Savage John

He had these words like drums and singing and magic.

His cheeks burnt with the rush of blood -
suddenly there were more words -
the sun went down - the moon rose -
there was a shower of stones,
the rock was like bleached bones in the moonlight.

He had discovered Time and Death and God.

The young man drew a deep breath,
his voice faltered, he had a plan,
the door was locked, a noise made him start,
made him guiltily turn - how beautiful she was.

He was ashamed of himself.

His intellectual imminence carries with it
corresponding moral responsibilities,
a veneer of self confidence concealed his nervousness.
They learn to take dying as a matter of course.

He looked down at her for a moment,

pale, pained, desiring,
and ashamed of his desire,
bound by strong vows that had never been pronounced,
obedient to laws that had long since ceased,
he sat averted - and in silence.

_______________________
This poem is erasure derived from Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley.
I was moved by the character of John and his struggle. As I read this novel I attempted to capture some phrases that best captured John's essence. It was fun :)

Pam