Against the Grain of Life
I find myself transfixed
by the profanely erudite views of Libertines
who claim the patronage of intellect,
yet display the fallen grace
of petulant fools.
I cannot fathom their muse,
that wholly instill their minds with fateful lies,
to compromise any reasonable affront,
in questioning their twisted values,
pompously attached to reason.
Surely a soul of any weight
cannot relate a hedonistic view of life,
as if there were no more,
and thought just an encumbrance
to ratify the strife of gleaned experience.
I am caught between wonder and disdain,
for all they claim in cynical rejection,
and adhere to pleasured interaction
as the saving grace of life,
all else a pointless plight.
For me the need for pleasured comfort
is the abandonment of potential,
throne just to satisfy an itch,
a surface scratch to being,
and an indolent and fruitless existence.
What more can a narrow mind uphold,
if not the superficial,
the trite and laden strife of frivolous deeds,
no effect or possibility enticed,
just a chosen swim in the cesspool of life.
For did we not rise from that pool,
amoeba of simple plight,
at least open to evolution’s penchant for survival,
a step up from the quagmire,
yet some wish to remain, soulless,
against the grain of life.
Tony DeLorger © 2017
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An interesting title I must say, the photo appropriate, yet that grain certainly is stunning and enticing in appearance, but what lays behind a head often full of self, ego and beauty stark. I too have an itch for the sensuality offered by the fairer sex and being MAN the itch at times is soothed by the beautifully nailed damsel. Yet too often, beauty rests within them, noting more. Give me intellect, sensible conversation and truth and I am at peace with their grain. I have loved woman all my life and that hasn’t changed, I just found I couldn’t live with them too long, but could not live without them in my life in measured doses;-)) So get that itch scratched from time to time my friend, it does the soul and heart much pleasure. Well written as always, many truths to what you say here.
Much appreciated Vincent, and what you say is true, there are grey areas in my rendering. I feel these days the intention and worth of love has been devalued some and pleasure alone is an empty vessel. Take care my friend.
What Vincent said. 🙂 Nice write, Tony. An alluring image to draw us in too.
Many thanks John, glad you appreciated the work. Cheers!
The intricacy of this poem has my admiration; it takes a mind of depth, creativity, and brilliance, to paint such words upon the writer’s canvas.
Too kind Tamara, and pleased you appreciated the work. take care
What Tamara said. 🙂 Well done, Tony, excellent phrasing.
Thanks Phyllis, glad you enjoyed it. Take care.