. Paine used such neat pen names which "sparked" my imagination!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous =)

Mystic Margarita said...

Beautiful and powerful piece. Loved it.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful thoughts and a nice tribute.

Harry Nicholson said...

The Rights of Man - perhaps.
Well done for a verse that looks back and then forwards. I'll remember this one.

debi said...

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

Judith C Evans said...

I so appreciate every comment, and am grateful to be part of this poetry community. Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Olivia said...

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

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks, Olivia. I wrote this after reading a biography about Mr. Paine, and felt inspired. Blessings to you.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

This poem has fire! Great topic and title, and works so well as the finishing lines.....

Judith C Evans said...

Thank you, Sherry! This poem means a lot to me.