stain glass rainbows
paint his mahogany skin
as he shuffles down
the crimson carpet aisle
to a front row seat
with God, gasps
rippling through
the lily white crowd.
this day, i
see where love ends
and i am
glad he's not gay
or supporting
health care reform
or the stones
might have come
harder.
Tell a story in 55 words. Give it a try, or just read more, go see g-man.
so maybe i went a little controversial this week. it just makes me mad to see people spit on and degraded. its easy to condemn and sometimes even to tolerate, but its a whole other thing to love your neighbor.
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122 comments:
Let me be the first to say that you nailed this one on the head.
Controversy exists, whether or not we have the audacity to open Pandora's pythos.
"stain glass rainbows
paint his mahogany skin"-wow-great description!
"crimson carpet"
"lily white"
WOW
WOW
WOW!
What a creative way to express your thoughts. I feel like I'm there!
Yes, seems it has become 'love thy neighbor if he/she agrees with you' - quite a distortion of Christ's original intent.
Brian you really are a word connoisseur! You took me there into that church! I became the man with the mahogany skin & I felt their eyes upon me ... searing, burning me with their disapproval!
It is maddening to know that this kind of condemnation still exists, especially amongst people of faith.
very nice,
i often find myself laughing at the news these days...everyone takes themselves far too seriously.
what a better place the world would be if loving your neighbor was a reality...
much love
Again you paint a picture with words. Intolerance is everywhere around us.
For cryin' out loud, some people are still close minded aren't they? This is one of your better ones as far as I am concerned.
Wow. wow. Wow.
All of my work friends LOVE it.
All of my neighborhood friends HATE it.
None of my blog friends have talked about it.
I just don't know.
RIGHT ON, Brian!!!
Amen brother.
people are just ... ugh!
can i get a witness...lol.
That was SO awesome!
i have read that 3 times now... you never cease to amaze me with the poetic images and grace of which you hit deep inside the soul, e-v-e-r-y-t-i-m-e... wonderful!
"...and i am
glad he's not gay
or supporting
health care reform
or the stones
might have come
harder"
very interesting and daring notes,
the stone may be the same, it is the feeling that changes...
cool post!
Time flies,
it is Friday again, I remember last week you came back from your talk on Saturday, wow,
I am glad that with so many friends such as you and many more around, times goes by fast, which is a good thing...
thank you for the thoughtful reminder in my blog,
I was off the computer from 4:30pm to 7:30pm in general,
Nice to read your thoughts...
i know a man always wants something controversial, which is normal and cool,
very powerful and descriptive post!
This might be my favorite so far. It's so hard to pick just one favorite post of yours but OMG, this one really rocks!
People of all colors are the same underneath the skin, from the top of their craniums to the bottom of their souls.
"stain glass rainbows",
very interesting title,
I love the ending f your 55,
you leave reads to think and image some more...
you are expert in hooking readers...
Happy Friday!
Take care!
Excellent 55, but I get the feeling I'm missing something, like maybe something in the news. Maybe it's just that G-man has me gun shy since I missed the "can't drive 55" one.
Awesome Brian...awesome!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Alice Shush..
Everyone interprets things differently.
Brian...Another work of ART brother! Thanks for this awesome 55, and have a Kick Ass Week-End!
G
It is clear to me why you have received so many poet awards. Your writing is terrific. I think you have outdone yourself with this 55.
PG
I have a couple of VERY religious friends...who are theeeee most intolerant people I know. It's sick and sad.
We should be doing what we can to lift each other up. Lend a hand. Smile.
YES!!!!
I love your poetry *and* your politics. ;)
-Corrie
this was fantastic Brian, a great post under 55 words, I go on and on so this would be hard lol, hope all is well, see u soon :)
Perfect.
Very powerful, Brian and a little righteous controversy never hurt anyone.
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/thursday-is-awards-shower-day-this-week-week-11-participants/
link in case you need the reference later,
thank you.
The mvp award for you.
I stick with facts...yet, I do allow everyone the right to an opinion. :) I do keep in mind it is only an opinion. :)
So very true, Brian! I'm with you all the way on this one.
ohh Brian, I love this. the story, the words chosen, the scene painted in such a colourful description. the message. i love it!
xxsm
"If you are not like me - you must change." How ridiculous is that? Great message, Brian. My 55 will be HERE after midnight Pacific time. (It's that whole "Friday" thing with me.)
