The green Man is a provocative image often found in the churches of Europe, who he is what he is none can say none ought to say: he is ...
Original title: rooted in the mud
Spring will be late this year
just as fall was reluctant to vacate.
Now it will April till the seasons change:
April with its sweet showers,
not cruel April but pilgrim April.
April seeking the holy blissful one
The lusty earthy month,
seeking holiness in the
green explosion of the force
that drives the fruitful earth
when the green man shall
arise and animate
the wonders of memory and desire.
He is a wee might of a giant
handsome in his own earthy way
his beard and course red hair
shot through with twigs and leaves,
his weathered bark colored face and
roving sea green eye.
Quite the way with the women,
has he, loosening their laces
and their thighs
be they young or old.
quite a way the men folk,
has he, he inspires, cajoles
enflames until,
old or young they all believe that
they are the priest’s bull
foundation sire of the town
The Green One
dances, dances, dances
with The Priest all the way
along the road to the tomb
of a meddlesome priest,
meddlesome Presbyters
of passion and the Passion.
dancing down the road to
the archbishop’s see and tomb—
celebrating in death, LIFE’
The Priest and the Green Man
staggering arm and arm
back down the road laughing,
Wretched pair of rebels, mocking
both Crown and Sword, stealing
from them the power of Death;
Singing a drunken office
to the sound of a broken reed,
full of April’s Passion, affirming life,
riotous life: abundant joy in breathing.
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Reviews of "The Green Man and the Priest"
Reviewed by Gianetta Ellis (Reader)
Reviewed on September 15, 2009
This is wonderful poetry. The first stanza was particularly effective and drew me in completely. There's a Druid-flavor that spices this piece in a very satisfying way. The imagery is clear and evocative to all the senses.
Poetically irreverent and scandalously free! This poem will excommunicate the prim and proper ideas of priesthood...make it alive "singing a drunken office to the sound of a broken reed, affirming life, riotous life...abundant joy in breathing."
Oh my goodness John what a green(ery) religous(ery) unrooting(ery)! Lol Been a while since last I read your work and oh my how you have progressed to writing more! YEA! Good to see you, well I mean see your work again!
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Bravo!
Cynthia
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