messenger pigeon

 

He cried tears of sorrow

over creatures who rebelled

and washed the earth clean

of violence in ancient times

( humanity hasn’t changed )

faith-full Noah rode out storm

with motley-crewed menagerie

in huge hand-built (pitched

and precariously pitching) boat

until drencher rain stopped,

floodwaters began to recede

when raven embarks from ark,

on long reconnaissance mission

pumping back and forth across

expansive sea on strong wings.

days later, Noah let out a dove,

delicate creature in search of

nesting place for her young.

first flight aborted, exhausted

re-released after (weak) week

she returns with an olive branch

of peace to the human family (who

bowed) under God’s bow of promise

— aimed back at Him who would

bear our sin and rescue the world.

 

 


A prose poem linked to dVerse poets where Laura Bloomsbury encourages us to take flight!

21 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Stine Writing
    Jul 30, 2020 @ 18:01:46

    A beautiful tribute to Noah and his story!

    Reply

  2. memadtwo
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 17:14:36

    We need a dove with an olive branch. (K)

    Reply

  3. Grace
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 15:56:50

    The dove with an olive branch of peace – I like the symbolism and retelling of this story.

    Reply

  4. Glenn A. Buttkus
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 14:06:23

    An interesting take on the biblical story. Odd to me that the crow did not return, and it was the dove dubbed a “bird of peace”.

    Reply

  5. Ron.
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 13:58:12

    Well captured and exquisitely retold, Lynn. Salute

    Reply

  6. carolinestreetblog
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 08:04:59

    A very beautiful poem Lynn about a frightening time, but there was the great hope, which only Noah and his family proved.

    Reply

  7. hank77
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 03:48:15

    kaykuala

    under God’s bow of promise
    — aimed back at Him who would
    bear our sin and rescue the world.

    Clever use of Noah’s biblical reference accords access to many types of birds. Yes, they did their share to sight land at the end. Wonderful write Lynn!

    Hank

    Reply

  8. msjadeli
    Jul 28, 2020 @ 23:45:41

    You picked some famous birds to highlight and what wondrous symbols they are.

    Reply

  9. rothpoetry
    Jul 28, 2020 @ 22:27:24

    Very nice retelling of the story of the Flood. I like your unique use of homophones throughout your poem.

    Reply

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