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pagan rites (capillary action)

by Richard Paez

return

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 © 2024 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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