Everest looms before me
Axe in hand, and all alone
A tiny rock had killed Goliath,
But what if Goliath
Was made of stone?
Icy winds bear harsh whispers,
Telling tales of misplaced fears.
Entranced,
Hacking, fighting was I,
And the mountain leers.
Naught
But a dent
Wrought
In the cold mass.
A battle….
Defeated.
What a loss.
Ax in shambles,
Spirit shaken
Doubt’s buzzing in my ears
Weeping
In the face of
A weakness man reveres.
Dare I live
Beyond my death
Cowering behind
This shameful veil
Dare I plea
For Courage’s renewal
For my toils
To avail
And if I perish
Be it after
My heart renders
Final thrust
But when I prosper
Be it known
In God was
My utter trust
Broken ax meets solid summit
Solid power, solid fear
With a force of golden passion
And a tide of joyous tears
Mighty mount explodes in anguish
Victory’s voice has now been found
And this hurdle, once so daunting,
Pebbles, prostrate on the ground.
And David slew Goliath.
Jihad
Jihad is an Arabic word meaning “struggle.”
Fellow RB-er Karla Pate had requested a topic and a set of words to write a poem. My suggestion was this:
Topic: strength
Words:
1) cold
2) fear
3) loss
4) pebbles
You can find her own work, titled “Strength”, in her profile. Here is my effort. Thank you Karla for this refreshing exercise.
KEITH R. WILL..., 2 months ago
beautifully written
judithtaylor, 2 months ago
great piece welll done
Summayyah Sadi..., 2 months ago
Deep, Powerful imagery, very thought provoking, loved the first stanza and the second and the third, actually I can’t quite decide. I loved the title best of all, very fitting and stirring…(thats said with tongue firmly in cheek!) JZK sis!
Natella2020 in reply to KEITH R. WILLIAMS’s comment, 2 months ago
Thanks for reading and commenting, Keith.
Natella2020 in reply to judithtaylor’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you, Judith, that’s very nice.
Natella2020 in reply to Summayyah Sadiq-Ojibara’s comment, 2 months ago
Jazaki Allahu Khairan, Summayyah. I always await your comments expectantly, knowing that you will say just the right things to encourage me towards becoming better.
I think this is the first title I am proud of. The time it takes me to post a new work is just so long, that I get over anxious when I finish one, and just don’t devote enough time to come up with a good title. This one, I think, is properly suitable and enticing.
Roger Sampson, 2 months ago
My friend – this is one of the best written pieces I have read to date from you. Imagery, yes – powerful, yes – but the words used and how they are constructed in the verses are outstanding.
Well done Natella.
Rog
Karla Pate, 2 months ago
OMG BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!! GREAT JOB HUN!!!!
Natella2020 in reply to Roger Sampson’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you so much, Roger. I’m glad you think so, as that was the point I concentrated on most—the words. I really appreiciate your comment.
Natella2020 in reply to Karla Pate’s comment, 2 months ago
Wow, what a nice thing to say, Karla. Thanks so much!
Karla Pate, 2 months ago
Your welcome…Maybe we should do projects like this more often
Metamorphosis, 2 months ago
Natella you are amazing… i felt the power of your words that made my back go straight with strength… the title is perfect for this incredible piece…
Natella2020 in reply to Karla Pate’s comment, 2 months ago
That sounds wonderful. Any ideas?
Natella2020 in reply to Metamorphosis’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you, Metamorphosis. Your writing is very liberating and personal, and I am humbled by your comment.
Karla Pate, 2 months ago
None come to mind at the moment.. I am going to talk to my nephew Brandon hes 10 years old and very very smart when it comes to ideas on things.. Maybe he can help..
Louise Kuskovski, 2 months ago
They say the journey of life begins with one step. I suppose the beginning of the end could start with one man and one axe…well written.
Louise
Natella2020 in reply to Louise Kuskovski’s comment, 2 months ago
The beginning of the end—or the beginning of a new beginning?
Thanks so much for your comment, Louise, I appreciate it.
Karen01, 2 months ago
Weeping
In the face of
A weakness man reveres…. that gave me shivers… beautifully wrought piece!!! xxx
Natella2020 in reply to Karen01’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you Karen! That is so nice of you!
filfil, about 1 month ago
Oh, wow! That was entrancing. My eyes were glued to the screen. I loved it.
Natella2020 in reply to filfil’s comment, about 1 month ago
Thanks, filfil. I think I have some nail-polish remover for your eyes :o)
EnPassant, about 1 month ago
Thought provoking Natella. In mountaineering as in life one never ‘conquers’ the mountain, but can only hope to come to terms with it.
Natella2020 in reply to EnPassant’s comment, about 1 month ago
Thanks for your insight, EnPassant, and for taking the time to read and comment, though I’m not sure that I agree with you. I think that the mountain can be overcome, if you have the will and mind to do it. :o)
Thomas Josiah ..., about 1 month ago
Significantly awe inspiring and invocative of depth in thought
Natella2020 in reply to Thomas Josiah Chappelle’s comment, about 1 month ago
Wow, that’s a big compliment! Thanks for taking the time!