The Anatomy of History

The throne, though impressive
is a hard master, and the bejeweled
crown rests heavily upon the king
afflicted with a conscience.

History does not remember him
nor does it acknowledge his benevolence,
preferring the payment of remembrance in the death cries
of men and enemies upon the misted battlegrounds.

What mettle of hero does the world desire?
Bards and skalds beg to sing of wolf kings
and the breaking of the world
heralding an age of legends and warriors.

There are no runestones that trill
with tales of velvet gloves but rather
they are etched by iron fists.
Kindness is often mistaken

for weakness, where good deeds
become the dust of the ages,
for history is written by the victors,
and they prefer their ink in blood.

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

This is a really sophisticated write, with wonderful clarity, and a sharp message, subtly crafted. I think the first and last stanzas are the most compelling.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much KL. I really appreciate that you enjoyed this one as it is a different kind of poem for me.

[Sharon L.H. Kelly]

This write aches with the truth. A compelling and well written piece.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Sharon.

[The Hampstead Poet]

This is an extremely interesting piece. It is very true that we oft forget the good deeds done in history, and focus on the terrible and the bad. What does this say about the human race, and history itself? I enjoyed reading your poem. Very thought-provoking.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks for your thoughts. They are always appreciated.

[s y e]

Oh Anne, this is so true. History is a funny thing in a way, there is so much we don't know but sometimes what we don't know can't/won't kill us however, sometimes that is not the case. I think the wiser we get the more we know and the more we can change it all, I think - if that makes sense?

Nevertheless, I loved it.

[icelandicblue]

The more we know may make us wiser...Thanks so much Noodle.

[Pryde Foltz]

There are no runestones that trill
with tales of velvet gloves but rather
they are etched by iron fists.
Kindness is often mistaken

for weakness, where good deeds
become the dust of the ages,
for history is written by the victors,
and they prefer their ink in blood.

So it seems … but the wiser we become the less this is so … oh wise one:) Excellent write, Icyblue.

[icelandicblue]

Our exteriors are more civilized but I often wonder what lies beneath the facade. Thank you Pryde.

[Pryde Foltz]

I think there is the Jeckle and the Hyde in all of us … the one that is nurtured is the one the one that gets to drive the meat suit.

[Ruth]

This is so wrenchingly true...what of those who are never remembered? This is truly a masterpiece of articulate deliverance and a reminder that not all history is due its shine...remarkable! x

[icelandicblue]

I often wonder about what we don't know of history. Thanks you so much for such an elegant review.

[Ruth]

My pleasure! x

[Jack...]

Anne...this hit home and hit hard. It is not only written history but daily history (perhaps) that rewards the ruthless and pastes a small article on the back page for the kind that you can often find lining the bottom of the bird cage of the victor. You ability to bring focus to past and present using indentical words is wonderful.

Loved this Poe.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you ever so much Jack. I always appreciate your thoughts.

[TL Boehm]

Oh My Lord where is my bagpipe - this is that epic. Seriously this poem called to my soul. We haven't changed much in a thousand years. Still bloodthirsty. Still craving the grave. There is an inexorable truth in this piece - and your allusion to Ragnarok - YEAH! My little eyeballs were riveted to the page. It is tragic that kindness is mistaken for weakness. That is the ache of this piece. But oh, the way you wrote it.

[icelandicblue]

I knew that this would not miss your discerning eye! I tried working berserkgang into it but just couldn't make it work. I am so happy that you liked this...you were one person I had hoped would absorb all the nuances! Thanks so much.

[kublakhan27]

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown...reading this made me think about the evolving role of royalty over the eras of history, or devolving role depending on how you look at it. The thing that unsettles me most about your sentiments here is the mettle of hero we desire may be an idealistic myth. Yet there is little else to do but keep on keeping on. This is a very substantial work that asks a lot of relevant questions...well done friend.

[icelandicblue]

The crown is heavy and so are the decisions but we do tend to glorify the great battles...it seems to be in our blood! Thanks so much.

[DIVYA]

crown rests heavily upon the king
afflicted with a conscience.

....deep words....Maybe there is no place for a conscience near a throne....

There is ample proof that history loves it's war heroes better than any other...and bloodshed is glorified. Maybe conflict and change is favored by nature itself.

I loved this thinking comment and writing. Thanks you so much for sharing it with me.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you for reading this carefully and understanding what I was trying to say. I really appreciate it.