sacred Flame (A Tale Of The Neanderthals) L Poem by John F. McCullagh

sacred Flame (A Tale Of The Neanderthals) L

Rating: 2.8





The newcomers killed my woman,
Ransacked my cave and killed my child.
My brother and I had been out hunting,
The only reason we’re still alive.

We noticed first as we drew closer
The sacred fire had gone out.
We dropped our catch and sniffed the air-
When I smelled blood I grabbed my axe.

My spirit dropped, my heart was saddened
My woman and my child lay dead
The newcomers had speared the baby
A club caved in my woman’s head.

My brother took the child to bury
I built a rock cairn for my mate
I stroked her matted hair in sadness
I stoked the fire of my hate.

From outside I heard my brother
Bellowing his battle cry
Four newcomers were attacking
I grabbed my spear and let it fly.

My aim was true, my man was gutted
My brother crushed another’s skull.
The other two ran short on courage
They fled as we stood side by side.

We too must flee, the caves’ unsafe-
And they’ll be back in force besides
We looked back at the cave in sadness
As we bid our home good bye

The ashes in our cave are cooling
Throughout Europa its’ the same
So many of my people dying
Who will tend the sacred flame?

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Yonder Boatcar 26 February 2010

Awesome, I'd give that 10 out of 10! !

1 0 Reply

A tale in a few poetic lines, which is not just a tale, but history. History how the Neanderthals were systematically eliminated by the "newcomers". But that is how every new species flourished… great work

0 0 Reply
Chinedu Dike 26 September 2019

Beautifully articulated and nicely brought forth in persuasive expressions with conviction. An insightful work of art.

0 0 Reply

Dark, Graphic and thoroughly Captive...Just the way I like poetry to be! Good Stuff, John! ~FjR~

1 0 Reply
Kim Barney 30 May 2015

Engaging story told well here. I enjoyed reading it very much. The only thing that bothered me was the two misplaced apostrophes. You should have THE CAVE'S UNSAFE and THROUGHOUT EUROPA IT'S THE SAME. Again, great poem, and congratulations on having it chosen as Poem of the Day!

3 0 Reply
Lillian Thomas 30 January 2011

nice to read you again, John. A well written tale.

1 0 Reply
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