! E N T H U S I A S M Poem by Michael Shepherd
! E N T H U S I A S M
I love the old Greek view –
within each of us
the god lies sleeping;
a sweet sleep, full of refreshment,
as snug as a bug in a rug
or Arthur, all his knights around,
under the green hills of Avalon;
we, each of us full of all Olympus;
gods, sleeping as a mother does,
always an ear for the slightest sound
of those they love;
the gods love us,
how could they not
and of those slightest sounds
it’s fire – the fire of speech –
that wakes their might;
they love a stirring speech
and in an instant,
throw all their mighty powers
at the service of the things we truly love –
so, as they work their mighty work,
may go without sleep for days,
drink only the sweet water of our love,
move heaven and earth
to please what pleases them and pleases us;
the good; the true; the beautiful;
how their eyes shine.
sleeping too,
between the pages of the dictionary
and our routined life
is the name by which we call them from their sleep;
the name which they themselves
then roar out a thousand stirring times as loud;
the name by which we know ourselves,
know us as they, and they as us
and as they stir in us
we know ourselves as gods
there is not one of you, of us, who does not know
and recognise its name; our name;
enthusiasm.
the god within
Michael, Your writing, is so very special.Powerful. I truly like this piece.
I love this. actually kinda reminds me of some of the stuff in Nietzche's 'Birth of Tragedy' on the greek mindset. Its very powerful and thunderous (if that isnt a word...... it is now) . thanks!
Dear Michael This is so well paced, and it holds a strength of positivity, it reminds me of the phoenix Thankyou for sharing your art Love duncan X
Mighty writing - makes us feel the might and power of enthusiasm which alas lies in deep sleep within so many, me often included. In you it seems to be wide awake. Kind regards Magda G.
The godly fire of enthusiasm - so well explained in this wonderful piece. May we who see this truth never put out that god-given fire, however long we live on earth. Thank you for penning this Michael.
May that God, 'enthusiasm' never fail, nor his sibling 'inspiration'. Both are so well represented in your work. Thank you Michael.
How very, very interesting, I must think on that for awhile 'enthusiasm. the god within ' yes I'll sit and ponder. Enjoyed the read, truly enjoyed the read. Thankyou Michael.---Melvina---
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/4/2025 11:26:13 PM # 1.0.0
Michael this is a very reassuring notion - God is enthusiasm Yes I like it...and your poems which always remind me of what I know already, but in a distinctive, quirky metaphysical sort of way. Jerry calls me a bull at a gate - now I realise I'm just a bit of a God really... love, Allie xxxx