This Poem was Submitted By: Mary J Coffman On Date: 2006-03-26 07:36:48 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

To Listen to Music While Reading this Poem, just Click Here!

Click Here To add this poem to your "Voting Possibilities" list!


A Plea for Absolution

~ Death stalks me now, to hasten life’s eclipse What penance lay ahead in his release? While names ring shrill upon cruel lifeless lips I shrive my shocking sins on bended knees With steel and flame my heart was forged to wield upon my prey the swift red stroke of death With apathy, my victims fate was sealed and curses gathered with their waning breath Feigned smiles masked malevolent intent while treachery hung heavy on night air My quarry, without prospect to repent lie tortured in a torrent of despair Within the cradle of my skull, screams ring their suffering now etched upon my soul Still, on those days of final reckoning without remorse, Death’s loathsome bell did toll They rise up now, the bitter bloodless dead  awaiting the surrender of my throne Forever on encrimsoned paths they tread until my name is carved in cold gray stone While, Death, your final sentence I await I kneel before you rapt in agony A soldier seeking pardon from his fate, unshackled  from your dismal destiny ~

Copyright © March 2006 Mary J Coffman

Additional Notes:
I saw a picture of a skeleton on it's knees with upstretched arms, and this popped into my head! My mother always said I had an overactive imagination....*grin*


This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2006-04-03 19:57:13
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Mary, Thank heavens this poem was not about you!! Reading through it, the first time, I had a feeling of despair as I have faced death twice in my life and you so poetically described my emotions during those times. What an amazing write this is...it gives me chills to read it just like I get when I read Poe's work. It is dark, captivating and compelling, and I am so glad I didn't miss it. Within the cradle of my skull, screams ring their suffering now etched upon my soul Still, on those days of final reckoning without remorse, Death’s loathsome bell did toll They rise up now, the bitter bloodless dead These lines, to me, are the most chilling and and Poe could not have written them any better. Sometimes I also write dark poetry....I don't always set out to do that but a thought or image will assualt me until I write about it. I think most poets are dramatic by nature and your mother is right an overactive imagination is a must for writers! I like your rhyme scheme here...it is very effective and gives a nice cadence to the lines as they romp along with ease and are not forced just for the sake of the rhyme. Your ending is is marvelous for this piece....well done...,.brava Blessings....Marilyn


This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2006-04-03 14:09:20
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.55000
Overactive? No...just a poet artist with a variance of immagination. I could see that artwork at a Holocaust museum to which I have seen three (museums)...the greatest in Washington, DC. Anyway, bacl this piece. If it truly is about a soldier who is doing his country's work, then there is nothing to be ashamed of except his conscience. There is much to be said about the latter. I enjoyed this piece. It worked well for me. My wife always kids me about absolution ... she's Catholic and I'm a Jew...Oy VAy! Death’s loathsome bell did toll...I was kinda hoping it didn't! My own sense of black humour! BTW I almost deleted your email as I didn't recognize the signature! Glad I didn't.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Thomas H. Smihula On Date: 2006-03-31 07:58:15
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.68750
Now for the poetry of depth that is always my favorite. You paint the picture so well as I do see only the skeleton, or should I say frame of the person begging for a little more from life than death. What lies ahead is the question for it rears within each of us. My favorite parts are: With steel and flame my heart was forged to wield upon my prey the swift red stroke of death My quarry, without prospect to repent lie tortured in a torrent of despair Forever on encrimsoned paths they tread until my name is carved in cold gray stone These lead me into the story of life. This is definately one going into my fav list. Thanks for sharing and letting me know you posted this. Well done.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2006-03-26 15:22:57
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.92308
Mary, I think this is very good. It flows along well, and is very interesting. It kept my attention, to see/find the terrible sin! I am not dissapointed. I know that solddiers have terrible times living with the stress of their soldiering actions forced upon them. I cannot imagine coming home from war time trying to live like it never happened! How could they? I can't imagine...I never want to even think of it, it's so horrendous! I think your rhyming was unobtrusive and excellelant! I'm impressed! It's interesting a woman writing as a man..... You did a Good job. Perfect title.......perfect timing. Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2006-03-26 13:05:57
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.90000
Wow Mary, All this from a picture, that is a true gift. You have painted the picture well with your verbal imagery in this smooth easy flowing read. The font did hinder me a bit, but I do like the font. How very possible a recant one could have if one traded in death and facing their own demise would have to look death in the face, the final tally, total sum of what they had been about and now "by the sword". Very enjoyable read and what a great exercise for us to contemplate, to look at a picture and see if we can construct such a fine work as yours; about the pictured viewed. Ah, you've given me a new challenge.....LOL. Thank you for the posting and an unusual however pleasurable break in my morning. best always, Lora
Poetry Contests Online at The Poetic Link

Click HERE to return to ThePoeticLink.com Database Page!