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| Self-portrait |
wages after the labour, we beseech you, o limited nuclear war
a son is given to us, testing increasingly smaller warheads
if this limit is overshot, ground zero will accumulate debris
o mary conceived without sin, detonate a nuclear weapon
in the presence of mine enemies
behold, a virgin shall declare war on the soviet union and china
the market price of our pope, our bishop, and all true believers
included mutual assured destruction when wages and prices are high
and large numbers of intercontinental ballistic missiles
now and at the hour of our death
(c) 1990 Nissa Annakindt
OK, thing one. This is not one of those dreary anti-nuclear poems with a Very Important Message. It doesn't have a message. There is also no intent to be disrespectful of the Catholic faith, since such disrespect is also too dreary for words.
I used the juxtaposition method, using an angsty book about nuclear war, a Catholic prayer book, and something dull by Karl Marx as the source of the words and phrases. I like it. It amuses me. It makes me think strange thoughts. Which is all I ask of it. There is also no intent to be disrespectful of the Catholic faith, since such disrespect is also too dreary for words.
Shared at: Poetry Pantry #169
Writing Poetry Benefits Prose Writers
I read once about some sci-fi writer who warmed up for his writing sessions by reading poetry. It helped him appreciate beautiful and/or powerful language or something.
Writing poetry is also of benefit. It helps young/new writers get started producing writing, it helps writers whose work is not winning the attention of editors and the public, and it helps experienced writers who feel they have gone stale.
Poetry is about powerful and memorable words. Because bland poetry fades away into nothing before the reader's eye is finished with it. The skills used in writing poetry can help to avoid writing dull prose.
Poetry is a way to get into the groove of producing writing regularly. It helps build confidence in the neophyte and jump-starts a writer who is getting blocked or bored with writing.
Because poetry is not appreciated in our society in any financial way, there are no high stakes to intimidate you. Suppose you write a poem, and you learn something in the writing. If the poem sucks, probably no one will publish it and they certainly won't pay you money. If the poem is utterly brilliant, probably no one will publish it and they certainly won't pay you money. It kind of takes the pressure off.
New! Free Online Poetry-Writing Class: http://linalamont.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-class-in-writing-poetry-for-new.html
Red Explosions Poetry Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479819908761898
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NissaAnnakindt
8 comments:
I am intrigued by the process by which you composed your poem. It does wind up having a really good message, nevertheless........given all the "profiteering" that goes on around war and weapons (what doth it profit a man...???) Thought-provoking write. I liked it. A lot.
very thought provoking
I love the inspiration you drew from to write your poem. Fascinating!
Nuclear threats are like a hidden agenda in our world. We know they are there...somewhere... but don't know the full extent of purpose, power and persuasion. An intriguing piece of writing.
Its cool. It has done for you what it did for me. I am glad for your explanation though. Actually, after reading your explanation I reread the poem ... enjoying your amusement and my own.
Really interesting poem and process. Your poem made me think of something by Sufjan Stevens which is pretty cool. Great to visit your page :)
a unique and cool way of crafting a poem. and the result is a very enjoyable read.
makes me want to give it a try too. :)
May this world gives up war and let their be peace:)
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