Poem of the Day: “488, revisited” by Katelyn Oster

Songs of Eretz Poetry Review is pleased to present “488, revisited” by Katelyn Oster, a 2015 Songs of Eretz Poetry Award Contest finalist.  Mrs. Oster was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She attended four years at Ohio State University, where she fostered her deep love for writing. After being named the first place “Literature” winner for the University’s literary magazine, Mosaic, in 2012, she found the perfect opportunity to publish her first compilation book, Even Crouching Gods Look Like Giants http://www.lulu.com/shop/katelyn-oster/even-crouching-gods-look-like-giants-ebook/ebook/product-20255845.html. She has written over 500 poems to date and maintains her own personal writing blog at www.katelynoster.com. She enjoys spending her spare time painting, writing, reading, and relaxing with her husband Terry and pug George.

488, revisited

Katelyn Oster

the funny thing about being a writer

is that

no one wants to hear about heroes. 

villains make heroes.

adversity makes heroes. 

all the world seems to crave

is the ultimate abyss,

the deep, dark

harbinger of Death

and 

the sudden peace he would leave in the ashes.

but

ironically enough, 

we can’t find it in ourselves

to write about Him.

He is the taboo demon 

inside all of us

taunting, bragging

that he will never be known, only guessed at.

sometimes you’ll catch a glance of Him

jeering at you through passing railcar windows

in the corner of the parking lot

where no one ever dares to go

waiting in the wake of cigarette smoke,

gone stale with the exhales of the ages

He,

more evasive than the Muse, 

he silently chuckles at his

quiet brilliance. 

in the silent beauty of all things, where one might find

the sacred, 

the holy, 

the pure unadulterated wholeness,

He will surely appear,

a stain on our canvas.

Poet's Notes:  I wrote this poem as a sort of homage to duality. The idea of light versus dark seems to be as ancient as humankind itself, and I find myself continually fascinated by it. I feel that most of my poetry highlights the struggle in understanding this dynamic. This poem is but a subtle laugh at the futility of understanding this dynamic, as well as the futility of trying to change it.

Editor’s Note:  There is a mysterious, almost paranormal quality to this piece, perfectly complimented by the dark tone.  A slightly different version of this poem first appeared in the poet's writing blog www.katelynoster.com.