Poetry competition CLOSED 27th May 2022 10:18pm
WINNER
ursa
ursa
RUNNER-UP:
Fishmander
*•T•a•R•o•T•*
Poetry Contest Description
Write a poem based on a three card tarot spread
So yesterday, I posted a poem based on a three card tarot spread I felt I really needed to do. This spawned a couple of others having a go at this on the DU, so I thought I would make this a comp. I will include my poem under this post as an example.
I’m a big fan of tarot imagery, and tarot in general to be fair. In fact, I wrote a poem for every single card in the major arcana at one point. They are fantastic little visual aids to find a metaphor in.
Guidelines
- poem should be split into 3 sections for each of the three cards. Each of the three sections should be no more than 50 words.
- You may use your own tarot cards to draw 3 from if you have some. If not, there’s a handy online card generator here:
https://www.generatormix.com/random-tarot-card
- Write a three-part poem on the cards you pull. They don’t necessarily have to be about what the cards specifically mean. Perhaps there’s a metaphor in there for yourself that you just want to expand upon. See where the card takes you.
- No hate, please. If you don’t agree with the use of tarot cards, simply walk away unscathed.
- New writes only, please
- Up to 2 entries per human
- Enjoy!
Related submission no longer exists.
T a R o T
The first draw was numer five, the hierophant.
The Pope. Figure of huge authority.
His advice was not to be disregarded.
Normally I would take his recommendations
With a grain of salt.
However, the second card, Death, also The Grim Reaper
Is a clear indication of a major change coming up
Not necessarily death.
Time to be careful where I put my feet.
The last card, the Chariot (number 7).
A clue that a voyage (spiritual?)
Was on the horizon for me.
I wanted to be ready and thus
Keep away from the temptations of the Devil.
The Pope. Figure of huge authority.
His advice was not to be disregarded.
Normally I would take his recommendations
With a grain of salt.
However, the second card, Death, also The Grim Reaper
Is a clear indication of a major change coming up
Not necessarily death.
Time to be careful where I put my feet.
The last card, the Chariot (number 7).
A clue that a voyage (spiritual?)
Was on the horizon for me.
I wanted to be ready and thus
Keep away from the temptations of the Devil.
Written by robert43041
(Viking)
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Fantod
a tarot reading
THE BLUE DOG
The dog is blue and blind.
He stands behind a wooden door.
All that’s else is blank.
CENTRE CARD
A stony and
precarious
figure
much like yourself
perhaps
THE BURNING HEAD
A floating pair of eyes.
A flaming head in black frame.
Ocean waves below.
THE BLUE DOG
The dog is blue and blind.
He stands behind a wooden door.
All that’s else is blank.
CENTRE CARD
A stony and
precarious
figure
much like yourself
perhaps
THE BURNING HEAD
A floating pair of eyes.
A flaming head in black frame.
Ocean waves below.
Written by Casted_Runes
(Mr Karswell)
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This poem of mine is a bit too lengthy for the contest, but I figured I would still keep it posted here just for interested people to read since it does have a vibe that fits well with the Tarot theme of the contest. Good luck to all the great poets who entered the contest so far, though! The Tarot is an amazing theme, and there are sure to be some fantastic reads when all is done. 
- Three Phases of Fate -
Phase the First: The Moon
It is the past, and it is also a distant future day,
All depending on which way the cards thus lay!
Within the embrace of these shadows, secure in their assured solace,
There, I let my spirit go forth to commune with what lay far beyond.
You shall not find what lies in those ethereal climes without seeking,
Paying dearly the cost to gain what power comes with understanding.
In terror quake the aspirants who come unto the distant pale palace,
Yet I feel no fear, for my hands have held in them the old ivory wand!
I hear the movements of the long dead, their breathless bones creaking,
As they hold for me no terrors, no trial before me can be so demanding.
Some arrive too late, some learn too soon,
The power that can be won beneath the moon!
