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Wed 8 Dec, 2004 08:05 pm
Banished once, then amnesty
Presumptive, brash, and stolen-
If only we could win and lose
With the same devotion.
Once it flowed in harmony
Through the plains and to the ocean-
Wide, so wide we could not see, the
Shriveled, brash, and frozen
Banished once, then amnesty
Incumbent, brash, and chosen-
Harvest pain and dump it in
The preserve of emotion.
Once it rolled with bravery
Across the lunar desolation-
Far, so far, eternally, the
Silent, brash, and broken.
First let me say that Kelly's repetition of the word "brash" iterates the very essence of the poem. Yes, "Banished Once" is a metaphor for the audacity of man in his stumbling and blind pursuit of the unplanned and the unwinnable; When all is fraught and lost--then and only then
Amnesty........................................
This poem of Kelly's is the fore runner to his last and Vinal final.
I began with "Overfines" and Cavfancier began with "Fortress".
Although I do not like comparing Kelly's work to other writers, I must admit that I thought of Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death."
Excellent review, Ms. Letty - I am humbled :-)
oh my this is good - I have to stop and reflect - more than a moment of silence coming
An interesting note... 'Banished Once' was added when the editor removed a poem called 'Blackout' (it ended up on the mediabook CD in the bonus section). This poem was really an experimental piece, similar to others seen in this forum that wouldn't typically be a part of my proper submissions...
Kelly, experimental or no, it was so unusual. I think that is what makes all poetry a universal language; whether we know the words or not is irrelevant.