Excellent 55!
Daring words, Brian.
Love this post, my friend.
Bravo!
Thank you so much for your visit. My apologies for being late, I am able to only visit now. Been busy with my kids. Happy Friday! hugs, shakira
awsome brian. Took writing class at a place in MN. also you enjoying that comic I recomended
I am so glad my church is supportive of anyone who walks through the door. How else is anyone going to hear about God's love if not from inside the church?
I sent that last comment too quickly! This was such a good post! I had to read it twice, to be sure I got the full context. Pretty good tie in to the current status of the nation.
You are such a well rounded writer! Always something different to read when i come here!
Beautiful descriptions as always Brian, with a message that packs a punch.
My 55 is Twisting Roots
Also love you went controversial edgy this week,
How sadly strange that love and kindness are still controversial. Maybe we need to worry less about going to church and just start being the church. Great job, Brian!!
"This day I see where the love ends." That's fantastic.
This bothered me as well. Great piece Brian!
I’m up right HERE
thoughtful, heartful!
Aloha from Hawaii my Friend
Comfort Spiral
So well expressed. Wow.
I love this Brian. One of your best imho, but then I like writing that digs deep.
"i am
glad he's not gay
or supporting
health care reform"
I'm glad you wrote about this. Maybe as writers we can balance the crazies, one word at a time.
Mine is up now.
Yes sir, that puts in perspective.
My 55 is: Respect
I saw colors and felt the sun, then I laughed at your health care reform line.. it has been and issue as of late. Great poem
Gerardine
Thank God for small mercies :)
Neighbors can be intolerable at times. I speak from experience!
I couldn't put it better than you - but then again, I've yet to come across anyone who can.
I do run out of words to compliment you each week.. very visual and contemporay.
Mine is up...enjoy your weekend.
Brian, this one says it all. My favorite of all your posts so far. The colors, the theme, the symbols, the important message...
And to get all that through using only 55 words. Perfect.
/Jo
Too true and too sad.
Your imagery is outstanding. This poem is perfection.
I wish I could of explained my heart as you have....my comments have not been so kind, thank God I have a chance to publish each comment or not.
You are a good man Brian....I am glad you are my blogging friend.
.....:-)hugs
I believe "controvery" may be the word for this week. Maybe the most gentle one I've seen after all the retaliation for the health care vote.
When ever I see this much violence, upheaval and retalition, I know we are truly on the edge of change. If reactions were luke warm, we would be maintaining the status quo.
Obviously, we are not. It's going to be a rough ride but I think those that pushed the line were well aware of the possible outcome. The time is here and now to stand united and strong.
Beautifully illustrated.
nice blog!!
controversial's fine. you're right. no matter what we say, our actions prove all too often that we do not love our neighbour...
I really, really love this. Beautiful writing!
beautiful.
You make a point with apparent subtlety, but leaving no doubt. Excellently done.
Controversial is good. Out with the ordinary, safe and mundane.;) I liked it, even if it is very much a subject concerning your country, I can relate.;)
Have a lovely Friday Brian,
xo
Zuzana
You said it. So well. I have been in those places where love and peace reign, and I have happily come out of them to find love and peace.
I found out decades ago it is best to stay out of churches seeing as that is where all war propaganda starts
The same people who spit and throw things at other people because they don't like their political positions, are the same people who condemn terrorism. Kind of ironic if you ask me.
Your story though brief was huge when it came down to the meaning it contained. This is the first time I have read your 55 and I must say I’m truly impressed.
Have a great weekend!
Oh, and the title nails it too!
You can say you've achieved a great message in your 55.
Still, it's sad to see such hate and ridicule also. As you say...controversial. Sometimes it just needs to be said, your feelings.
or the stones
might have come
harder.
powerful ending to strong piece.
Beautiful imagery, Brian!
Oh my God, a few words to express unending discrimination and disrespect, breaks my heart and gives me a little hope, you see it, others will too..Oh i missed you Brian
I see where the love ends..well done --here's hoping that goodness will prevail and the divide will somehow be resolved---happy friday and have a wonderful weekend
I think we have seen the same things, on opposite sides of the world. Have a great weekend. :)
this piece is very powerful and i agree with Titanium, you nailed it! so few words, such a stron political and humanitarian stance.
AMEN!
So much expressed in so few words. Each piece is a doorway to a world.
good for you for being controversial. Someone needs to be. There's too much gasping in churches and finger pointing. There needs to be more offerings of hand and heart.
