deepundergroundpoetry.com
I am a Bell
I am a bell
I know my knell
is not an empty thing.
as the Syrian has said.
It sounds the hours
when time’s in doubt,
divides the day
and with assurance
fills the night.
It calls to prayer
and signals dread
as well as vital summonings,
alarums and victories,
fine celebrations and
occasions for rejoicings, too.
and when to go
deliciously to bed.
To say that it
is nothing but a hollow sound
unfullfilling, unfullilled,
or lacks humility
shows ignorance
and inability
to know how sacred, cherished,
and anticipated are
its rounds.
I know my knell
is not an empty thing.
as the Syrian has said.
It sounds the hours
when time’s in doubt,
divides the day
and with assurance
fills the night.
It calls to prayer
and signals dread
as well as vital summonings,
alarums and victories,
fine celebrations and
occasions for rejoicings, too.
and when to go
deliciously to bed.
To say that it
is nothing but a hollow sound
unfullfilling, unfullilled,
or lacks humility
shows ignorance
and inability
to know how sacred, cherished,
and anticipated are
its rounds.
Published 17th May 2023
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20th Jun 2024 8:16am
Rich Vocabulary - The use of words like "knell," "alarums," "rejoicings," and "summonings" adds a lyrical and somewhat classical quality to the poem, enhancing its poetic nature.
There's also cultural allusion. The reference to the Syrian’s saying adds a layer of cultural depth and wisdom, enriching the poem’s context and grounding it in a broader human experience.
The poem transitions smoothly between these different aspects, maintaining a consistent tone and rhythm that guide the reader through the various functions and emotional resonances of the bell.
The poem concludes by refuting the idea that the bell is merely a hollow sound, bringing the exploration full circle and reinforcing the initial assertion with the accumulated evidence from the poem.
Each section of the poem is given balanced attention, ensuring that no single aspect feels rushed or overly extended, contributing to a steady and engaging pace.
The poem maintains a consistent tone and rhythm throughout, which helps to unify the various sections and creates a seamless reading experience.
There's also cultural allusion. The reference to the Syrian’s saying adds a layer of cultural depth and wisdom, enriching the poem’s context and grounding it in a broader human experience.
The poem transitions smoothly between these different aspects, maintaining a consistent tone and rhythm that guide the reader through the various functions and emotional resonances of the bell.
The poem concludes by refuting the idea that the bell is merely a hollow sound, bringing the exploration full circle and reinforcing the initial assertion with the accumulated evidence from the poem.
Each section of the poem is given balanced attention, ensuring that no single aspect feels rushed or overly extended, contributing to a steady and engaging pace.
The poem maintains a consistent tone and rhythm throughout, which helps to unify the various sections and creates a seamless reading experience.
