PATTERNS/ Poetry Potluck #18

THIS WEEK'S POETRY POTLUCK #18 , "Languages, Signs, and Symbols"...... came up as a welcome challenge!  Please visit the site and join in!!


PATTERNS

What happens to symbols,
whether an embroidered lotus
on a prayer cloth,
or an inscribed silver vessel
for holy water?

Even a wall of stone
emblazoned with Assyrian Kings.

eyes staring,
chins raised in ferocity,
cheeks puffed with power,

awaiting tribute
to be tossed at their feet
by the vanquished,

all start to unravel.

It's as if a hired hand
was deliberately mutilating,
breaking, tearing threads,
wiping out splendor.

But it's no more
than the clear pattern of time.


@copyright/all rights reserved/ 2011


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Afternoon At The Museum

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxROYAL CROWN
X
THIS WAS THE DAY THAT
YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO
MEET ME ON THE STEPS
of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Remember? Afghanistan:
Hidden Treasures from
the National Museum,
Kabul. Now you remember!!
x
So where were you? There I
was, clutching my red rose,
so you'd spot me...Well, since
you couldn't make it, I'll tell
you all about it.
x
As I previously mentioned,
the exhibit celebrates the heritage
and rescue of precious treasures,
thought to have been stolen or
destroyed. Thankfully saved and
gathered, organized by the National
Geographic Society, and the National
Gallery of Art, Washington.
x
Upon entering the exhibit, bright
lights find a huge Corinthian Capital,
limestone, 145 B.C. Found
at Ai Khanum.
Turning, one sees a fragment of a
glass bowl, clear, beautifully etched,
2200-1900 B.C. found at Tepe Fullol.
Next, a ceremonial plaque of Cybele
and Her Chariot, from the 3rd century B.C.,
shimmering with a gilded silver,
as if it were in the sunlight.
x
An impressive Hemispherical Sundial,
limestone, large enough to sit on.
145 B.C., the fragment was actually
calibrated for Ai Khanum's Northern
Latitude.
Amazingly preserved, a tiny bone
statuette of a Nude Female,
6 inches tall, as detailed as if
it were life size. Ai Khanum.
x
There were a number of fish-shaped
glass flasks, well preserved, used
as perfume bottles, which were
popular throughout the Roman Empire.
I would wish to have one of these,
just to dip into some seductive scent.
There was creamy alabaster dish,
with a Ram's head handle, Roman
tableware, used for offerings of wine
during ceremonies.
Dozens and dozens more spectacular
pieces, huge and tiny, gilt and glass.
x
One of my favorites is shown above
in the photo. A Royal Crown, gold,
having belonged to a Princess, has
a remarkable and practical property.
It can be collapsed, taken apart into
6 separate sections for easy travel.
And then put together again,
when the Princess wishes.
x
If this extraordinary exhibit finds its
way to your neighborhood museum,
run, do not walk...

Friends

I FEEL AS IF I'M JUST STEPS AWAY
FROM THOSE CHAIRS. I'M WITH A
FRIEND, WE'RE CARRYING
A LITTLE PICNIC: A LOAF OF CRUSTY
SEMOLINA sesame bread, a brie that will
ooze in the sun, hurriedly placed in the
shade of the umbrella, a straw basket
of peaches (surprise!), a bottle of
very cool, dry, Pinot Blanc.
x
The sun is glinting off my oldest
silver knife, and the crystal glasses,
atop the basket, have a
music all their own as they
touch and part with the sway.
x
x
Emerson said:
xxxxxxxxFriendship, like the
immortality of the soul,
is too good to be believed.
x
x
Pending:
Another big surprise this morning!!
From NATALIE at Musings from the deep,
the LEMONADE AWARD!
I'm really thrilled, though I don't know
what it's for!! As soon as I do, I'll post
it. But many thanks, Natalie, for
thinking of me!!!
x
x
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