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Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 17 Jan 2022, 14:20
by Kenneth2816
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.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 17 Jan 2022, 21:56
by BobBradshaw
Another gem, Ken. Amazing what you do with religious themes, giving them contemporary slants. More than deserving of a nom.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 19 Jan 2022, 16:31
by Kenneth2816
Thanks Bob. I'm sure this is one of many. He lost the battle with COVID-19.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 20 Jan 2022, 02:45
by BobBradshaw
I'm so sorry, Ken. How old was he? Did he leave behind children? If so, I can't imagine their loss.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 20 Jan 2022, 14:04
by Kenneth2816
Thanks Bob. He just had his 67th birthday. Kids are all grown.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 21 Jan 2022, 07:39
by Billy
Sorry to hear about your brother. A terrific poem, full of heart and love. Deserves nomination. Love that first stanza, the whole poem.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 22 Jan 2022, 01:15
by Michael (MV)
 
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,


8)

Michael (MV)

 
 
 
 

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 22 Jan 2022, 17:15
by Kenneth2816
Thanks Billy

Michael, the "if" was rhetorical. The poem isn't a statement of faith.

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 24 Jan 2022, 20:49
by SivakamiVelliangiri
Kenneth

I am sorry for your loss. Condolences . This poem had to be written.

SV

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

Posted: 24 Jan 2022, 22:05
by Kenneth2816
It wrote itself. Thank you for the kind words