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Showing posts with the label Dramatic Poems

The Grand Legacy of the Flavian Amphitheater

The Roman Colosseum , originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, stands as an enduring symbol of the architectural ingenuity and cultural complexity of ancient Rome. Commissioned around 70–72 CE by Emperor Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty, the structure was intended as a grand gift to the Roman public. It was constructed in the heart of Rome, occupying the site of a drained artificial lake that previously belonged to Emperor Nero's decadent Golden House. By replacing a tyrant's private pleasure garden with a massive public arena, the Flavian emperors strategically sought to regain the loyalty and favor of the Roman citizens after years of civil unrest. The completion of this monumental venue required immense resources, engineering precision, and a vast workforce. Thousands of enslaved laborers performed the grueling physical tasks of quarrying and transporting materials, while skilled Roman artisans executed the intricate structural designs. Emperor Titus, Vespa...
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"Pieces of Fruit" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Round, green, and sweet: Vitamins in the peel, Crunchy yet soft inside, And seeds of life in the core.   Seeds were planted one planting season. Decorative rocks surrounded the saplings: Didn’t want anyone to mistake them… For weeds—they are more valuable than…   Money, for we can at least eat fruit. The time has come to sure up our resources… For winter—an apple is wonderful by the fire— Warm and sweet: you and I retreat.  
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"Ask the Clown" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  How many days wasted hazy and lazy Dry as a bone, my pot for Daisy Yellow, lovely, crazy Seems like nothing matters glazy   Fall into water feet first Only come out for thirst No matter how the worst A big, fat bubble burst   This world is upside down Just go and ask the clown On his face a painted frown On his head a paper crown        
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"To Suffer" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  To live is to suffer. Whether royalty or poor, We suffer differently, But that doesn’t make one person… Good and the other bad… Or one suffering more noteworthy… Than another. Suffering is good if … Expansion of mind is achieved. Many times, we must endure suffering, So that we may reap greatly later.
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"Until the Lock Opens" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Pantheism: everything is God. God is the fundamental substance… From which all has evolved… The Universe is God.   Human beings, in turn, are their own Gods. Many imaginative concepts of God— All beautiful in their own ways— Have been posited throughout time.   All concepts of God up to this point… Have been imagined creations… By human beings—we created the… Gods we worship, except…   The Universe: none of us can claim… Responsibility for creating it. The Universe existed before us, And will continue after us.   Human beings are the Gods of the Earth. ‘Tis our playground, for now, until Roaches… Take over the earth and evolve… Into creatures more resilient than us.   Humanity will cease to exist. The only thing we have is “now.” The individual must create anything. To live today is better than dreaming…   About living in a future that may never come. There is nothing in this world… Wor...
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"Gaining Wisdom" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  The congregants clapped their hands… And shouted, “Praise the lord!” Victory Pentecostal Church… “Jesus on the main line… Tell him what you want!”   David Dunn followed his father… Into the ministry: “Pentecostal Fire.” David had a secret he had never told: His boyfriend, John, was not a Christian, What’s more: David didn’t want to be…   A Christian either; he wasn’t sure what… He wanted to be, but he knew he wanted… To define himself —true freedom! Defining oneself, free from societal biases, Takes enough work to stay busy.   Stay busy and keep your mind occupied. Life has a way of becoming boring when you do nothing. Boredom turns to misery if not alleviated. Plenty of poor, depressed souls can attest to that. Knowing these things: David started his journey.   David posited: Mind is our most precious possession; Therefore, gaining wisdom is paramount. Without wisdom, kingdoms fall, and countries are crushe...
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"This is Life" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  There is nothing left for me here.      Dashed dreams and broken promises… Things said that cannot be taken back…      I’ll pack a bag, take a train, and run away.   I’ll run until the soles of my shoes melt,      Until my lungs can take no more, Until my muscles are on fire,      And my back aches and burns. I’ll run until my side splits open!   After all the running is over,      I’ll look back on all the ground I’ve covered… The waters I’ve crossed…      The forests, so bright in Autumn, I’ve enjoyed… The public parks I’ve visited…      And I’ll laugh and say, “This is life.”    
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"Those Who Take" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  I grew up in a cult that claimed to be… The sole proprietors of the truth. I thought truth was the most important thing, But I learned of some things more important: Vital existence and rational egoism.   One must protect oneself from… The Psychic Vampires and ideologues, Those who exploit weakness… To take advantage of the unsuspecting. Beware those who take but never give!    
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"I Hope I'm Remembered" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Walking along a razor’s edge, Consistent work I duly pledge! Not much room left for failure… My body has become my jailor.   If only I could escape for a moment, From the deep fire of torment… I would gladly sing you a song! Us together could never be wrong!   Many years I walked through the darkness… Holding a flag to celebrate starkness. My soul existed in distant shadows. I have too many secrets to disclose.   Lying here on a bed of death, Trying to atone with my last breath… Hoping to save my soul from plague. The meaning of life is just too vague.   Dreaming, I wander alone through fields of grass. My heart is a dense, heavy mass. Those looking for answers have my heart, “Don’t cry, or you’ll make me start.”   The only thing I knew to do… Was take your hand and run with you. We went to the edge of the moon, Looked at our blue orb and wrote a tune.   After my last moment on earth, Fin...
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"Your Anger" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  It is never my intention to offend you. The offense you take is yours to hold, For it comes from within your own mind. Nothing I could say or write… No question or statement I ponder… Can harm you in any way. Words have energy to affect, But we must interpret them correctly. You cannot understand my meaning… If you do not understand the words… I’m speaking—your anger is yours.  
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"A Pantheist's Question" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  I grew up around self-righteous, Pompous Christians who thought… They were special in the Universe, Because they were uniquely a person.   They spoke, read, wrote, and pontificated, But they could not admit when they were wrong. They must always be right, for being… Wrong is too unacceptable, because…   The Bible requires perfection from those… Who declare its authority and validity. Imperfection is not an option for them, For they believe the “Holy Spirit” will perfect.   Show me a person who is sure they know… The truth, and I’ll show you a broken, insecure… Shell of a person who doesn’t know much. Not knowing the truth is the true blessing.   Understanding you don’t know the truth… Is the first step toward intellectual freedom. Religious freedom is the freedom to discover… Any religion you want, and no one can stop you.   That’s the hope anyway—that no one will… Hinder your search for the truth—but ...
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"My Psychodrama Spells" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

