Ascent

Ascent of
mankind.
From
the
deep forest
of Europe,
to the
Serengeti
in Africa.
Man
evolved.
From the
great cities
of Europe
through the
deep cultures
of Asia.
Good vs Evil.
Rocket fuel
propelling things
along.
One without
the other
would
stagnant.
Goodness not
mean enough
to push ahead.
Evil not
kind enough
to
cooperate.
Each alone
would wither
on the vine!
Good vs Evil
rocket fuel.
Explosive mixture
blasting mankind
to the
beyond.

Reviews

[charlie]

Good vs evil - a volatile mix. Already ignited, at that.
The poetic sensibility to this is unique to me. By that I mean: I haven't heard it presented in quite this way before. The literal operation of launching rockets/space exploration spliced with the metaphor of sky rocketing doom, and that each are the culminating effect of good vs not good. Though it makes perfect sense, to read it in your poem. It's very much akin to the Armageddon motif, isn't it...

The title is an interesting one, too. Since you referenced evolution, and how a common perception of man descending from monkey pervades... When - if the evolutionary theory were ever to hold up - it seems more palatable that we may have 'ascended' from our supposed origins, and not the other way 'round (although, that point of view is easily reversible and up for discussion).

What is also to be appreciated in the title is the Icarus myth. How ascending is not always for the best. There is a sweet spot where life is to be sustained. (Much like our earth's position in the solar system)

Thanks for your stimulating piece, Amylu.

[E.J. Waling]

Thank you kindly for reading my work and for writing your thoughts about it.