the incidental ill will
of clouded reasoning
a most difficult thing
to wholly make out
forgiving explicit scorn
writing off grave words
yet tenderness demands
a flawless benevolence
how so such an event?
rosy revenge? for what?
perhaps the sweetness?
perhaps the glory quest?
the prize of grand slam?
extra points to be scored
after the game is over?
he knew not the answer
not a living soul does
the curse born of living
a pinch of make-believe
heartstrings gentle tug
none of these impressions
provoke sound reason
when spring is in the air
and the darkest recesses
of the blind one’s skull
remains dormant, lost
in yesteryears blossoming
yet found in rainy days
and red mist memories
long since studiously revoked
(picture by Karya Seni Patung Tuan Nguyen)
- MIKE STEEDEN - 
it is good to be good, even when it seems irrational
Dashed hard sometimes, yet you are 100% correct.
Don’t know what you’re talking about. I know nothing of gentle tugs and tenderness … know only of evil pulls and harshness.
A very fine ‘real take’ in the ‘real world’ view you have there Ms M Winter! It’s hard but I’m giving it best shot.
This is beautiful, Mike. To seek still ‘flawless benevolence’, to be tender when it is difficult to be, to rise above ‘the incidental ill will of clouded reasoning’. For me, that is the battle cry, to be better than I am, against all opposition. Your choice of words caress the philosophy of such a lovely and laudable title.
The words of Peter Gabriel come to mind, ‘Dressing up in costumes, playing silly games, Hiding out in tree-tops shouting out rude names’…it’s got me a tad miffed, yet I refuse to drop to their level.
Hard though not to just tell them to do one! Biting my tongue most of the time.
Try wearing an EU badge on your lapel. I’ve been spat at; barged, yet thus far not not thumped…thankfully. On the day after the referendum a young bird on the till in Lidl’s of Eastern European descent was ask by some old English woman if she’d ‘packed her bags yet’. The poor kid shed tears. I’ll never forget the cruelty of that remark. I made my point known, obviously…thankfully, the old bird’s husband bottled when I took my shades off and smiled…I’m not a fighter, thankfully, it didn’t dawn on him.
Flawless benevolence…what a foreign concept.
Oh Marissa, Marissa, Marissa, you are cruel o heart. I am a broken man.
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
Hmmmm. I am listening to George’s latest track he’s put up while reading flawless magnificence. What a talented duo you tow are x
Cheers Ms S. The Lord himself may have ghostly tales to tell…more of the poltergeist! His latest claim is that the fact the smoke alarms kick off at exactly 5pm every morning must mean the ghost is gaining confidence! I checked the batteries and connections and nothing is amiss. I’m curious to see what he comes up with. He really does keep Shirl and I amused.
LOL>>>It will be it all though if there is a ghost…… x
Very true Ms S.
Worth savoring more than once.
Cheers young Leslie.
I see now why you and Paul Lenzi are “tight”–you both write above my usual comprehension, BRAVO! And I especially love your header image–a wonderful kiss indeed!
Paul is a poet who’s work will stand the test of time itself. An exceptional craftsman. My dear wife and I always make sure of an annual kiss pic…why?…no idea. That one is about three years old now, so I must update it on WP soon! Whatever, I truly look forward to following, and reading your work. Best wishes, Mike
I think an annual kiss pic is a grand tradition–here’s to lasting LOVE!
Cheers, it’s lasted 100 years thus far!
🙂 🙂
“red mist memories” should definitely be turned into the name of a cocktail; I love it!
What a splendid idea…ingredients?
Gin, campari, a dash of bitters, sugar syrup, a lemon twist, and a handful of regrets. Don’t forget the swizel stick.
For such a concoction I would cut my hair and wear a suit…sounds sublime.
especially the taste of the regret!
What a line! Love it…truly, not joking. Well Ms. Annabelle Troy you have derived me of the Holy Grail of a phrase in context…respect.
Thank you, also meant without irony–I am truly honored.
You have some great imagery in this poem, Mike. Love the cocktail idea. Perfect for those rainy days!
A mere muse upon Brexit and such like…plus my desire to forgive, not yet accomplished, likely never will be.
Oh, I see now. The world is certainly growing more divided, and it’s hard to find anything positive about the state of things. I’d like to do a post on that too though I normally don’t really care that much about politics, but there was a really interesting scene in Lord of the Rings which struck a chord with me regarding racial tensions.
I hope you can accomplish some forgiveness… I’ve found it hard too in the past, and I think it’s easier if you think about it as a letting go, a cutting of the cords that bind you to that incident or person, rather than absolving the person who hurt you. Here I am giving out self help book advice lol 🙂
My cheque for your services in that regard will be in the post! Presently though, the battle with the insanity and cruelty of the compassionless must continue.
Reminds me of all the people in my life that stood by me, despite me being a villain.
Nice bit of copy Mike. Class.
Cheers, Gary the proper bloke…Ronaldo by any other name.
Can flawless benevolence be perfectly imperfect? It seems to me like a fleeting moment sometimes the gift of a stranger.
In truth I think you are cleverer than me. There is a tad of angry denial within this piece. I would be a liar if I said otherwise. Whatever, my sincere thanks…appreciated.
Tender and beautiful. I think that even a single episode of benevolence in our life makes a powerful impact.
I find it hard to forgive, yet believe me, I am trying.
Same here. Trying.
Beautiful. 🙂
Cheers, Ms D G Kaye…appreciated.
🙂 Please call me Debby.
Now you have gone and made me think again…you know that gives me a headache!
When I first read your comment I thought it said, ‘You’ve gone mad again’…I really must get some new reading glasses! Sorry about the headache though.
The onus of madness, I know it well. Yes, I said onus. Thank you Mike.
Nice one! Nearly read that wrong as well.
🙂
I love the timelessness of your writing, MS. I could as easily imagine reading this piece carved in a giant rock, as I could, a book of modern poetry. Beautiful & elegant. (If I may be so bold), geo.