Chest high in silver sorcery
I span the realms of Time and Space,
My guide is proud Calliope,
So statuesque, a Siren’s face.
We entered when the day grew late,
Up from the teeming river’s shore,
Through that lost city’s iron gate
The fabled ziggurat of Ur.
Back on some mythic river’s barge,
Tall slaves through ancient cities poled,
We stopped hard by a huge lake’s marge,
Whose quays where worked with jewels and gold.
I stood upon an endless plain,
Calliope hard by my side,
To watch an endless sea of grain
There ripple like some giant tide.
Through Time loops like huge silver rings
We stepped to mark a long gray host
Here in the Valley of the Kings,
Led by a gauzy female ghost.
Such grandeur left me struck and fazed,
As on to mighty Nineveh,
Then back once more, again amazed,
Before the fane of Amon-Ra!
The stars dripped in a long festoon,
We stood above a roiling sea,
While silver light from out the moon
Then struck my proud Calliope.
Now I was left there all alone,
I felt the world was reeling, mad,
My heart now like to hard, dense stone,
Unutterably lost and sad.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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I haven't had the chance to read much poetry lately...I had forgotten how much I like your imagery and ancient ideas, and, of course, the elegant structure of your poems. Very beautiful!
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I adore your imagery, though I am partial to Egyptian images, I love the trip your poem took me on, down the mighty Nile. The ending was poignant, and I appreciate the sense of loss shown there. Thank you.
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You did an amazing job!!! Boy all your poetry is so brilliant and fantastic!! You never cease to amaze me!!! Your words are lovely and perfect!!! I don't even know how to compliment this is way too good for my words!!! I love it!!
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Sincere admiration for your grasp of history and ability to fashion a beautiful poem from images that seem so real to the reader. 
Lovely, truly.
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I think this is a well written piece where the imagery comes and creates a wonderful place to be. You did well writing this piece. Good job
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Excellent Write
Beautiful Imagery, rhymes well, mythical grandeur
rather like an "Out of the body experience" well done!!! George -
The stars dripped in a long festoon,
We stood above a roiling sea,
While silver light from out the moon
Then struck my proud Calliope.
The fabled ziggurat of Ur.
would you be impressed if I told you I actually know what the ziggurat of Ur is?
LOL
Calliope, my favorite muse. Fantastic, the end was desolate.
This journey shall be remembered, that's for sure.
Couldn't figure out what form Calliope took on. First I thought she was a ghost guide. Then I thought she was your sailing vessel.
Still not quite sure. I still love this either way,
much love,
jin
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Oh my goodness! Michael you have written all the world's wonder into a few brief stanzas...made magic of the everyday, the moon and river, and brought myth to life. This is wondrous and absolutely awe inspiring! A beautiful poem with a good sharp ending that is set to stick in the mind. Very, very nicely done.
, Dannie
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