mauve watercolor bleak
mind shadows flit
like winged peri spirits:
in angel-evil hide and seek
the one true thing:
as basic and intrinsic as the air –
alas, one never gives it thought
. . .
until it isn't there
then, when
it seems that all is lost
to anger, ache and fears
to anger, ache and fears
the serpent of temptation –
in the addled trance . . . appears
note: In Persian
mythology, the Peri are exquisite, winged fairy-like spirits somewhat between
angels and evil spirits. They sometimes visit the realm of mortals. In popular culture - in the novel Zariel's Doom (2014) by Joseph Robert
Lewis, "Peris" appear as small impish creatures that can speak, but can
only be understood by angels, and can only repeat words and phrases that have
been spoken to them previously. In the Doctor Who series episode, The Twin Dilemma, the Doctor compares his
travelling companion, Peri Brown, to a Peri, explaining that “before the Peri
became good, it was evil.”
© 2015 W. Bourke
Thought-provoking, Wendy. The one true thing...one doesn't give it a thought until it isn't there...I see the truth in this and the depth. And, so true...I had never given it a thought.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. I think most of us have that "one true thing" - a love, a faith, a belief system - perhaps even a place that holds great meaning and replenishes our spirits when we are there. If and when that is taken away, people often feel lost, fearful, anxious, angry and suspicious. And at those times they are really vulnerable to temptation - whatever form that takes. If they succumb to that temptation - things have a way of going from bad . . . to worse.
Deletethat one true thing is sometimes the vital impetus...it's sad that we so often ignore it...and oh the last two lines really rise like a Peri...
ReplyDeleteWe too believe in Peris!! but we always associated the with good things:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sumana and Vandana. I came across a reference to Peris, not long ago. My sense is that they have found their way into western lore, quite recently - their characteristics evolving as they go . . . or so it would seem. Interesting!
DeleteActually the concept of those faeries having both good and evil within seems so much more alive, so much more believable - and indeed it resides within and will always show itself when we don't expect it.. Just like temptation.
ReplyDeletewe have to be careful who we choose to listen too...and what their motives might be....temptation is not always the large sins...sometimes it is just to turn our heads from what is truly important...
ReplyDeleteWe don't expect fairies to be both good and evil but I like my fairies that way--and I love that we may all be tipped into temptation!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how you do it - always give us things to think about and use rhymes that I like, good photos, and educational notes. I especially want to fixate on the one true thing.
ReplyDeletePerhaps fairies have many shades to them...much like us :)
ReplyDeleteYes--how we don't give something thought until it isn't there. The serpent sound ominous! Nice photos, too, despite the rainy day.
ReplyDeleteIt is all around us, and we are given a choice to listen to its voice or not ~ I appreciate your note, smiels ~
ReplyDelete