deepundergroundpoetry.com
Prayer for an Idler
Grant me safe passage
through this maze
till final fold of sheets
breed fickle wishful sleep
fond dream beyond
surrendered skies
Drown my days
in lost Atlantis
to sleep beside time's door
like one-eyed dogs
they slope away
as stars expire
to flame Valhalla's torch
Kind memory
uncork that clever flask
and pour
let tide of moment seep
each breath
a theft
each heartbeat
stolen
cruelest pain
forever mourned
Dry discipline
splash my face in your rain
and swallow whole
missed seconds
time has scorned
Published 14th Jan 2010
| Edited 28th Mar 2016
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Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
15th Jan 2010 9:48am
I'm glad you appreciate this Mo57 as I know it's not everyone's favourite style of verse. Thanks for commenting.
Anonymous
15th Jan 2010 2:50pm
Good to know that your idolatry has produced such beautiful poetry. What do you mean by "not everyone's favourite style of verse"? What style would you say this poem encompasses?
15th Jan 2010 3:03pm
Well, my feeling is that most people wouldn't jump up and down over the language here. It's a bit self indulgent of me but I've always hankered to include Atlantis and Valhalla together in a classical style poem, Jack. It's been a sort of Holy Grail for me in a way I suppose - like a writer's bridge to cross. I hope I've managed to pull it off without shooting both my feet off - what do you think - I mean it's a prayer after all.
Anonymous
15th Jan 2010 3:19pm
Classic references don't equal self-indulgence. They merely show a knowledge of culture. Like how Plath used the Christian name Lazarus, and even went so far as to call herself "Lady Lazarus", in her famous poem, but didn't come across as narcissistic at all. I enjoyed your reference to Norse Mythology with "Valhalla".
15th Jan 2010 3:28pm
Yes, you are right of course - however I am convinced that it's not what most people want from a poem today and can act as a turn off for some. My preferred style(for now) is something near to Milkmaid & Tattoo - so here I thought writing a prayer evoked something classical requiring a sharp shift of reference. I hope the message hasn't disappeared because of it.