Excellent. I love it!
Thanks for the comment on my blog yesterday. I'm looking forward to great stories to share after this break.
Take care,
Jen
Such use of color-visual imagery. I love that. You might like my first 55 called "Hues." It's a little hokey, but uses color. This is very, very intriguing. D
:)
simple truth. well said.
Writers shd never shy away from controversies. never.
i am glad u wrote this.
thumbs up !!
Oh you nailed this one.
thanks
Jim
Someone I know once called Sunday services "The most segregated hour of the week". I can picture this scene, unfortunately. Thanks for calling it what it is.
you know, i think that many find it hard to love thy neighbour, when they don't even love themselves.
stir the pot,
YES!
your intention is not too hurt, we know that.
i confess that i am a chicken too many times.
time to be the hawk!
I had to read it a few times, to be honest. Yeah, about the stones hitting him hard. I wonder if he was gay and supported health care reform would he have dared step foot in such a white place?
Loved the line "a front row seat with God"
Me likes :)
I have always admired humble- because it takes bravery to be humble..
first time here.
and I love this.
I also like how you chose mahogany, which made me think of the pews,
because people are the church , or should be
There's nothing quite so ugly as intolerance. Bravo on this powerful 55!
Really nice. Thanks and have a great weekend!
That was as vivid as they come. And Brian? I'm so proud of myself... I'm beginning to appreciate all the depth of your writing. I'm learning! And I love you.
whooaaa...!! tht was awesome brian..
i try and try but somehow the 55 words doesnt fit into my poems :(
daarrrn... :(
sorry for not bein a lil regular recently plan to catch up :)
Happy Friday, Brian!
Beautiful.. very very very very very magnificent. This is one of my favorites you ever wrote.
so powerful true...i could see this happening in my mind's eye.
~IS
I have read it two times
but its PUURFECT :-)
(@^.^@)
Nice poem. Here's my rather as you have seen gory tale
You gotta be controversial when you're standing up for love.
Really well done, Brian. This week has been so tough. I am so weary of the hostility in our country.
A church overdue for enlightenment, it sounds like!
Wow. Reminds me of the folks in the Bible who prayed "thank you God that I'm not like that sinner" with such sincere gratefulness. Powerful.
Here's mine: A Day in the Life of a Sportscaster, thanks for visiting!
Great poem Brian.
the imprint you leave with the message that you convey through this piece is awesomely intrinsic and doubly trenchant.
it might be one of the most powerful you've written, and that's not a simple task to achieve, admiring all your other various works.
well done, as always, and as always, well written ~
Another punch. This and your gunshot post really resonate with me and what has transpired in my world this week.
You have a great weekend too. :)
This is so awesome. I wasn't expecting it to go where you took it but I'm glad that you did.
wordless...you said it all!
So good!
Perfect. Just perfect.
So these things exist even now... mahogany skin and lily white crowd-I loved the images that you've used here.mahogany, lily white or a plain brown tree trunk-it's exemplified through our actions, it's the heart that matters the most.
As the mother of mahogany kids (adopted),this speaks volumes to me. Thanks!
Since I am #110 to comment (Unbelievable! Soon you'll need a fan club president!), all I can say is: what they said. You are an inspiration.
This is controversial.. and great work too.
I think this is one of my favorite things you have written. I applaud you.
You have such an open and loving heart. :)
Brian, this can;t be said enough. I am glad you were a wee bit controversial. I can note abide spitting or lewd slander just because someone does something you don;t like. We need to be better than that.
Powerful stuff, man, powerful stuff. Great imagery, too!
I suppose there will always be hard hearted ignorant bigots. Unfortunately we have to share this space and the air we breathe with them. You again did a wonderful in a few words to show the bias that is all around us.
This was very nicely done, Brian. I'm a complete stranger to brevity, but as if often the case, I admire most the gifts I do not possess. Fifty-five words or less? I sneeze more than that, and stand in amazement at anyone who could tell a story with so few words.
Truly, what a gorgeous gift. Congratulations on the post of the week mention, Brian :-)
Congrats on POTW mention from Hilary
Heartbreaking words.
Well deserving of your POTW mention.
Congrats on POTW mention :)!
I am giving you a standing ovation
congrats on POTW
It's easy to see why this was a POTW.
Awesome.
jj
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