My life with you wasn’t enough;
you want me in your death too.
I thought I was free from your wrath
by your untimely death–but no.
Your spirit had barely time to
transition through the bardos
and here you are again.
You appear in death as you did
in life–cold, wicked, treacherous
in your countenance. Colorless,
with a lack of warmth and human
sensibility. You drift through
my life as an untouchable, unfeeling
of my need for peace, wellbeing
and sanctuary. You revel in creating
a horror and terror of my life, making
me pay the price of your own
recklessness. But no–I won’t claim
this as my burden–as my sentence.
Your hunger to hurt and cause
destruction will be finished by me.
No fear, no negative energy will
be granted. I will love you again.
Soon you will be vanishing
into the ethers–my compassion
creating your peaceful resting place.
Painting by Andrew Wyeth, “The Revenant”
My entry for Magpie Tales; Mag 82: http://magpietales.blogspot.com/
Bodhirose's Blog 
brian
/ September 14, 2011nice i like the thought of love releasing this haunting spirit or person and compassion creating a place for them….
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011I do too. Thank you, Brian.
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Explorations in Sacred Space
/ September 15, 2011Wow! Gayle, that is so intest and so clear. Well done. I love the ending …
Thanks for another goodie.
Jamie
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011What a great compliment–thanks, Jamie!
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Explorations in Sacred Space
/ September 18, 2011And you understood me even with the typos. Mindreader, eh?
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Bodhirose
/ September 18, 2011Yep–I am somewhat of a mindreader–hehe!
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dragonkatet
/ September 15, 2011Perfect title for the piece. I’ve known someone like the one you describe, and yes, revenant is the perfect word for them. This was really well done, G.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011I got the title from the prompt–it was that painting by Andrew Wyeth called The Revenant. I suppose some of my feeling behind this was from my ex. Thanks for the nice compliment, C.
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Inside the Mind of Isadora
/ September 15, 2011A taking back of ones life through forgiveness. A compassion sometimes not deserved but necessary for healing. Intense … great writing.
Namaste,
Izzy xoxo
P.S. my new word for today – revenant
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011It’s a great word isn’t it? Yes, sometimes compassion can be the ticket to freedom. Thanks so much, Izzy.
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booguloo
/ September 15, 2011Love seems to be the key.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011Yes, it does. Not always so easy though–not for me anyway.
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suz
/ September 15, 2011Oh wow….I like it!
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011Thanks, Suz–so glad you do!
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S Basu
/ September 15, 2011What a poem! fabulous ending Gayle and compassionately handled.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011Thank you, Trisha. Learning to live with compassion for others is an ongoing lesson for me.
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S Basu
/ September 16, 2011I believe some people have it in them and some have to try hard to be compassionate.
I too try to practice compassion as best as i can.
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Bodhirose
/ September 16, 2011It seems to depend on the situation with me–sometimes it’s very easy–sometimes not.
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S Basu
/ September 19, 2011well, ever since my meeting with devil i can scoop it out much easily than before but i too have some strong hindrances in its path.
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Bodhirose
/ September 21, 2011You are fortunate that your meeting with the Devil did not jade your heart, Trisha.
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Aneesa
/ September 15, 2011Love the ending… It takes a lot of love to forgive.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011Thank you very much. It is a choice that can make lives easier.
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gautami tripathy
/ September 15, 2011Awesome!
Loved it!
an elusive world lurks
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011Thanks–I really appreciate your support!
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Lorna's Voice
/ September 15, 2011I can’t add much to what your other admirers said. I echo their sentiments. Compassion, forgiveness without condition, love–these are the only places one can live and find peace.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011Thanks so much, Lorna. I think you’re right.
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Morning
/ September 15, 2011how cool you are writing a magpie tale.
excellent lines.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011I somehow came across the prompt and decided I wanted to join in–thanks so much, Morning.
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Donna B.
/ September 15, 2011wonderful words…really enjoyed this.
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Bodhirose
/ September 15, 2011I’m very pleased that you did, Donna–thank you.
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Androgoth
/ September 16, 2011Compassion for the wicked, I read this
and think why so much compassion for
such an ogre…
Quote: You appear in death as you did
in life–cold, wicked, treacherous in your
countenance. Colorless, with a lack of
warmth and human sensibility.
A nicely written poem,
but as for compassion…
I Think Not
Have a very nice Friday Gayle…
Androgoth Xx
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Bodhirose
/ September 16, 2011Thank you, Androgoth, for sharing your thoughts with me.
The compassion serves to free myself from the “ogre’s” wrath and wickedness towards me. If I choose to try and fight back with hatred–I’m doomed to torture for evermore. Revenants thrive on fear–so don’t want to be fearful either. What other way could I find freedom?
Enjoy your weekend, Androgoth, and thank you for coming by.
Gayle ~
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Androgoth
/ September 17, 2011Yes of course I understand that my friend, and your way of dealing with it serves you well, freedom from the darker side and a peaceful continuation…
I enjoyed reading your poem…
Androgoth Xx
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Bodhirose
/ September 17, 2011I was happy to see a response to me, Androgoth–I appreciate that. And so glad you enjoyed the poem.
Gayle ~
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fallenelegy
/ September 17, 2011i find your poems rooted in buddhist philosophy and this is another beautiful and meaningful example. the ability to endure every hatred towards self and not to have feelings of hate towards the one who spreads hate is a priced quality of a practicing buddhist. that ideal, to deal everything with compassion is the theme of this poem.
awesomely done and makes readers feel the compassion of the poet from inside and sure should implant such compassionate feelings in themselves. relevant to our times. 🙂
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Bodhirose
/ September 17, 2011I find such comfort and inspiration through Buddhist philosophy and spirituality is a very important part of who I am. It’s only natural that it would show up in my writings. I’m so happy that you find them meaningful to you too. It’s a nice connection to share with you.
I understand the importance of compassion in our life but still struggle with always practicing it. I’m glad the feeling of it came through in this poem. It kind of took the wind out the sails of that revenant didn’t it! 🙂 Yay!
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Helen
/ September 17, 2011Your revenant has a selfish side … I enjoyed reading your Magpie.
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Bodhirose
/ September 18, 2011Yes, he’s a beast! I’m glad you enjoyed this, Helen.
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The Gooseberry Garden
/ September 18, 2011smart one…
Hohoho,
What charming poetry you have posted here.
Invite you to share 1 to 3 poems with us, anything could fit the theme of object,
Cheers.
Hope to see you in.
Happy Writing..
xoxox
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Renee Espriu
/ September 22, 2011The passion of your words comes across clearly and with powerful strength to leave no stone unturned in your search for peace. Beautifully written.
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Bodhirose
/ September 23, 2011Love was the only way! Thanks so much, Renee.
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