The Bad Angels ~ Stephen Dunn

[zagzagael.livejournal.com]

They are writing our names in the sky,
the bad angels with their calamitous wings.
They are spelling them wrong, exaggerating
the loops so that we'll see each other
askew, imperfect, like clouds broken off
from other clouds, separated by blue.

Worst part of me, old underminer
whom I've exiled unsuccessfully
into the far-away charged air,
I know it's your black-winged gang.
I wish I had some invisible means
of support, some magic against you.
I wish I could marshal all
that's ever gotten away from me:
Love and loss, what plutonium!
What oblivion I could send you to.

They are changing our names in the sky,
making their own insidious designs.
I am one man with just the normal equipment,
saying, No, offering little essays to the wind.
They are removing the vowels now.
They are erasing the beginning and the end.

Mythology?

[kettsin.livejournal.com]

I'd like to request poems dealing with ancient mythology, gods or goddesses. The poem could involve a person seeming godly or be a plea/prayer to the gods. I don't mind. Any recommendations would be lovely. :) Thank you.

In return, I give you some beautiful Sappho. :D


Shimmering
            iridescent,
                  deathless Aphrodite,
child of Zeus,weaver of wiles,
                                               I beg you,
do not crush my spirit with anguish, Lady,
but come to me now, if ever before
you heard my voice in the distance
and leaving your father's golden house
drove your chariot pulled by sparrows
swift and beautiful
over the black earth, their wings a blur
as they streaked down from heaven
                               across the bright sky –

and then you were with me, a smile
playing about your immortal lips
as you asked, 
                    what is it this time?
                            why are you calling again?
And asked what my heart in its lovesick raving
most wanted to happen:
                                       "Whom now
should I persuade to love you?
Who is wronging you, Sappho?
She may run now, but she'll be chasing soon.
She may spurn gifts, but soon she'll be giving.
She may not love now, but soon she will,
                                                willing or not."

Come to me again now, release me
from my agony, fulfill all
that my heart desires, and fight for me,

                                 fight at my side, Goddess.

(no subject)

[cecilydolce.livejournal.com]

Hey guys, I'm looking for short poems. I'd say 4 lines is the max. I've just really been interested in poems that can have a huge impact with minimalist wording. Here's a classic-

You fit into me
like a hook into an eye

a fish hook
an open eye

-Margaret Atwood