Religion Poem by Niko Tiliopoulos

Niko, One of the few appealing poems I've read at this site. But the title would be more inviting if you changed it to something more concrete, in the moment of the poem. The title made me think it was going to be another boring poem on religion, but I liked your poem's specificity and detail that was real and not just some construct that you envisioned to be poetical. Here are some suggestions, take or leave: Christmas Day At The Beach I blind the sun with reflection on my shades, upset the sand with my sweat, obstruct the sea-breeze, and drink the Indian ocean like a blue martini. The overlooking semi-automatic guns are surprised with my audacity, nervously talk to radios on blipping warning signals of concern about my well-being. The crescent moons remind me that I'm not safe, but I can’t help being mesmerized by the sounds of the afternoon prayers, echoing their mercifulness through the palm-tree forests, and vibrating Garuda’s feathers. I feel in a trance only to be awakened lives later by an orchid’s whisper, a scented mist, and the humble hope of a sutra. Enjoyed reading your poem, Billy

NIko - an insightful poem into the role of religion(s) in our lives; the gradual passing of the imagery into the softness of the orchid's whisper brings hope....