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Mass for Athena
by Rafika Anderson
The specific context of the moment
defined by pine needles and sugar plum fairies
surprisingly superceded by an intense surge of memories
The sky mimics its distressed appearance
of the melancholy day of your departure
gloomy, cloud-filled, gray
the air pregnant with incense and nostalgic aromas
hinting of the season
Like a long overdue letter to my soul
recollections of you pour forth--overcome me
your seductive smile, your charming words, your fluid mannerisms
your steel determination and will
my amazing transformation under your expert tutelage
Eclipsed by the boundless tyranny of loneliness
the suffocating burden of your absence
an agonizing suffering that has refused to end
my life swiftly slipped into reverse
wrapped firmly round highly-charged work issues
eager to engage—
all righteousness and fury
keenly aware of social dynamics evolving between those around me
smothering my optimism and wounded idealism
with contracts, protocols, and courtesies of a bygone era
Discerning opposition everywhere
I sharpen the edge of my victorious sword and recite prayers of battle
while mind and body manifest moot struggles with time and fear
gathering strength in the shadows of lurking despair
Blanketing me like a fine layer of midwinter snow
the experience of your presence saturates every corner of my mind with joy
reveals itself in the lively faces of our merry-making mutual friends
on the rising eventide of the holiday 12/24/2003 Author's Note: From "Moon over Muscat: The Archangel Collection." Experiencing the pangs of loss and longing at the obligatory holiday party with loved ones...
Posted on 12/19/2007
Copyright © 2010 Rafika Anderson
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by JD Clay on 12/22/07 at 03:31 PM This is an amazingly detailed account, Ra! Ebullient and descriptive with all things good. Interesting title too. Bravo! |
| Posted by Michelle Angelini on 12/23/07 at 08:40 PM The one thing that struck me about this poem was the energy that flowed from it. Athena (one of my favorite Greek goddesses) had many functions and she was also one of the most versatile goddesses. Here, your words about her, capture her goddess personality. Yes, she is a favorite goddess of war and one to intervene the quickest for the human heroes she loved.
~Chelle~ |
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