Twisted into a million knots, My brain seizes from broken thoughts. Nothing alive can take my energy, Because of my soul’s synergy.   We dance to the beat of that drum— The one that soldiers overcome— The one that starts the celebration— The one that fills our hearts with elation!   How many hearts must melt… Before my pain is felt. Why do I listen to anything you say? I know you are going to glum-up the day.   You’re a harbinger of negativity and darkness. I left you ages ago because of your starkness. You follow me, stalking around the corner— Disturbing the last broken mourner!   I take comfort, for the sun will rise. The skin beneath my eyes dries. I tie my shoes tight, pick up my dumbbells, And say my psychodrama spells. 
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"Whether I'm Alive or Dead" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  I am a poet with sharp wit. My mind is adept at keeping… Together all the grime and grit.   Compartmentalization is key. Understanding how to keep it that way… Does not come for free.   A fine, thin line I tread, Almost falling over the edge. Whether I’m alive or dead,   It depends on who’s asking the question. Is it the invisible person on your shoulder, Or the one at the door with a suggestion?   How many minutes must I waste… Waiting for an answer that’ll never come? I cannot rid my palate of the dust I taste.
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"King in My Own Reality" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Driving the wrong way down the four-lane… Headlights headed straight toward me… I honk my horn as if it will make a difference. Red and Blue Lights flashing behind me: I drive away as fast as I can, hoping I can outrun…   The police—I couldn’t outrun them, though. They came for me like sharks devouring… Chum in the water, but I came out on top. They couldn’t break my mind or spirit, Even though they held me in solitary confinement.   Perhaps, dear person, you may ask, “Why were… You running from the police?” I might reply, “Schizoaffective disorder.” I am not ashamed to have a psychotic disorder, Because I did not ask for it or volunteer for it.   Auditory and Visual Hallucinations, Depression or Mania depending on my level of stress, Hyper-religious Delusions and… A mind trapped in its own imagination— I am a prisoner in this body.   Two little white pills keep me sane… From day to day—medicine for an illness...
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"Before He Drops Dead" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

