This Poem was Submitted By: James C. Horak On Date: 2006-12-14 13:14:48 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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The Place of Peace

Proud Persians persist today, black as thunder's sky.    Plagued by every pestilence man and Nature might try. The Moors were their children and Niger's sole delight,    Upon Second Rome's ashes, when the Keepers took flight.  Saladin was most magnificent, his wisdom still proclaimed,    Although you might not think so, your view so entrained. Under his protection God's Pact with man became restored    When the Templars were given back what had so long been adored.  Still, it was not meant to be away from whence it was taken,    Returned was it thus, by Templars themselves, now forsaken.  The Place Saladin promised the Keepers safety and peace    The brave knights, finding no other, took the sign each. To this day so it remains, superbly unguarded by else but great trust    In a little village now with the keeper attending even to the dust. Science stumbles about, changing words to hide its dismay    Man's path to the stars will have an old man's hand on it today. 

Copyright © December 2006 James C. Horak

Additional Notes:
In a modest house, with a modest little yard, in a modest little Ethiopian village and kept by a modest almost withered little old man with bright eyes, black as anthracite. The Ark of the Holy Covenant.


This Poem was Critiqued By: DeniMari Z. On Date: 2006-12-30 11:57:08
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear JC, This is an interesting read, solemn, throughout the entire piece. Great structure & rhyming scheme, nothing read forced - which, is a more than good effort - in longer lines. Simplistic, and serene - completely comprehensive - each verse makes a clear statement - and teaches the reader, in essence of what is being told by the writer. I really enjoyed this poem - with it's deep thought provoking message - last line was my favorite - thanks for the read, Denimari


This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2006-12-29 00:45:52
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
James, The rhythm was good, it felt like the tempo of the night before Chritmas. I'm not sure what I think of the Ark of the Covenant. Years back I read Chariots of the Gods telling it's power was from another planet? That the visions of God were actual beings from space in their space ships. It gets pretty interesting all the possabilities. Hugs to you this day, Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: Ellen K Lewis On Date: 2006-12-27 13:20:14
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Wow. Ok, James, again I am stunned! These thought will haunt me today, as I soak them up. I really really like this type of stuff that you write so well! I wish I had once walked through the streets of your vision and had seen with my own eyes. Or that perhaps, you had seen through my eyes that I might understand. I am blinded and don't know these truths you speak of. I know of the Templars, the Ark and Saladin; but I don't know of the greatest of these, or the least. I am so sheltered. Thank you for this, and the other pieces you have submitted! It is necessary for someone to keep us enlightened. Please share more, won't you? We see on TV all the bad, the horror, the tenacious activity but I know nothing of the people themselves; their goodness or virtues. "Seeing" this little old man tenderly caring for the Ark of the Covenant renews my faith in people....... I really like it. You're tops on my list this month! Ellen
This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2006-12-16 00:38:48
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
James, Haven't enough time to give you your true due, this is simply exquisite. I enjoy it more with each read and I hope you don't mind but have saved it to my puter so that I might read it again and again. Even your added note is as if poem itself. Just wanted to let you know I was here and had a read and was quite delight that I had stopped by. This peace is pure "GOLD". Lora
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2006-12-14 21:49:54
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
To find such a place........well presented, nice rhyme, images certainly have been created with the flare of your pen which brings us to this place you describe above. II always look forward to finding your work and you never disappoint anyone. God Bless, Claire
This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2006-12-14 17:52:18
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi James....this is an extrodinary poem and I enjoyed every word of it. You have once again taught me somethng today. The first time I read this poem I was enthralled with the story and when I read your notes I was even more so....that you could tell this tale in excellent rhyme. So the second time I read it I savored the rhyme I did not count the beats to see if it is perfect but instead I just enjoyed the sound of it and to my ear it is in perfect rhyme. Have you been to Niger? Have you seen this place of wonder? If so I can imagine how fascinated you must have been. My husband wanted to travel when he retired but had to take a medical retirement due to his poor health so traveling was pretty much out of the question. However, I did go to some places I never believed I would after my mother passed away six years later. Remember I am that small town girl who grew up in a fantsy land believing there were no "hard knocks"...boy was I wrong! I also believed exotic places were only in the movies. Anyway...I love this poem and I think it will be at the top of my list this month. I am going to Texas for Christmas and will be gone for two weeks...but I will check in to see what is going on...so please be good while I am gone (grin) Oh hell, that's no fun! Cheers....Marilyn
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