Requiem For A Unicorn
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- Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17
Requiem For A Unicorn
The elders say a dead man went
missing from a cave, and that's
why there is a place with no more
sickness, fear, want or pain.
My brother put his back into
his faith, living what he believed,
traveling to other countries
building schools, hospitals,
digging wells and planting crops.
He sent photos of children
skinny but always smiling.
When we were kids, we beat hell
out of each other, but no one else
better so much as lay a finger.
The time our father fell away
for awhile and we stopped church
as a family, my little brother ironed
his own shirt and went alone.
My brother is up there
with a bush axe and hoe,
clearing me off a little plot
next to him,
to keep an eye out.
missing from a cave, and that's
why there is a place with no more
sickness, fear, want or pain.
My brother put his back into
his faith, living what he believed,
traveling to other countries
building schools, hospitals,
digging wells and planting crops.
He sent photos of children
skinny but always smiling.
When we were kids, we beat hell
out of each other, but no one else
better so much as lay a finger.
The time our father fell away
for awhile and we stopped church
as a family, my little brother ironed
his own shirt and went alone.
My brother is up there
with a bush axe and hoe,
clearing me off a little plot
next to him,
to keep an eye out.
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- Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Another gem, Ken. Amazing what you do with religious themes, giving them contemporary slants. More than deserving of a nom.
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- Posts: 1619
- Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Thanks Bob. I'm sure this is one of many. He lost the battle with COVID-19.
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- Posts: 2688
- Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
I'm so sorry, Ken. How old was he? Did he leave behind children? If so, I can't imagine their loss.
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- Posts: 1619
- Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Thanks Bob. He just had his 67th birthday. Kids are all grown.
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Sorry to hear about your brother. A terrific poem, full of heart and love. Deserves nomination. Love that first stanza, the whole poem.
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- Joined: 18 Apr 2005, 04:57
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Hi Kenneth,
Like/admire what you have done with the old unicorn image: Yes, one does exist.
But then, why the "if" in the last stanza? In the vision of your brother, there is no doubt, only Faith.
Now my brother is up
there with a bush axe and hoe,
clearing off a little plot for me.
Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for? -- Robert Browning
Respecting the faith in brotherhood here on earth as it is in Heaven,
Michael (MV)
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- Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Thanks Billy
Michael, the "if" was rhetorical. The poem isn't a statement of faith.
Michael, the "if" was rhetorical. The poem isn't a statement of faith.
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Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
Kenneth
I am sorry for your loss. Condolences . This poem had to be written.
SV
I am sorry for your loss. Condolences . This poem had to be written.
SV
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- Posts: 1619
- Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17
Re: Requiem For A Unicorn
It wrote itself. Thank you for the kind words