INAUGURAL ISSUE - AUGUST 2003
ISSN 1448 - 6326
DRESDEN BELL
Bet Green
Waiting… While anvil cold unused lies anvil long unused Though hammering sounds but not nearby away the war prolonged and longed for Peace Isaiah cries as wounded ones return slowly, your swords will be hammered Into plowshares Might and power drive war on as they arrayed in armour bound to fight to kill To win right Or right wrong but in the end forgot in maze of loss of life and limb Recollections grey steal in rising through morning mist Phantasms warm memories lick petal lips silk soft on dust dry wrist And hand hugging lethal weapon on the hip forgets…. A dragging war meaning lost Let’s go home… |
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Still
there are the friends to find |
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Tomorrow
and tomorrow work will wring Man strength gouging out the earth Breaking back and swing again the axe armed to bring Down only trees to fill to level dawn to dusk and plant Plant, plant to harvest…. |
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Spirit
lifts splits from body weight Chafing garments booted feet forget Left in another place To soar to kiss the sunlit hills the gentle sway of mottled leaf Into ear anew a sound a shock surprise Pours joy unprecedented delicate beyond endurance Exquisite a mere bird To herald hearth and home. |
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We
have arrived as Micah cries Swords will be hammered into plowshares Or Isaiah or both as one While creasing brow and acid pain Rob the song And twist the lip Another voice hammers in brain Tearing down the years Joel shrieks the prophets’ pain your plowshares Into spears again. |
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When
will it end? Before the end comes? Will end of war precede the end or war To end all wars shall be the end? Death of death yet wins
for life |
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What
the awful weight Of longing Why light-lit love-adorned Sent, star splendiferous to earth Accompanied the cosmic King Or bowing down heavenly body mark A human birth? |
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On
pristine shore once more A swelling wave Humanity recreated, in cognition Reassured shape-changed hovering Huge a global singular assertion Airy translucent light-resplendent Salt-sparkled and promise held Breaks… |
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Time
gathered in Turbulent commotion Spread out custodian of the elements A light-carpet unique Reflecting life |
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Unanimous? |
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Strangely
compelling the scene Now changed Uncharted way At the crossroads To return or go on To return surrendering Sundering cord taking Modern mind captive To feed off in caves Of the past Like a lizard devouring its young. |
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Exhaustion
War callous conflict Ensuing sickness ground Vile whirlpool dragging Dragging Down |
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Call
gentle Unbreakable silk Cord draws to hills scrubby Wild thrills tiny glade alive in Song of tinkling little bells sharp Crystal pure piercing soul Clear continuous |
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The
small bird came With mate Settled close there Yellow breasted Gleaming greyish head Cocked wordless Wisely told Humanity in union With all that is A royal destiny Behold |
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Self-same
Image one peace Child deep deep deep Within carved indelibly Imprinted search Once more Begin. |
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Soft
skin seared scoured The sensitive ear deafened Lyrical tongue ripped out and Lies have driven the face into the Dust while marching boots crunch Backs that bore others’ burdens Generous to the core as iron Clad commanders draw on The sword to impose peace Gentle minds tear apart Rip open the world Sore. |
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Oil
of gladness |
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They
are the little ones |
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Tough
glad sad Gentle gives Forgives as Gilead. |
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Like
India rubber stretched out now malleable Lubricated holding human life tenderly and upwards Into Godspace moving as one wave not to a military drum But forwards relentless purposeful step in communion With melodious hum |
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A
throbbing bell to symbolize end of |
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Bet Green lectures in the School of Theology, McAuley Campus.
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