This Poem was Submitted By: Paul R Lindenmeyer On Date: 2005-04-20 22:32:17 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!To Listen to Music While Reading this Poem, just Click Here!
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Bethany Revisited
Summoned by white smoke
and clanging cathedrals chimes,
Lazarus appears on the balcony.
Yoked with mandates
to find the lost,
feed the hungry,
and always show
the Mercy of the Father.
"Oremus Pro Pontifice, nostro Benedictus." |
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Copyright © April 2005 Paul R Lindenmeyer
Additional Notes:
Latin, for Let us pray for our pontiff, Benedict. Also a title for multiple motets written for popes thru the years.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Elaine Marie Phalen On Date: 2005-05-07 19:27:02
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Paul, this is really striking. The white smoke, the chimes pealing across the square, and the appearance of the new pontiff ... it must have been a moving experience for all who partook of it.
In L2, I suggest a minor change in syntax: "and cathedrals' clanging chimes"; otherwise, it sounds as if it's the cathedrals that are clanging, not the chimes.
To call the Pope "Lazarus" is doubly effective, because he is raised up, the successor to the dead ... and he is a friend of Christ, as we know Lazarus to have been. He - Benedict - has spoken of his commitment to making Jesus the focal point of the Church.
"Yoked with mandates" implies the weight of his new burden, which will never leave him until death. He could not let the cup pass from his lips. The "lost" and "hungry" may refer to something beyond shelter and food; it may also be a spiritual metaphor. In either case, the new pontiff appears ready to reach out and be a force for good in the world. He is the conduit for divine mercy and grace; his predecessor has taught him well, I think.
I feel that this man will be remembered in millions of people's prayers and will offer up his own in return. He definitely has impressive credentials! May he hold his office for a long time and in good health.
Very honest writing here, and nicely done.
Brenda
This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2005-04-30 17:59:10
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.53846
Paul,
A new pope......hope!
Lets hope our new pope is all things to all people.
A good, clear, welcoming write.
I send my cloud of white.
The latin end was quite nice!
Take care,
Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: Audrey R Donegan On Date: 2005-04-27 17:49:22
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 7.80000
Stunning! This piece flows magnificently. So appropriate for these times upon us.
Celebrated as is. Thank You,
Audrey
This Poem was Critiqued By: Mell W. Morris On Date: 2005-04-21 12:57:58
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.57143
Paul:
And so the smoke curled upward, following a tradition of many
years, the papacy continued, and Pope Benedict is our leader.
Benedict was JP"s choice and they share the same theological
approach to the church.
"Clanging cathedrals chimes" is a sweet alliterative sound.
"Yoked" seems a an odd choice of word but you likrly krrp up
with the entire Catholic themss.
I was raised CATH0LIC...145r years at CATHOLIC schools and univerfsity
so I feel somewhat knowledged in the area.
Pail, if you will allow, I will e-mail you the rest of your critique
tonight. I am late for an appt with my doctor.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne M Uppendahl On Date: 2005-04-21 11:58:36
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.65000
Paul:
Hello! I think that your brief, spiritually uplifting poems could certainly
be a welcome additional to any Christian's library. Have you already published
them in chapbook form? If not, please consider doing so. Each has a simple but
profound theme, and all turn the reader's gaze both inward and to the object of
our worship and praise. For proof of His deity, Jesus resurrection of Lazarus
is not needed by Christians, but is a prototype of His resurrection and the
hope of all who follow Him. I thought it was interesting that you frame
the appearance of the new Pope in this context:
Summoned by white smoke
and clanging cathedrals chimes,
Lazarus appears on the balcony.
That Pope John Paul II's death preceded this event seems only a part of the implied
meaning. I think that the many scandals which have damaged credibility and trust in
the Catholic church also imply a 'death' from which revival seems all but impossible.
It will be of great interest to the world to observe whether or not healing can take
place.
"Oremus Pro Pontifice, nostro Benedictus."
Let us pray, and indeed, we shall. Well done, once more!
Best always,
Joanne
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2005-04-21 02:32:38
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.08333
Thank you poet for posting this piece about the election of our new Pope, Benedict......indeed, my prayers are joined with the millions of others praying around the world for our new pontiff.......The white smoke indicating the election of the new pontiff, the cathedral chimes clanging around the world as they used to say in unison within the church itself......it was the clanging of those church bells within our own city when I was a child growing up that I remember most about the election of Pope John Paul the Second..........I know at times mom made us sit in front of the television just watching and waiting for the white smoke to appear........The Lord always watches over and cares for His children.
Thank you again for posting, well structured, easy word flow, images again as one reads on.....partaking in the election itself, listening to the word of God as the new pontiff is elected and greets the people.......God Bless, Claire
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