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Fairest Reflections

Before the Sphinx or pyramids were built
and Stonehenge just imagination’s dreams
there dwelt an old hermaphrodite who spilt
the metals from his alchemy in streams

so cooling waters would soon dissipate
heat from his meditations. Mirrors made
were the archetypes; each showed the smallest trait
of good or evil. All would be displayed

between the zodiacs around each rim.
He’d made one for a queen; a pig inside,
whose Oedipus complex had bothered him.
She’d purchased poisons too but spells applied

left Sleeping Beauty on thresholds of death
with just the hint of apple on her breath.


Symbols used: Sphinx, Imagination, Hermaphrodite, Metals, Alchemy, Water, Meditation, Mirror, Archetypes, Zodiac, Pig, Oedipus, Sleeping Beauty, Threshold and Apple

The one notable effect - I find - of these challenges, is how differently Members see and respond to them! Most intriguing to say the least!

I sometimes wonder why? Is it the education we underwent when young? Our bent towards the arcane, history, or ..... what? I know many of the 'triggers' that set my mind into following a theme, come from my schooling. History and Ancient Greek, Roman and other subjects, were front and centre of the education I received.

Anyone have other ideas? I'll love to know. In the mean time, I enjoy reading what other poets offer - and more so when the offering is far different from my own.

Incidentally I enjoyed this poetic endeavour of yours Larry. Probably more so because I know Stonehenge very well! My home in Dorset was not that far away and I often passed it close by, when we visited my parents. Pictures alone do not do it justice.

It emanates an atmosphere which is both captivating and awe inspiring. It possesses an air of mystery which has to be experienced first hand to feel! It's not the only place I have visited, that affects me as a visitor in this manner! Some would have us believe it has much to do with Ley Lines. As I can experience the "force" of this phenomena, - I am a water diviner, dowser or twitcher - depending on where you hail from - I feel there could well be some truth in this theory! Hard to prove!

For now? Nice job, well done. Ciao Denis aka Rhymer.

Scattershot absurdity. I was more interested in the characterization of an apocalyptic semi-hysteric
than in a rendering of fact. He's a little excited.



Change Will Remain


Through some form of alchemy, though I suppose,
strictly speaking, there is only one form of alchemy,
otherwise everything would be changing out of control.
But, yes, as I was about to say, alchemy may have done it,
caused it, brought it about, a change in the apple,
its archetype, foundation of our love affairs, the stolen kiss.
We’re standing at the threshold of a change in water too.
Believe me, no dam is safe, soon to come, inundation
beyond an imagination as strong as that of Oedipus.
Meditation will bring you a transformation in metal,
steel to lignite, Not a pretty future at all, at all. Except,
except for the lucky hermaphrodite, they won’t have,
I say they, lucky zodiacans, won’t have to change one bit.