Whosoever drinketh – Charley/Petru Challenge
15November 5, 2017 by petrujviljoen
[Here comes she, bearing her plight.]
(A man! Will his words carry sugar
as does all the rest?)
[She suffers more than she needs.
Her exclusion from the throng
her own guilt]
(A Jew! Why is he waiting here,
and at this hour?)
[Her heart remains open – Thank
you, Father!]
(I cannot face him. He must know
that I am an outcast. Perhaps
if I ignore him.)
[She cannot know that I am here
to bring her back into the world
of the living.]
(Maybe he will ignore me.)
“Will you give me some water?”
‘’Will you give me some water?’’
(A woman, mocking. Me!)
[He’s waiting. He chose the well,
a woman’s place. He does not (yet)
know I’m a Sibyl, taught by the
Matriarchs who came before me.
He’s here for what I can give him.]
(I’m in danger. And
the disciples bore me. That look of
compassion … half a smile.
An intellect … She knows!)
[We share a father, Israel, a mother also,
Ethiopa. The ones whose well I (we) use. He has
need, his heart will open.]
(A Samaritan!
Honour, respect … I listened.)
[He will suffer much. His ambition will be
his exclusion. Consolation won’t suffice
here. Yes, in answer, husbands I’ve had,
many. Bah! I can’t be ruled.]
(I expected consolation, even memory
and got philosophy. Here are the
disciples …)
[I’ll leave the water jug. They can draw
water for themselves. Ignorants! I’ll
draw from Life when I need again.]
(I have to go. I have a cross to bear.)
[I am]
(I am)
Jilly – Casting Bricks to Attract Jade – a platform for poetic challenges. And Challenges. I met this one.
I love that line ‘I have to go, I have a cross to bear.’ Killer.
Unique take on this scene, Petru. I am most taken with her understanding of what is his future just as he had knowledge of her past and the two closing lines, of course. This is a tough challenge and you met it well. (I’ve written mine, but not posted just yet.)
Thanks Jilly. I’m always a bit nervous when I write such subversive material. When it is appreciated I’m grateful. Looking forward to your take on it!
Worthy, worthy poem! Bravo! You captured the tone and turned the corner (tables) neatly! You also captured two voices that speak brilliantly. Again, bravo!
(Now, if you’d care to continue conversing theologically, contact me. Or feel free not to. No arguments, I swear… um, affirm… promise. 🙂 )
At first I balked at taking part in fear of proselytizing – which was how I first read it. I’ll email.
I can’t even pronounce that word, much less do it! (he’s lying!) I don’t do poetry that is thinly veiled sales, prosel– prose– witnessing, or strongly stilted political ranting. Art for Art’s sake (whoever Art is)!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!!! I don;t mind ranting – when nothing else seem to work!
A [person] convinced against [his or her] will….
Ha! When it happens it is a terrible thing – don’t you think?
It is, indeed. The rest of the quote is essential: “…remains unpersuaded still.”
One has to make up one’s own mind.
Indeed! Always.
Intentionally not reading just yet, as I am also working on this one. I’ll be back soon! Glad you are joining in, my friend!
Looking forward to the conversation!
Me, too!