Beloved Community

06 Feb, 2011
Terri
Incarceration
(Photo by Joyce Fielder)

doors clang open and shut
controlled by anonymous guardian
benefactor, antagonist, never friend
while longing for love or glance

controlled by anonymous guardian
heir of wisdom unlearned waits
while longing for love or glance
postponed but not delayed

heir of wisdom unlearned waits
emptying of pain and filling of love
postponed but not delayed
finding a foothold in new life

emptying of pain and filling of love
benefactor, antagonist, ever friend
finding a foothold in new life
doors once shut, now open

February, 2011
A French Pantoum
Written for Poetry Potluck
Prompt:  Aims, Goals, and Ambitions

Explanation:  My goal is to create a bridge community between those who are incarcerated and their loved ones on the outside.   Opening the doors to healthy, community relationships.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories: Incarceration Poetry

19 comments

  1. Victoria C. Slotto said on February 6, 2011
    Profound message and well-executed pantoum, c.m.
  2. budhaaah said on February 6, 2011
    very nice..
  3. fiveloaf said on February 6, 2011
    wow! and suddenly people got hooked with our malaysian pantun! usually it is written with a lot of wit (sort of poking fun and flirtatious too) with lots of moral lessons behind it! you did great! thank you for sharing.. here's my potluck.. http://fiveloaf.wordpress.com/2010/03/12/broken-home/
    1. Terri said on February 7, 2011
      I was taught this form as a spiritual discernment method!
  4. ogungbesan20 said on February 7, 2011
    A SHORT POEM WITH WORDS OF WISDOM AND WISE SAYING. THANKS FOR SAYING. I LOVE THIS MUCH
  5. Jamie Dedes said on February 7, 2011
    What a very fine Potluck contributon and a very worthy goal. Good luck. Hope to read more on the progress of your project here... Poem on ...
  6. tigerbrite said on February 7, 2011
    Very good and very worthy.
  7. Marlee-I Mystic said on February 7, 2011
    What a beautiful goal and a wonderful piece. I love the form of this poem and the sentiment as well. Great job! Happy Potluck Here's mine: http://mysticmarleei.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/all-i-can/
  8. Trisha said on February 7, 2011
    splendid pantoum, full of love and beauty. I just loved the story of hope spinned through every line.
  9. athursdayschild has a long way to go and much to be thankful for. said on February 7, 2011
    Good job. I also could read a rebirth or reincarnation into it as well.
    1. Terri said on February 7, 2011
      Yes, I think so. That is the story of a hopeful life.
  10. Lyn said on February 7, 2011
    It's a thrill for me to run into another Pantoum..beautifully done! I don't know French Pantoum though...seems the same as mine??
    1. Terri said on February 7, 2011
      Yes, it is the same. It is just what I was taught to call it!
  11. PinkLady said on February 7, 2011
    beautifully profound... lovely new beginning! "finding a foothold in new life doors once shut, now open" your words resonate... http://pinklady-bing.blogspot.com/2011/02/dreaming-of-change.html
  12. Jingle said on February 7, 2011
    wise words. A+
  13. kolembo said on February 7, 2011
    you use words very well. Nice one.
  14. Scent of my heart said on February 7, 2011
    Keep up with the goals ... that's what makes us move ... Happy Potluck!
  15. David (1MereMortal) said on February 8, 2011
    I like this poem...the last stanza: "emptying of pain and filling of love benefactor, antagonist, ever friend finding a foothold in new life doors once shut, now open" Inspires hope. An excellent poem.
  16. NotATameLion said on February 9, 2011
    That is beautiful and haunting my friend. GREAT poem. Thanks for sharing.

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