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Thursday 21 April 2011

Signs of the Arcane



Eat up your eggs and toast, my dear,
to celebrate the dead.
It's hardly proper fare, my dear,
but if you'll wipe your platter bare
the essence of our lore is there.

Remember we are Hung, my dear,
not those Manchu who rule,
who've banned us from our rightful ways,
who take no thought for China, dear,
nor Buddha or his school.

You need to wipe the platter bare
to see the broad design.
Our culture's there in every line
and every detail is a sign
of secrets that we share.

A bit late in the day, but only just got round to The Magpie Tales Monday prompt.

23 comments:

Isabel Doyle said...

a nice cross-cultual breakfast story Mr King - 'well cooked'

Shadow said...

your mind is a delightful playground, playful and mischievous!

David Cranmer said...

Dave, I sent two more e-mails. Did you get them?

Templeton's fury said...

made me think. well done!

Tabor said...

Wry juxtaposition. Most poignant for Americans at this time as we were recently devalued. Like the imagery of the design on the plate ... perhaps Chinese China?

hyperCRYPTICal said...

Made me think too. Well done!

Anna :o]

Andy Sewina said...

Love the way you speak for the plate!

susan m hinckley said...

I loved this, and most especially the third stanza and even more specifically, the last two lines -- well done!

flaubert said...

Love the second stanza, Dave. A thought provoking piece.

Pamela

Anonymous said...

Wow, David, not a lot of poets will brag that they're "Hung," LOL.

A great post, and I'll bet the plate was made in China, too! Loved the image and the sentiments. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/cobalt-blue-bottle-day-21-2/

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

Powerful Dave. This leaves at once a deep furrow. It's amazing how your poems get stronger every day.
And amazing how each day they can appear with such a force.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Clever, as ever, Dave. What I wish to know is - did you eat the eggs?

Trellissimo said...

Good to see the plate get all the attention, not the eggs...

Tumblewords: said...

Nicely re-fabled. I love the layers and depth of this piece.

Windsmoke. said...

Very enjoyable and it to made me think as well :-).

Titus said...

Beautiful rhythm, loved the tone as well. Again, so suited.

Carl said...

Well woven tapestry Dave.

Cloudia said...

you delight!




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Dave King said...

Isabel
Apt comment! Thanks.

Shadow
You've noticed? That so pleases me!

David
Cash Laramie - just the one, it seems.

Templeton's fury
A warm welcome to you and many thanks for the comment.

Tabor
I guess the imagery was devalued twice - once by them and once by us.

HyperCRYPTICAL
Hi. Good to have you visiting and commenting. Many thanks.

Sweet Talking Guy
Thanks.

susan
Hi, really good to hear from you. Much appreciate the comment.

Pamela
My thanks for your comment. Good to have it.

sharplittlepencil
I did wonder about the Hung! Probably made in China for the European market.

Tommaso
My sincere thanks for your generous comments. They are most valued.

The Weaver of Grass
Not really, I was afraid of over-egging the plate.

Trellissimo
Good to have your company - yes, the eggs were just something I had to work through.

Tumblewords
Thanks very much for your comment.

Windsmoke
Thanks for your support.

Titus
Lovely comment. Thanks.

Carl
Always good to have your comment.

Cloudia
Much blessing.

Helen said...

Nice combo plate!!!!

Rose said...

What delicious little secrets! Delightful rhythm and picture perfect indeed:) Another plate you've wiped clean as only you can do !!

Hyde Park Poetry Palace said...

true

wipe the food to see the whole picture.
masterful writing.

The Blog of Bee said...

I wonder how may of us have the china but never give the pattern and it's origins, a thought. You have sparked my interest for which I must thank you. This is a fascinating read.