Metronomic, A Lullaby for the Fierce, Poetry Blog, New Digital Art and Photography, Revisited Poetry , Spoken Word
Metronomic, A Lullaby for the Fierce
invested in a slender
strength
agility and balance
the tiger’s tail
eludes the mantis’ grip
conducts the rhythm of the wood
there are no knuckles or sinew
for the insect to grapple
to maintain perch
no burrs, no remnants
the scars of aborted limbs
no frets
to slow the slide
the fall
the strongest
in the symphony
adopts the tactic
of the willow
mimics reeds
imitates the meek
glances minor chords
there is no holding onto
the tiger’s paw
velvet to the touch from above
from below, only savagery
wise little things
maintain a distance
from explosive
majors
the tiger remains noble, fierce
entranced with the cicada’s fiddling
hypnotized with the tattoo
of its own footsteps
but aloof to a true intimacy
with the song’s composer
maintains metronomic pace
the mantis
a frustrated second chair
wasted in the tiger's shadow
consumes the cicada
en fugue
the tiger crushes
the mantis
with a stroke
a sudden end
the dark orchestra
retires
a slow return of light
absent-minded playful notes
the night's silent movement
slowly gives way
to flight and feathers
a crepuscular chorus
a lullaby for the fierce
the conductor rests
allows whimsy
improvisation
syncopation
some play
This poem has evolved some. The original was titled The Tiger Evades the Mantis. Read below for comparison
The Tiger Evades the Mantis
invested in strength
agility and balance
the tiger’s tail
eludes the mantis’ grip
there are no knuckles or sinew
for the insect to grapple
to maintain perch
there is no holding onto
the tiger’s paw
velvet to the touch from above
from below offers only savagery
little things
maintain a distance
the tiger remains noble, fierce
in love with the cicada’s fiddling
but aloof to a greater intimacy
with the song’s composer
the mantis consumes the cicada
the tiger crushes the mantis
music is heard no more
Metronomic is very different poem where some of the questions and hints laid out in Tiger are answered. Questions that I had. When the symbolism of the tiger and preying mantis began to play in mind, I didn't quite know why. I just knew they had some fighting/playing to do before it all got properly hashed out.
In addition to hanging out on Hive, teaching, parenting, and writing, I practice martial arts. The pandemic saw the end of one of my schools, Karate, the Tiger; and the other I am told is on hiatus, the Preying Mantis.
As a rationalizing being, I am constantly evaluating both styles for their utility and strengths but also for how they make me feel.
I will not share my take. it would be irresponsible. A child does not tell her parents which she loves most; she endeavours to love them the same. Still, she will simply get on better with one over the other, obviously, and often to the chagrin of the parent who plays second fiddle.
At some point even the most spectacular of us will play second fiddle to another or find ourselves torn between two loves. What to do; what to do?
68
There is no limit to the Tao
Or anyone contained within
When meeting an opponent
Who would see you diminished
Seek to expand him all the more
Understand his wish to see you small
Comes from his fear he is not big enough
Show him there are no limits
Other than those he sets for others
Link to Spoken Word
Greet competition
Like all relations
With the spirit of play
When two forces meet
The greatest expansion
Comes when both
Are at their greatest
***
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Beautiful pictures and poetry, congratulations for that pretty words!
Thank you:)
Nice picture and poetry. I love flowers and bird.