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| Death and the Miser by Jan Provost 1465-1529 Flemish |
You crab about your health.
Decide, based on
what's good for you,
as you plant grains
of doubt about the ones
who care or would
deliver you to joy or wealth.
Such friends, who bring you love
you then betray by hoarding your
conceits.
You shut them out
and count only on yourself!
Decide, based on
what's good for you,
as you plant grains
of doubt about the ones
who care or would
deliver you to joy or wealth.
Such friends, who bring you love
you then betray by hoarding your
conceits.
You shut them out
and count only on yourself!
(c) Gay Reiser Cannon * All Rights Reserved
there's a lot of weight and depth in these words gay..
ReplyDeleteThe Miser's biggest mistake is turning his back on loved ones who bring joy to life. Not even a Miser can out bargain death. Last two lines echo in a riveting fashion after a great set up. Indeed, deep poem to accompany the painting, Gay.
ReplyDeleteA soft slithery whispery sound to this with all those "ou" combinations--and a chilling bit of art and verse, as well.
ReplyDeleteugh...like anti-life...what is it worth if not shared...nice gay
ReplyDeleteThanks you guys. Trying to hold up my end today. It's a joy that so many have found One Stop and share their work with us and one another. It is a blessing and a bounty. No misers here!
ReplyDeleteLove your use of the verb "crab" here. Wonderful cadence. Full of truth.
ReplyDeleteI love "betray by hoarding your soul."
ReplyDeleteThe sharp monosyllabic sound of "crab" in the opening line demands attention! Love this new perspective of the Scrooge syndrome!
ReplyDeleteOh Gay...this poem has many arrows.....Immediately I was thinking of two people...miserly in their affections, and the issue of narcissism.
ReplyDeleteThis poem spoke volumes to me. I am dealing with a very close relative, who, at 90, fits this 'miser' to a "t".
"Plant grains of doubt". This is so damn true.
A profound poem, Gay. And far reaching into our lives.
Lady Nyo
We were never intended to "do it alone". You express this so well, to me.
ReplyDeletePEACE!
An interesting piece. I sense anger bubbling forth from a realistic source. It is sad when people refuse to reach out, but for some it is an almost painful step that has been taken too many times & met with disappointment. I hope you can make some headway with your miser.
ReplyDeletePowerfully spoken, Gay! And all too realistic too... (sigh)
ReplyDeleteI can only hope that you didn't have to experience any of these miserly actions by someone you know...
An excellent poem indeed!
To address the "personal" issue. This started out as a challenge of random words. I wrote the poem and have changed it slightly. I posted it today as I thought it was another example of "consonance" and slant rhyme. But I think every exploration in poetry is personal, and yes indeed I have known several people, at various ages, who were the embodiment of these characteristics. They are not now a part of my every day, however. Thanks to you all!
ReplyDeletequiet depth in this one...one I've re-read many times as it has such an interesting rhythm.. Thank you so much for hosting this week.. you are very kind in the time you take with your comments ~ angela
ReplyDeleteLike the lesson you convey
ReplyDeleteAnd as in your poetry you are willing to teach others
Smiles my friend
The sad picture of someone who has no idea how to find happiness. Very touching, Gay.
ReplyDelete"such friends who bring you love
ReplyDeleteyou betray by hoarding your soul" - yes - you are a miser whether you're hoarding money or emotions. Beautiful lines, Gay.
Nice write Gay. How often we turn away others who could help us -body, mind and soul.and prefer to be alaone....
ReplyDeleteGay, this is so thought provoking! If you give nothing of yourself, than really, what do you have at all? The form, I really enjoyed, and the language, as always, is both beautiful and haunting. Really enjoyed my visit today, and thanks for hosting Oneshot and all your hard work! Hope you know we all appreciate it :)
ReplyDeleteA wretched waste of a life...to turn away those who love and care and only seek to help. To bring joy. Deep piece accompanying an old and lovely pictures...words that defy time and place, for they are timeless, and ever-present...
ReplyDeletelove all the layers, peeling back to reveal the truth, that bad onion
ReplyDeleteI think I'm immediately related to some of these misers!
ReplyDeleteI know this person and yet I keep trying.
ReplyDeleteA compact poem, saying so much! I really believe you get back what you give but not necessarily from where or when you might expect.
ReplyDeleteThank you to One Stop Poetry. Really enjoying your site.
Help me to help you. Nice One Shot, Gay.
ReplyDeletea lot of people probably looked away from their mirror while responding to your vividly frank poem, forgetting that it is not painful to give...as elizabeth taylor said "give, always remember to give", it doesn't hurt...and if each person passed on one good deed the difference it would make for everyone..."hoarding your soul, turning them out, counting on yourself"...i feel this distance between people more and more and i wish everyone could hang your poem on their wall and read it each morning as they start their day...it is so lonely to be a miser...your words are crystal clear, candid and frank and thank you for wisdom...thank you for visiting my website and understanding 'the blues'...the young man twirlin' screw drivers was based on a true story...he literally sat in the kitchen playing "the thrill is gone" for the entire day...i was there many years ago and must admit never once did i tire of hearing b.b. sing that song, over and over...thank you for the visit...
ReplyDeleteWe don't all become ill and die with grace...The test is living with grace...and this person obviously has lived a flawed life. (we all do to one extent or the other);unable to receive in extremis and therefore unable to give; we have all seen this, and it is most sad... a wonderful poem, and a bugle cry to all of us to live meaningful, kind, and giving lives.
ReplyDeleteHow very true! A stark reminder of what is worthy in this life.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem :)
Thank you for sharing it.
Oh Shay I am sure you are not! (LOL)
ReplyDeleteHey Beachanny, this is a great reminder. skillfully described.
Oh Shay I am sure you are not as well. Your feelings for small things, hurt things, dependent things, are so sincere and touching that I would never believe you hoarded your feelings and turned your back to the world; maybe once in a while if you are wounded and that's not the same.
ReplyDeleteInteresting piece; particularly like the internal rhyme; it helps the flow and emphasises the Narrative at those points. Deep n' meaningful content. I had to read it twice to get it all.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards
Luke
I love"betray by hoarding your soul" great!
ReplyDelete..you betray by hoarding you soul. Mm, just a delicious poem and a lesson for us all.
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking. And a really interesting way to put across the point.
ReplyDeleteSuch a probing sum-up of the type of person we've all met. The old art image adds another thoughtful dimension.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to meet you and read your poem. that is can be turn at times.
ReplyDeleteA lovely solid work on this piece. Very well written.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing ;)
Beautiful, Gay!
ReplyDeletebeguiling time
I know this person you've written about! I didn't expect to see her here though, so eloquently described.
ReplyDelete~M
A keen intelligence shines in these words. The sentiments are universally true and the entire poem is evidence of someone who brilliantly understands her craft. The rhyming structure is impressive and demonstrates a high level of poetic mastery.
ReplyDeleteShay and Janice both touched on my reaction to this powerful piece. I could not help but look in the mirror, and I fear I saw a bit of the person you describe.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've been away a lot lately... emotionally and physically.
ReplyDeleteSo I just read this and thought Oh My God, is this me?
I may be off with the faeries, but I always carry you and your words in my heart. But do I share my soul? I must think on this.
Beyond my own self-absorption with my illness that no one seems to have an answer for or some even believe actually exists, the words and structure and grace of the poem are amazing!
Much love, Robin