Monday, October 21, 2013

The Greatest Story (for Lainey)

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The Greatest Story (for Lainey)


She has passed and reviewed pyramids, in the City Of The Dead,
Saw a time of order, where the sun never set on British soil;
She shook her head sadly at the The Seven Years War, it is said,
At the folly of those who proclaim "Sovereign" as nations toil.


It is spoken, she views through a globe of glass on a base of gold,
Centuries past, present and future, as seen through her Stoic eyes:
Reciprocity as sleight of hand, alliances and treaties are sold,
With no esteem or regard, for life and death, birth and demise.


Those who would seek a brave new world, she knows, can't go back;
"Villains in their lodges speak of repose but poison the watershed.
Loose associations with warrior societies... to run the same track,
Is as discordant as a call to order in a gold rush," so she said.


Those who might say, "We are unbreakable, beautiful and young,"
They don't talk to strangers, seeing their one life as perfect,
No thoughts of dying to live again, regret never on their tongue.
It is said when the word gets out, they will regret their neglect.


It is said, in prophecy, passed along in hushed tones, through ages,
There is one who will appear, and she will speak from her station,
As empires merge, canals surge, oft in the distance, from her pages,
With no regard for stratification, hierarchy, caste or affirmation.


Many forewarned along the way, saw this as a pocket full of dreams.
The enlightened, with open hearts and eyes, see dreaming's for sleeping;
A closed mind cannot fathom a concept of sink or swim; what seems
Conscription to one is convention to other, and worth keeping.


The time she will rise and step from her realm may well be at hand;
An epoch where the rainbows vibrant colors will fade and dissipate.
Discord demands, it is time for her to sentence, to display her brand,
When her gaze will turn from her snow globe, repairing to collate.


Some, granted audience, will be in the company of those they hold dear;
Others will be found, in the throng, as wanderers on the open road;
The faithful who seek her out, see her visage as shelter, to appear,
When she emerges from her hiding place of recompense, her humble abode.


Should all who witness, know in advance, I am not compelled to say,
But I believe, all things are revealed, especially in a last call;
Who it is that stands before them, holding steadfast in her sway,
Will be made apparent in the end, if not the outset, to one and all.


I hope to stand before her, when she shares the greatest story ever told;
Would, in the end, I be so fortunate as to be counted among her friends.
What was semblance and mirage will manifest, ours to see and hold.
Until this day dawns, even she does not know how the story ends.


Michael Todd  (2013)


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NOTE: As I was writing this poem, I was listening to Loreena McKennitt's "The Emigration Tunes." The cello player is Caroline Lavelle, who also performs as a solo act. She is my favorite cello player. If you want to get the full effect of the poem, from my humble perspective, listen along to this track, as you read.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHXi2KNBhEY


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42 comments:

  1. The depth and beauty of this work is wonderful Micheal.. (I do love loreena Mckennit) magnificent imagery . and the fit of the rhyme schema.. a wonderful piece thank you!!

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    1. Thank you for your very kind overview of both poetry and music, Katherine.

      And, thank you as well for... Nice FRISTING !!!

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  2. And what an epic tale that is unfolding here. I can imagine the journey, you weave the stanzas with ease... And we know Lainey looks fabulous in her gold lame Egyptian dress. -David II

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    1. Yes, Dave... There are several words and phrases here with multiple meanings and connotations, but Stoic is not one of them. It is a constant.

      Thanks for the visit, as well as your brilliant observation!

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  3. .... damn.... no room for my sarcastic wit.... beautiful and lovely as it's intended....
    Be Well~~
    Kim Henderly

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    1. So happy this piece resonated with you, Kimberly. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  4. Stunning. Epic and beautiful Myke. I Love Loreena as well, have seen her in concert many times :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Christine. Glad you enjoyed the poem. And, odds are pretty good, if you Loreena was there, so was Caroline. :)

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  5. Love this - and the music accompanies perfectly :)

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  6. Myke, this is absolutely beautiful!!! I have read pieces, some make me smile and others like these are beautifully writ, that reaches out and touches all those who may read...Bravo!!! Thank you for the share =)

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  7. Absolutely stunning... what an amazing piece to read... you are a very talented and loving person Myke.... and it shows in your work !! :)

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    1. Thanks, Debbie... Some people just bring out the loving side in others, sometimes even when it appears there is none to be found... Glad you enjoyed this poem.

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  8. Good lord, this is stunningly breathtaking! :) x

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    1. Thanks so much, Poppy Ruth. I appreciate what you shared here.

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  9. Everyone has stolen my words - what more can I say?

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    1. I will take that everyday of the week, Swet Sue, and twice on Sundays.
      Thanks for visiting.

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  10. This is so very beautifully written, and I adore the song, as well. I love the story that weaves itself into place. These lines, especially, are powerful and perfect:

    "Those who might say, "We are unbreakable, beautiful and young,"
    They don't talk to strangers, seeing their one life as perfect,
    No thoughts of dying to live again, regret never on their tongue.
    It is said when the word gets out, they will regret their neglect."


    Excellent job.


    ** Valerie Cranfill **

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    1. So nice to see you here, Valerie. Glad you enjoyed this poem... I knew you would like the music.

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  11. Myke you always amaze me! This was a beautifully written and even more so because it was for Lainey. Now I am off to listen to the music :)

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    1. Thanks, Laura. I really appreciate you saying that. This poem means a great deal to me, personally. I hope that shows.

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  12. I can see why Lainey liked this, I do too! Awesome write Sir!

    Nissmech

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    1. While my main focus was on how Lainey would react to this, Dave, I am awfully happy you enjoyed it, too. Thanks for the visit, Sir.

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  13. Ethereal and eloquent write, my friend.... and gives me chills reading your words alongside this beautiful music. Thank you for sharing, my heart is lifted. HUGS

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    1. So happy you took the time to utilize the full effect for this, Colleen. Thanks for your very generous overview.

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  14. This is wonderful! I'll have to check out the video later--Loreen Mckennitt is one of my favorite singers.

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  15. One thing to bear witness to miracles of life. Even greater to hold the honor of being there as she does. Wonderful tribute, Sir. You are a good man! When I spot things on the train, be assured you are there. -slj

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    1. Very cool observations, Stephen... and the part about including me in your train spotting routines makes me all kinds of happy.

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  16. The message of "those people" has been strong to me all this week. Whether it is Leaders, Warlords or Just Rich, all will have to meet the Lady. And most will not know their folly until they get there.

    Beautiful piece.

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    1. Christopher, I cannot add or take away from anything you just stated. No need, actually... You covered it in full... Thanks for stopping by.

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  17. A lovely piece, Sir Myke. An omnipresent E-laini makes this world a better place. Like an inverse in verse to the famous Stones song. Sympathy For The Angel...?

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    1. Your astute analogy is as effect as any imaginable, Sir Ruggi. There are two sides to a circle. I would much prefer to be on the inside.

      Thanks so much for coming by.

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  18. A lovely piece. You have such a deep friendship with Lainey..you both are lucky.
    Stephany

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    1. That was the nicest thing anyone could ever say, Stephy. Thank you.

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  19. Now, there's some poetic majesty!

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    1. It is all about her majesty, of course.

      Thanks, Seb.

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  20. Why aren't there any "Like" buttons here??? This is quite a tribute to your own personal goddess. Eternal love!

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    1. Thank you, Sandra... Personal, yes, but I am happy to share her with everyone. The more who come to know her, the better this world will be.

      The only thing missing here is a like button. Otherwise, this is nice place.

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  21. Mike, what a beautiful poem!

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    1. Katherine... nothing about this poem has made me as happy as what you just said. Thank you very much.

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