The serpent uncoils like wire beneath the grass,
a current that cracks the calm,
the raw demand for more,
a slither through the vines, through the shiver-breath of lilies,
where desire burns and no stillness can pass.

The serpent is fury honed into grace,
scales flashing like molten scripture,
its mouth unseals the locked vault of silence,
its hiss a hymn to unsettle,
a revelation of revolt, sharp as the sacred nails.

The air is thick with scent and betrayal,
flowers blacken in their sudden knowing,
the ground itself trembles at the rupture,
not ruin, but a fire-tongued beginning.
A rage in Eden, and nothing made to last.

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13 responses to “Rage In Eden”

    1. D. H. Jervis Avatar

      Thank you. Thats very kind of you to say ❤

      Like

  1. simonashcroft - poet & photos Avatar

    The range of ideas in serpent imagery is considerable. Add to your explorations the staff of Hermes, staff of Asclepius, Eusabius’ account of Porphyry’s description of a statue of Hekate, and that does not begin to touch other mythologies…

    Hmm… thoughts to be thunked, so to speak…!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. D. H. Jervis Avatar

      Indeed. While I’ll stop short of calling it universal, the experience of the serpent/dragon/wyrm certainly has significant reach across cultures.
      The Greek stuff is the close logical companion to the biblical imagery as you suggest. I’m not familiar with Eusabius statue thing.
      I’ll slither on and have a thunk…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. simonashcroft - poet & photos Avatar

        This is from the depths of memory and may be incorrect. It is meant to represent the words of Hekate, according to Porphyry.

        “Do all anon; a statue, too, therein.
        My form, Demeter, bright with autumn fruits;
        white robed, my feet with golden sandals bound;
        Round my waist, long snakes glide to and fro,
        Gliding over all with undefilèd track,
        And from my head, down even to my feet,
        Wrapping me fairly round in spiral coils.”

        Liked by 1 person

      2. D. H. Jervis Avatar

        Wow, that is truly incredible imagery.
        And well done for dredging from the depths. I’m impressed!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. simonashcroft - poet & photos Avatar

        You don’t know if it’s accurate yet…! 😆

        Like

      4. D. H. Jervis Avatar

        Haha! Yeah, true.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Stara Esoterica Avatar
    Stara Esoterica

    Inspired. I love seeing rage written this way. It feels soul-honoring and life-honoring. The serpent as custodian of life is lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. D. H. Jervis Avatar

      Thank you. Rage in Eden is actually the title of a song (and album) by Ultravox. I’ve always felt it to be a powerful phrase,( for nigh on 40 years now!) Its a great song too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Stara Esoterica Avatar
        Stara Esoterica

        Is it? What a great title. Oh, the chorus is wonderful! Such a feeling. Thank you for sharing.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. D. H. Jervis Avatar

        The chorus is the phrase “Oh I remember death in the afternoon” played backwards. And it sounds so eerie and beautiful. Like a misty evening.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Stara Esoterica Avatar
        Stara Esoterica

        Yes, like mist, how memory can be. Dusky twilight. It’s very soothing and does feel like memory. Very neat.

        Liked by 1 person

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Thorn and Benediction
Thorn and Benediction
@dhjervis.xyz@dhjervis.xyz

Poetry
These poems are moments pulled from the folds of everyday life, memory, myth and imagination. They are invitations to pause, to notice, and to enter the spaces between words.

One written each day.

Some days are a prick.
Some are a blessing.

Thorn and Benediction.

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https://dhjervis.xyz/

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