Phase the Second: Judgment
The seasons change, and with them fortunes,
Until power itself is pointless, lost in a gloom!
Atop the heights of a tower loftier than that which rose in old Babel,
I and my paramour, looked down and beheld the nations of mankind.
Many came to plead their case and ask for the mercy of our lenience,
But we had none to grant, for it was not within our power so to grant.
Wait, oh children of man, for but a while longer and do not dwindle,
Remain fast, until the arrival of my kindred, in chariots that will shine!
Cry not to I but to them, and unto their ears plead for all your penance,
Merciless is the hour when the self-righteous wait, and breathless pant.
They heard not the hour of the trumpet,
Thus shall they be slow walking to judgment!
Phase the Third: Death
The cycle is complete, and with it the full design,
A tapestry woven by pale hands, long before time!
The dark maiden at my side stretches forth her hand to the horizon,
Where descend they who from the stars did come of old to teach all.
My ancient brethren, their time come at last, change all with chaos...
The guilty judge themselves, and so by their own doings they suffer.
Ones own deeds are the evidence, and one's own heart their prison,
There is no escape for the corrupt, since by their own works they fall.
Death sings her song, and the earth is altered, the old world is lost...
Whilst unto she and I, ascend those on whom wisdom we did confer.
They rise eternal, savoring sweet breath,
Living anew by the grace of my goddess Death!
- Three Phases of Fate -
Phase the First: The Moon
It is the past, and it is also a distant future day,
All depending on which way the cards thus lay!
Within the embrace of these shadows, secure in their assured solace,
There, I let my spirit go forth to commune with what lay far beyond.
You shall not find what lies in those ethereal climes without seeking,
Paying dearly the cost to gain what power comes with understanding.
In terror quake the aspirants who come unto the distant pale palace,
Yet I feel no fear, for my hands have held in them the old ivory wand!
I hear the movements of the long dead, their breathless bones creaking,
As they hold for me no terrors, no trial before me can be so demanding.
Some arrive too late, some learn too soon,
The power that can be won beneath the moon!
Phase the Second: Judgment
The seasons change, and with them fortunes,
Until power itself is pointless, lost in a gloom!
Atop the heights of a tower loftier than that which rose in old Babel,
I and my paramour, looked down and beheld the nations of mankind.
Many came to plead their case and ask for the mercy of our lenience,
But we had none to grant, for it was not within our power so to grant.
Wait, oh children of man, for but a while longer and do not dwindle,
Remain fast, until the arrival of my kindred, in chariots that will shine!
Cry not to I but to them, and unto their ears plead for all your penance,
Merciless is the hour when the self-righteous wait, and breathless pant.
They heard not the hour of the trumpet,
Thus shall they be slow walking to judgment!
Phase the Third: Death
The cycle is complete, and with it the full design,
A tapestry woven by pale hands, long before time!
The dark maiden at my side stretches forth her hand to the horizon,
Where descend they who from the stars did come of old to teach all.
My ancient brethren, their time come at last, change all with chaos...
The guilty judge themselves, and so by their own doings they suffer.
Ones own deeds are the evidence, and one's own heart their prison,
There is no escape for the corrupt, since by their own works they fall.
Death sings her song, and the earth is altered, the old world is lost...
Whilst unto she and I, ascend those on whom wisdom we did confer.
They rise eternal, savoring sweet breath,
Living anew by the grace of my goddess Death!
reading the cards
Quinlan: What's my fortune? You've been reading the cards, haven't you?
