The Repatriation of Shards

The Repatriation of Shards

 

What shall become of us now we

   are broken ..

Two parts of one whole, with each

of our shards both

   

fragmented and torn, like twin pages

lifted and pulled,

   from some ancient book perhaps ..

And although written

in tongues, now largely forgotten,

we might still be

remembered, in a few old prayers

whispered, or hushed

that echo, in and around, chapels

and churches, or those

heard, through thick dusty curtains,

of magnificent

  

    mosques, temples and cathedrals ..

Yet still, we are

nothing but a few, bright coloured

   splinters of glass ..

Desperate and aching for sunlight

to free us from

these redundant altars of rock, wood

and brass ..

Pray pin and replace us, high in those

lofty, vacant and hungry

   stone mullioned windows, where we

   

have always belonged ..

 

 

 

Reviews

[redd Brick Keshner]

This is such a moving meditation on brokenness and belonging. The imagery of shards as fragments of stained-glass aching for sunlight is powerful, that even in pieces, there’s beauty, memory, and the hope of restoration. I love how you've tied the sacred spaces of many traditions into the longing for wholeness. A luminous and resonant piece, Neville.

[Neville]

I am so glad you came by rBK your encouraging review note near made my day sir .. thank you most kindly .. Neville

[redd Brick Keshner]

Trying my best to do the ''rounds.' My schedule and stamina are not what they used to be!
RBK

[RomaJ]

Neville, your poem beautifully captures the longing for wholeness in brokenness. The shards as a metaphor for scattered parts of ourselves yearning for their place is powerful. I love how you tie it to sacred spaces, imagining splinters of glass reaching for sunlight and the windows they belong in. It’s both a lament and a quiet hope, reminding us that even in fragments, there is beauty and a place to shine.

[Neville]

You are amazing .. thanks a million .. Neville :)

[emmajoygreen]

Poetry and faith: nothing less than the all about deserves, sir. Whereas broken chains of anything die a sad, painful death and fail to take a place in both celestial and terrestrial space.

[Neville]

then maybe I should thank you then .. thank you then.

[emmajoygreen]

:) at least 10 characters
+ you who is a character in himself!

[Thomas W Case]

Superb work, my friend. Excellent.

[Neville]

Now aint that summat eh' cheers Thomas .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

I am a great believer in mending things which are broken. That could apply to relationships that once burned bright or even to stained glass windows destroyed by the elements or warfare. Those shards shattered on the floor are parts of a whole. They are still of value and deserve restoring to their former beauty. I love this poem Neville, it can be read on so many levels. That is what makes superb poetry. I travel in your words.

Chris

[Neville]

Bless you our Chris and journey on .. I have a feeling I might now sleep well tonight .. AGT's

Neville :)