We have fun times at “Whisky Pete’s.” Open mic night is my favorite time, Because I can get up and share my songs. I cannot sing well, nor are my songs inspired, But I have passion and a dream that won’t die. On the small stage, sitting on the stool, is… An older man who claims to be a time traveler. He claims he is older me from the future. He warns me of impending doom—Apocalypse. He strums a few cords on his guitar and… Hums a bit of a toon before he drops dead. 
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"A Beautiful Question" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  I don’t have any answers, But I wish I did. If I did have any, I would gladly share them.   Since the beginning of humanity, People have asked big questions. Some of the most important ones… Still lack satisfactory answers.   Unanswerable questions defy… Our will to understand. There on the page in print: A beautiful question to ponder.
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"She Remembers the Time" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Sitting in her English Comp 101 class, Her mind wanders a million miles away. She thinks of her grandpa—his wrinkled hands and… The far away look in his eyes sometimes— Those eyes watched the world unfold.   When she was 5 and too small to… Get onto a bar stool by herself, Her Grandpa took her to have ice cream… At “Holly’s Ice Cream Shop.” She had a single scoop Strawberry cone.   Grandpa had a double scoop… Chocolate cone with sprinkles. She had a pink dress on that was… Taking many of the drops of melting… Strawberry Ice cream—Grandpa laughed. Back in those days,   People were not so connected by… Technology—their heads were not… Down staring at their phones. People were closer in those days too. She remembers the time she’ll never get back.   Grandpa left this world before cell phones… Were even a thing—a luddite would go… Bonkers in today’s world of smart this… And intelligent that—She smiles at the...
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"Awakening" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Because I was raised in a cult, The experience made me… Agnostic—unsure of what the… Ultimate truth is or could be.   I have researched religious ideologies: Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, The Church of God, Salvation Army, Non-denominational, Catholicism, Unitarian Universalism, The Church of Satan,   The Church of Christ, Universal Life Church, The Church of Reality, The Church of the Universe, Atheism, Monotheism, Polytheism, Pantheism—it is an intriguing idea.   If the Universe is all that exists, We are not just Human beings… We are the Universe. If the Universe is God, Then we are also God.   But what if God does transcend the universe— Both permeate and transcend existence?   Panentheism is the idea that God both… Permeates and transcends existence. There are millions of ideas about God. We’ve had ideas about God since ancient times.   Consider the Ancient Greeks: They believed in ...
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"Those Gods and Goddesses" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Do Gods and Goddesses exist? We understand who we want to be and… Our capabilities and ambitions. The true power of any individual… Is the power to create.   Creation is bringing life to… Something previously nonexistent. What one creates may be… Constructive or destructive… Depending upon their personality.   The power to create belongs to the Gods… And Goddesses—we create from what we know. Pain begets pain; suffering begets suffering. An escape exists within the realms of… Human imagination and intense desire.   Gods and Goddesses do exist. We are Gods and Goddesses robed in flesh! We are strong and prideful! We are those poring philosophy… And science books in the libraries.   We are those capable of making wise decisions. We are those who take responsibility. We are those capable of rational discussions. We are those who champion the strong. We are those Gods and Goddesses.
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"An Unattainable Star" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Sometimes the road is long and lonely. We travel it because we must. If we’re lucky we meet a few lovely… People before we return to the dust. Taste the biscuits and warm tea.   Fate has brought us this far. Our strength is slowly failing. Our hearts have more than one scar. Oft it seems we are not prevailing, But staring at an unattainable star.  
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"What I Believe In" a poem by Charles Anthony Hood

  Someone asked me what I believe in. “It’d be easier for me to tell you what I disbelieve.” I replied. The truth is I am agnostic about most things. One’s answers lie within the realm of what one is willing to believe. There are a limited number of things I believe. Empiricists declare that one can trust one’s senses. I do not trust my own senses, Nor do I trust the senses of others— Many people are incompetent. “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Truman Capote laughed. Truth is hard to find in our reality.
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