Smoke on the Water
Can you not see
that the wisps of mist
and bank of fog
is smoke on the water
trailing from a crowded ship
aflame and spewing smoke
across the heaving sea
where packed lifeboats are adrift
amidst shards of ice
and towering bergs
Can you not hear
the ominous tune the orchestra
plays is not for dancing
but beseeching God
and those shouting by the rails
stand not gaily waving
but are calling for help
to those who look from afar
wanting only mist and fog
but never smoke on the water
Can you not understand
it's we who stand clutching the rail
of our ship on fire with bow
rising up and stern sinking
beneath the billowing smoke
and not the trailing mist
or bank of fog on the water
where there's no more room
on jam-packed lifeboats
bobbing among fatal ice
Can you not fathom
there is just no safety
in trailing mist and heavy fog
when bitter smoke on the water
swirls over half-sunk boats
and chokes those screaming at the rails
as doomed orchestra plays ominous lament
but real salvation lies
in all hands helping
man the pumps
See also:
000 Spirit: Table of Contents /viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976776308
(Note: editing this poem to insert a hyperlink and make a few tiny changes resulted in all of the many previous comments being ditched by Gather.)
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Comments: 37
As with so many of these teaching stories that are also expertly written poetic narratives, Magi, you place what a man or woman does as a spiritual adjutant of their fellow human beings over religious ' glory talk' or pious postures or command of every rule and ritual. Your own spiritual path has traced and retraced the Good Samaritan archetype that Jesus showed us as perhaps the principal lesson of common humanity, especially in this age of disaster, both natural and manmade, where "mist and fog" indeed cover us, both literally and metaphorically.
When I read one of these incredible poems of yours, I don't know whether to pick up my Bible, meditate, or pray, but whatever ACTION I perform will be directed with the end of helping my neighbor. You instill that into your reader in your greatest literary productions (whether individual works or your longer series) and it is the value lesson I most appreciate having imprinted on the subconscious level through reading your work, which hits both the right and left hemispheres of the brain and lights up the flexible mind.
Thank you also, John, for your gracious words. As you so clearly discern, I use imagery to teach, and thereby learn, true fellowship: that we are all benediction to each other. When we in our twos and threes and then collectively embrace our common humanity - with deeds to put substance in too often hollow words - then there can be no mist or fog to blind us to our collective humanity. Only then can we clearly see that there is smoke on the water.
John, do all three: pick up your Bible, meditate and pray for guidance in the action to perform in helping your neighbor. That will be honouring the injunction to, love one another. It is the way of the Magi, leading to enlightenment. We are no meant to stumble alone and blind along the road to nowhere in a bitter wilderness. Rather, when we view all as dear, valued brothers and sisters, we discover that the quiet way is open because God now holds our hands.
Oh, Lord, now I'm preaching - that will never do!
Love and blessings to you and all.
Magi
Magi
P.S. I found and read the Ship of Souls which you directed me to - it was well worth the travel.
Can you not hear
the ominous tune the orchestra
plays is not for dancing
but beseeching God
and those shouting by the rails
stand not gaily waving
but are calling for help
to those who look from afar
wanting only mist and fog
but never smoke on the water
I'm not sure why, of all the powerful phrases delivered here, this one speaks to me most intuitively and to my depths. I know you didn't write this for ME, but I have decided to own this stanza until I understand its power over me. Very beautiful work!
Love and blessings to you.
Magi
This is such gripping verse for me as I sand with you clutching at the rail that is this poem, choking on the smoke and watching sinking life boats burn. We find ourselves amidst our own demise, that we are defined.
It is a terrible fate, to be found clutching the rail watching for the opportunity to be saved while watching the very life-boats that might save you, burning and sinking when the greater promise was to join in a cohesive effort that would save the entire list.
It is a powerful lesson you share, one of community and sacrifice.
Well done my friend, Magi. I love it.
You have got it! Thank you so much for your detailed commentary and generous praise, my friend.
And it is good to catch up with you.
I haven't read Williams article as yet...but we are indeed all on the sinking ship, in more ways than one.
You got good "Who".