What did we do that has so displeased you?
Was our sacrifice so inadequate that you should pour
your molten lava with such stark streaks across our skies?
What can we do to appease your wrath o gods?
Layer upon layer of anger and fury
escalating with each nanosecond,
each brushstroke an all-consuming fire.
Destruction and devastation,
colours of such exquisite vividness
forcing us to look away and hide
lest the intensity blind us
or as Lot’s wife turning to look longingly at Sodom,
lest we become not pillars of salt but pillars of ash,
fire and brimstone raining upon us from the heavens.
Trembling and shivering
as if plunging into an icy pool,
we shield our eyes lest they liquefy in your heat.
With pain so piercing and penetrating,
brutally finite and unforgiving
a finale of full immersion errupts
into the cosmic cauldron bubbling and spewing,
unleashing energies hitherto contained
under extreme pressure intensifying
a trillion nuclear explosions,
annihilating all that lives,
astronomical and boundless.
Armageddon.
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.
Ponder your mortality o little man and
observe the magnitude and magnificence of All,
visible and invisible, all that has been and is yet to come.
Though minuscule as a grain of sand on a beach,
the ocean pounding relentlessly,
grinding away at our life’s marrow with rhythmic monotony,
o little man,
there is a greater purpose to your Being,
an incomprehensible Wholeness of such expanse
that would lift you to sweet, intoxicating realms of rapture
if you would only allow it to do so.
Let go and look within.
Stillness, silence and solitude be your travelling companions.
******************************
This post began as a reflection upon one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever witnessed, looking out of my lounge window. I was thinking about how early man might have interpreted such a fire-like sunset but ended up thinking about the approach of Lent and Ash Wednesday in the Christian Church…much pondering going on. Perhaps it is the long Winter and I am missing being outside in the sun and fresh air and also the milestone in my life now that all my children are officially adults!
Your style, dear Krysia, reminds me of the ancient Greek poets like Homer, who were deeply connected with ancient myths at a time, when nature and man were idealized as being one. The sunshine so rare in our latitudes in BC made my wife go out and soak it up. She needs for her inner well-being more than I do. In the meantime I respond to your post by saying thank you.
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You are welcome and your comment interests me immensely. It is my turn to thank YOU!
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Gorgeous photo and reflection. I ran with the words, pouring right through me like a liquid fire. Maybe it is the onset of Lent or the seasons’ reminders that we are finite and time goes on. Truly beautiful. Thank you. Have a great Sunday.
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Will try, dull wet and windy here in Lanark…as probably you are too, hope to go to Spoons, (Wetherspoons ) in a wee while for a pint of something…or two! still celebrating my 60th…now that all the crowds have gone away! Your comment is very much appreciated, means a lot, thanks so much! Enjoy the day also.
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You’re very welcome. I loved it.
It’s exactly the same here. Wild through the night too. Happy 60th! A pint or two sounds perfect for a wet and windy day. 🙂
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…followed by a wee Laphroaig or Talisker…he he! Keep warm and well… 🙂
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Beautiful! Both, the pic & your piece!
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Too kind, too kind, my friend… !
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