Tanya: I've been doing the accounts. - Touch of Evil
I once knew of
an atheist
who said
tarot
can only be
objects of art
and nothing else.
and told me if
I want
from them
the truth
that I
must really
be stupid.
looking back,
I understand
that like all things
he was both right
and wrong.
the cards do not give out
what laundry needs doing,
what politician most deserves
your vote,
how to end all wars,
or even just find a lost key.
instead what's given is
a glance at a subjective truth
a snapshot of
the inner workings of yourself
as interconnecting with fate
and circumstance
Tanya: I've been doing the accounts. - Touch of Evil
I once knew of
an atheist
who said
tarot
can only be
objects of art
and nothing else.
and told me if
I want
from them
the truth
that I
must really
be stupid.
looking back,
I understand
that like all things
he was both right
and wrong.
the cards do not give out
what laundry needs doing,
what politician most deserves
your vote,
how to end all wars,
or even just find a lost key.
instead what's given is
a glance at a subjective truth
a snapshot of
the inner workings of yourself
as interconnecting with fate
and circumstance
Written by Casted_Runes
(Mr Karswell)
Go To Page
a story of tarot.
the lovers
if you forget
let me gently
remind you
how air met earth
through
brown
eyes.
five of pentacles
if you find
yourself
next to
nothing
sparks
will keep
burning
inside
your
palms.
three of pentacles
there is
only you
the rest
is bonus.
the lovers
if you forget
let me gently
remind you
how air met earth
through
brown
eyes.
five of pentacles
if you find
yourself
next to
nothing
sparks
will keep
burning
inside
your
palms.
three of pentacles
there is
only you
the rest
is bonus.
Justice, Judgment, and Second Chances
i. Justice
Karma pummelled
my greatest plans
ii. Judgment
left to reflect
on the ruin;
little drive,
less demand
iii. 9 of Pentacles
knowing
I will soon rise again
build my home
on this earth;
any stick, any stone,
every gift in my hand.
Written by ursa
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Northern_Soul said:Thank you for your entries
@Kou - to be a valid entry, each of the sections should be no more than 50 words, my dear. If you would like to have a little trim on your entry x
No problem! It was not possible to trim it down, unfortunately, so I just edited my post to have it as just something for interested people to read and not as a contest entry. I also wished everybody luck with the contest too! interesting choice of a theme, and one that is certain to get a lot of creativity flowing.
@Kou - to be a valid entry, each of the sections should be no more than 50 words, my dear. If you would like to have a little trim on your entry x
No problem! It was not possible to trim it down, unfortunately, so I just edited my post to have it as just something for interested people to read and not as a contest entry. I also wished everybody luck with the contest too! interesting choice of a theme, and one that is certain to get a lot of creativity flowing.
A Fools Query
i.Five of Pentacles
Funny how we chase rejection
Running scared to bruised up arms
This self-fulfilling harm
Asserts itself in vivid sections
Out with the old, in with the gin
Leaving me locked up here
Once more, jealous again.
ii.The Hierophant
He's starving, he's lonely
He's gliding in midnight theatre
He's greater, so wistful
Respectful with each and every word
I'm tired, and submerged
Immersed in cliche stained tragedy
Of whispers, so askew
In lieu of self-honest flattery.
iii.Nine of Swords
Like a poet enraged
We are cascade, embraced
Like an aroused jealous lover
In the circus of life
We all brandish a knife
Poised on the tongue of a joker.
Written by Fishmander
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Queen (a tarot poem)
Ace of Swords
Fearlessness looks good on you
it's not about being unafraid
it's about walking through the fire
uncaring if you get burned
because the risk is worth
the reward
...
The Hanged Man
Waiting always feels like limbo
remember this suspension
won't last forever
change is coming
with arms wide open
breathe into it
it will be here soon
...
Queen of Wands
You know your truth now
it speaks to you
through all your fears
and self doubt
It says stay true
be brave
your intuition will guide you
to the path that's right
Fearlessness looks good on you
it's not about being unafraid
it's about walking through the fire
uncaring if you get burned
because the risk is worth
the reward
...
The Hanged Man
Waiting always feels like limbo
remember this suspension
won't last forever
change is coming
with arms wide open
breathe into it
it will be here soon
...
Queen of Wands
You know your truth now
it speaks to you
through all your fears
and self doubt
It says stay true
be brave
your intuition will guide you
to the path that's right
Written by Indie
(Miss Indie)
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