in the harbor
a black ship
sails toward shore
the new land
the americas
below the decks
crimson warriors
satan’s own
wearing crosses of white
we see them come ashore
so many men
with strange dress
metal arms and heads
weapons that flash
like thunder
killing without a single
blow of the axe
elders tell us to flee
but we the young eagles
say we shall fight
for our sacred ground
for freedom
for all that the gods
have given us
but
rocks burst open
the blood of our nation
pours from each stone
of the village
flames consume
the living
and the dead
waves of fear
cover all who stand
before these beasts
our gods
have forsaken us
our gold
our freedom
our land
raped
by
messengers
of a
foreign
god
who
came
to
save
our
souls
This poem represents my fourth response to the third challenge series between Jade and I. This challenge is somewhat different in that the prompt is now an audio prompt. Each poet provides the other with five instrumental songs (so that the song’s words do not interefere with the poet’s) from which the poet is to write a poem. Jade has written her first response which can be found here.
Speechless again… the mental assoiations you make are just undescribable. I so love strating my day like this… I’m still in bed, laptop in my arms, reading your poetry. Thank you thank you thank you!
I don’t know, Charles, I thought your photo-interpretations were amazing, but this writing to videos is bringing out whole other facets. The message here is so clear, the black ship of doom coming ostensibly to save souls and succeeding only in its hidden goal, to conquer and to destroy – for what is conquering about, if not destruction? For that matter, what is saving souls about, if not to destroy them? I dare to say it…
Captivating from the beginning to end…loved the music..and your voice together…BRAVO Charles..worthy of a movie!!! Loved it my friend!! You are amazing 🙂 x
Link is, I hope, to a painting at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, by Jose Bedia- Viejo Estrella–it’s got that conquistador message of your poem.
Your poetry has my mnd associating rapidly and at will. I consider that a very good thing.
hi there – is it just me !! can any one explain why when i type in the firefox browser “slpmartin.wordpress.com” i get a different site yet whe i type it in google its ok? could this be a bug in my system or is any one else having same probs ?
alfies
Read Between the Minds 
Speechless again… the mental assoiations you make are just undescribable. I so love strating my day like this… I’m still in bed, laptop in my arms, reading your poetry. Thank you thank you thank you!
Wow, I really, really liked this one. It speaks to me without even trying.
awesome poem charles. you painted the perfect picture of the vicious invaders.
i sincerely pray quite often that Africa rises again, throwing away the chains that are pulling her to the dust.
The irony of religious war.. all these music challenges are so fierce, as the photo challenges were reflective. I’m enjoying your work together1
The poem really goes well with the music. The words causes me to think of what is happening presently as history seems to be repeating itself.
Well done.
Right On, Charles… you do well with an accompanyment, stressing stresses, groaning groans and lulling lulls… all to make one Remember it!
I don’t know, Charles, I thought your photo-interpretations were amazing, but this writing to videos is bringing out whole other facets. The message here is so clear, the black ship of doom coming ostensibly to save souls and succeeding only in its hidden goal, to conquer and to destroy – for what is conquering about, if not destruction? For that matter, what is saving souls about, if not to destroy them? I dare to say it…
You knew I’d like this one, right? 🙂 I can see how the music inspired it. Very powerful poem!
I was fairly certain this one would be of your liking…yes…I thought of you as I was writing.
Excellent-
weaver of images – thank you.
Captivating from the beginning to end…loved the music..and your voice together…BRAVO Charles..worthy of a movie!!! Loved it my friend!! You are amazing 🙂 x
Vivid imagery. Amazing take on conquests. So fitting for the song! You have done one better than the last.
http://collections.kemperart.org/Obj459$95
Link is, I hope, to a painting at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, by Jose Bedia- Viejo Estrella–it’s got that conquistador message of your poem.
Your poetry has my mnd associating rapidly and at will. I consider that a very good thing.
your writting always leave me speachless… im unworthy to comment… but, kudos!!!
hi there – is it just me !! can any one explain why when i type in the firefox browser “slpmartin.wordpress.com” i get a different site yet whe i type it in google its ok? could this be a bug in my system or is any one else having same probs ?
alfies
I really don’t have any idea of why that would occur…perhaps the wordpress folks could provide you with an answer.