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The Charioteer
People part
as I glide
through the crowd
head at chest height.
Mothers tell children
‘mind the man in the chair,’
the kids turn with a start
and stare.
Yes,
I’m the man in the chair.
The man in the brand new
shiny chair.
Carving through the crowd
like a Roman chariot.
Head held unbowed,
a laureate.
But…. later….
when I’m alone
the beasts will be set free -
and they will rage.
No longer the charioteer
I will play the part
of the condemned.
John - a la carte.
Yet - amid the melee,
secure in the knowledge
that, He has a plan,
I will survive.
John Carré Buchanan
17 January 2013
This poem is shared with Poets United.
I enjoyed this John. Deep and meaningful. Jenny
ReplyDeleteJenny, Thank you for your kind comment. I am glad that you enjoyed the poem.
Deleteunderstand fab would love a car i just propel
DeleteHi Dinah, thanks for your comment.
DeleteYou written some terrific poems on here (or rather posted them) but somehow, I think this one so far is your best. I've read it through more than half a dozen times and have to say, very impressive.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, Thank you for your kind compliment. I am delighted that you like my poems. This one falls out of the freedom I feel when I am using my chair. I feel that it restores me, turning me from the cripple, robbed of my freedom of movement to the former athlete or charioteer, capable of moving with skill at speed.
DeleteWhen we have full faith, nothing can stop us.
ReplyDeleteHi Vandana,thanks for your kind comment.
Deletevery moving - literally and metaphorically John. Hope the man in the chair can carry his buccaneering spirit onto the stage that has no audience
ReplyDeleteHi Telltaletherapy, thanks for your comment and for your support.
DeleteWhat images your poem evoke in the readers mind. This is a great poem, I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHi Old Egg, thanks for your kind comment, I'm glad you liked the poem.
DeleteIt seems like the man in the chair carries a lot of weight, but will the plan be a strong one.
ReplyDeleteHi Trudessa, Thanks for your comment, Hopefully it will be.
DeleteI know you've written this poem from deep within your soul, John.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julian, I guess I have to keep digging deep!
DeleteThis remind me of that slave you need to have on your chariot reminding you that you are mortal... "memento mori"
ReplyDeleteHi Brudberg, Thanks for your comment. In my case the slave is unrelenting severe pain which has been with me for the last 9 years. It would be great if he fell off the chariot! :)
DeleteI have a feeling this speaks eloquently for every "man in a chair", for the beasts that rage in moments alone; but, hopefully, for the determination to survive and metaphorically walk tall. Bravo, John.
ReplyDeleteHi Indybev, Thanks for your kind comment.
DeleteI like the strength and positivity in this poem. It is hard to make such huge adjustments, but it sounds like you rose to the challenge very well.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry, I keep pushing :-) Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThe man in a chair definitely has a good outlook on life. With a plan, he will survive well!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, thank you for your kind comment.
Deleteawww...thanks John. this felt so real and so majestic I must thank you for it. what a great poem you have here! there's so much in it. blessed day!
ReplyDeleteHi J.T, thanks for your kind comment.
DeleteAs long as the knowing is enough... all will be well.
ReplyDeleteHi Magaly, thank you for your comment.
DeleteLove this poem expressing strength, the struggle and the will to survive and yes you will. Deep, moving, powerful poem
ReplyDeleteHi Marja, thank you for your kind comment and your support.
DeleteHoly crap! good write... but I would tell to author to walk : ) into the new world of a different race (chaos)
ReplyDeleteZQ
Hi ZQ, thanks for your comment,
DeleteThe first time I read the poem I was imagining a majestic emperor on his chariot parting the crowds, had to read it a second time to realise.. yes,he should have hope
ReplyDeleteHi Namy, Thank you for your kind comment.
DeleteI'm glad you can be the charioteer sometimes. The poem says it clearly and succinctly. (I have a friend in a chair.)
ReplyDeleteHi Rosemary, Thanks for your kind comment.
Delete