Requiem For A Unicorn

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Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Requiem For A Unicorn

#1 Post by Kenneth2816 » 17 Jan 2022, 14:20

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.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#2 Post by BobBradshaw » 17 Jan 2022, 21:56

Another gem, Ken. Amazing what you do with religious themes, giving them contemporary slants. More than deserving of a nom.

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#3 Post by Kenneth2816 » 19 Jan 2022, 16:31

Thanks Bob. I'm sure this is one of many. He lost the battle with COVID-19.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#4 Post by BobBradshaw » 20 Jan 2022, 02:45

I'm so sorry, Ken. How old was he? Did he leave behind children? If so, I can't imagine their loss.

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#5 Post by Kenneth2816 » 20 Jan 2022, 14:04

Thanks Bob. He just had his 67th birthday. Kids are all grown.

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Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#6 Post by Billy » 21 Jan 2022, 07:39

Sorry to hear about your brother. A terrific poem, full of heart and love. Deserves nomination. Love that first stanza, the whole poem.

Michael (MV)
Posts: 2154
Joined: 18 Apr 2005, 04:57

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#7 Post by Michael (MV) » 22 Jan 2022, 01:15

 
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)

 
 
 
 

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#8 Post by Kenneth2816 » 22 Jan 2022, 17:15

Thanks Billy

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

SivakamiVelliangiri
Posts: 40
Joined: 23 Jan 2022, 15:37

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#9 Post by SivakamiVelliangiri » 24 Jan 2022, 20:49

Kenneth

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

SV

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: Requiem For A Unicorn

#10 Post by Kenneth2816 » 24 Jan 2022, 22:05

It wrote itself. Thank you for the kind words

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