pagan rites (capillary action) by Richard Paezreturn
to rendered silence
we are distilled
from the greater flow
(it only concentrates our strength)
liberate our atoms
from your homogeny
pour us down the drain
and pray our contact didnÂ’t somehow poison you
we trickle, concentrate
in the low places
the deep, the cracks
we soak
into the (mother)earth
convince yourself
by telling your babies
that we never existed
to pollute your solution
build great walls
around your Eden
place before her gates
a terrible angel
your skies and heaven
your flowers and fields
your children, always
are protected
but we have soaked
into the soil
into the trees
into the fruits
rendered
into silence
we will commune
with our mother
in our own way
you may make this world a desert
yet we will flow
forever 11/02/2003 Author's Note: In the early years of Christianity’s existence, the Roman government persecuted Jesus’ followers harshly, forcing them to meet in secret forums and worship in silence. Sometimes, in this modern world, I can relate so much to those early Christians, knowing that my beliefs, my love for the Earth and her children and for true equality, set me apart from the masses, alienate me from the majority, and make me a prime candidate for a lion’s dinner in the arena. I remember being brought up by my Catholic family, being taught by Jesuit priests; I remember reading Jesus’ teachings: judge not; turn the other cheek; forgive. I imagine what it must have been like to be crucified by the Romans, to be whipped and stabbed, but to still have the strength, the faith, to ask God for his tormentors’ forgiveness. What a beautiful lesson; what a beautiful world we would live in if even a few of us would learn it and live by it. Jesus may not be my personal savior, but I will try my best to heed his lesson. I forgive all of you. (Re: Sallie's Comment: My Sentiments Exactly. Ye who be without sin throw the first stone.)
Posted on 11/02/2003 Copyright © 2025 Richard Paez
Member Comments on this Poem |
Posted by Michele Schottelkorb on 11/02/03 at 10:35 PM ::standing up and applauding::... thank you, thank you, thank you SO much for this... this speaks volumes and can be applied to many faiths, as well as ours... i especially appreciate your author's note... the form here is excellent and the imagery and flow you evoke unparalled... this poem is unique and wonderful... bright blessings to you... |
Posted by Anne Engelen on 11/04/03 at 05:27 PM this is amazing richard! Just great in every way:) |
Posted by Teri T Lahmon on 11/06/03 at 02:23 PM you can never really silence a truth or a a history can you? it will always be there whispering through your words. Beautiful as always. T. |
Posted by Max Bouillet on 11/10/03 at 11:24 PM A voice in the wild shall raise up.... rather a voice for the wild has risen up! Poingant and polite. An elegant tribute and awesome example on how do state one's views. Excellent. |
Posted by Agnes Eva on 11/11/03 at 03:38 AM yup, you've said it exactly, beatiful poem with rich undertones of strength, and coexistence in humanity of many different beliefs, each as valid as the other because of the people that deeply believe in them |
Posted by Mainon A Schwartz on 11/11/03 at 05:02 PM The irony-- I just finished reading A Canticle for Leibowitz, and this poem could have been written in response to it, I think-- just like the book, there's so much truth and profundity that I almost can't take it all in. |
Posted by JD Clay on 01/11/04 at 02:54 AM A metaphoric resurrection, malachi. The truth and your resolve shall set you free. Great poem and aptly titled too.
Pe4ce... |
Posted by Beth K Hannah on 02/08/04 at 12:00 AM what a spectacular testament. |
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