Monday Meme:
Mold of a victim killed in the eruption of Vesuvius at Pompeii in 79 AD
(When they excavated the ruins of Pompeii, they found cavities that were formed by ash and rocks covering the victims. Archeologists in 1848 poured plaster into the cavities, and revealed the victims’ forms. Excavations of the ancient city have been ongoing in this area since 1600s).
A day like any other, did my mortal coil unwind
Unraveling the impermanence, the folly of mankind
In permanence, my shadow, is all that remains
The screams of fear silenced, by the dark ashen rains
That enveloped my body and freed me from source
In the eruption of creation, that time continues to indorse
The three-dimensional form, nothing more than a veil
Of humanities powerless hold, over the physical detail
shiny pebbles 
Very informative context. It really helped set it in one’s mind before reading the lyrical dedication. And what a beautiful poem. Very moving. My favourite lines: “Unraveling the impermanence, the folly of mankind/
In permanence, my shadow, is all that remains.”
I think this speaks to more than the shadow left by the victim at Pompeii. It is a rumination regarding the human condition.
Thank you.
Thanks Vic. That was what I was aiming for when I wrote the poem, the idea of which came from Shawn Bird, who posted an Assignment today to write a poem, short story or article based on the photograph – http://shawnbird.com/2013/10/14/monday-meme-pompeii/
Beautiful, powerful poem.
Thank you Jen.
I particularly like the line “The screams of fear silenced, by the dark ashen rains.”
Thanks for participating in my Monday Meme! I hope you drop in again. 🙂