Thursday, January 31, 2013

All-That-Is



image of the eye of God borrowed from bing


All-That-Is

“Young man, young man, your arms are too short
to box with God.”--James Weldon Johnson


We spend our lifetime searching for our God.
Too many believe they must cower for God.

I always find the Divine both within & without,
acknowledging the universal power of God.

But when school children are slaughtered 
I am forced to be very sour on God.

Little children’s innocent eyes being closed
by bullets makes me want to devour God.

Those priests, ministers, and clergymen all advise
that we kneel before the regal tower of God. 

Are thousands killed daily as a means
of population control by a very dour God?

When our loved ones die so young,
should we just glower at God?

Can our personal pain & mutual angst be
transmuted spending a holy hour with God?

Too damn often we are completely surrounded
by the pious practicing the diety du jour God.

Is there actual peace to be discovered
in Atheism when we just trower God?

If we can rediscover the divinity within
ourselves, do we then scour God?

Never forget what dog is spelled
backward when in the bour of God.

I would much prefer to visit an alpine meadow
and embrace a gentle wildflower God. 

Glenn Buttkus

Posted over on dVerse Poets FFA

Would you like to hear the author read this Ghazal to you?


21 comments:

Unknown said...

I hear you, man. Tackling a challenging form and difficult subject matter at the same time. Kudos.

Frank Watson said...

I think the form works well for spiritual reflection as well; it can be prayer-like in the repetition. Congrats on being one of the few people to attempt it!

It's hard to have faith when you see what goes on around you everyday...

Brian Miller said...

the dog spelled backward...ha...yes...and if we ever rediscover the divinity in ourselves, we can only hope cant we...your pearls give us lots to reflect on...it is a good thing faith is not by sight...

Janine Bollée said...

The final 'bead' resonates. A wildflower meadow is a perfect church in my view.
Your use of the rhyme is wonderful.

dragyonfly said...

Beautiful!! I am in complete agreement with Derrick in that you so successfully took on this form and a topic no one wants to talk about. I enjoyed very much hearing you reading it to me in your voice. You have a powerful presence in your writing and in your voice...Thank you!!

Bodhirose said...

I like the gentle wildflower God at the end...yep, that's all we need. A thoughtful reflection on a tough topic...thanks, Glenn.

Laurie Kolp said...

It is easy to have doubts after such horrific events, but I don't think it's God's will at all. This is very thought-provoking and I love the ending.

Mary said...

I enjoyed your reflections on God and people's views on Him. (Difficult subject.) And yes, I like the idea of the gentle wildflower God too. Excellent conclusion.

Anonymous said...

Excellent

Anonymous said...

A fine attempt on this tough form. The last couplet encapsulated this perfect little moment.
Gene

Semaphore said...

An absolutely shattering ghazal, a philosophical treatise and spiritual manifesto in one. The sustainment of the voice of outrage, right up to the denouement at the end, is craftsmanship of a very high order. Bravo!

marousia said...

What a wonderful use of the form! So resonant and haunting! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Hard questions, well framed. Great close. k.

Kathy Reed said...

I have to agree!!!

lucychili said...

yes i am with you on the wildflowers =)

Anonymous said...

The ghazal form is frequently used for spiritual relections like these Glenn. You challenge too-easy assumptions about faith and God with a gentle power here. Well done.

Judy Mauer said...

Are you going pagan Mr. Glenn??
I like it.

Deems Urquhart said...

Thank you for giving me the blog address. In my eyes, it is a wonderful poem than shares the feelings of many of us (including myself). Would you consider sharing it on FB?

RMP said...

a very poignant piece…a lot of questions to think on.

Lady In Read said...

very beautifully written - both the message and the form..
especially loved the last couplet..so much peace and hope there.

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said...

An ambitious piece, wel realised. I'm so with you re that last verse!