This Poem was Submitted By: James C. Horak On Date: 2006-12-13 06:13:40 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

To Listen to Music While Reading this Poem, just Click Here!

Click Here To add this poem to your "Voting Possibilities" list!


If It Cannot be Known to a Child, Can it Be True?

Much was told, Boniface was never guarded with me. His monks about thought we but played chess. In a way                                         we did. The conspiracy against the Knights of the Temple               Sorely taxed our grace together. My opposition voiced their rights to the secrets their               Time and presence abroad had earned.  Defenders of the Church harped a different tune,          One that dwelt hard upon their own vassal's                                            arrogance,  Hard knights that had left heritage for That of God,     But with the patronage of Kings still to make bid.  The rest, coming to be known about these stout lords, but                                sanctioned lies, Though not by me or the Host I served to all ends. Perhaps our bitter parting, stinging a corrupt Pope even                 the staunch Catholicity of Dante despised, The words resounded off columns the same as marble walls, [You plunder the estate of men that wrap themselves in             more fitting warmth than sable or ermine,  Just to know that Jesus came to end idolatry not sanctify it.] ...had something to do with Justice sparing the Times                                              the Infamy Of watching the dog gloat over his bone.                         ______Balzan, summoned angel of the Host

Copyright © December 2006 James C. Horak

Additional Notes:
Boniface VII died shortly before his conspiracy with the King of France and others, against the Knights Templar could realize fruition. History has sought to divorce his part in the matter from its full historical import.


This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2007-01-05 21:04:27
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.90909
James, I find this facinating, the way you lay out the verse, the story you tell and your own view point. This is exquisite reading which will require that I re-read several times to take in it's full impact. If you have no objection I'd like to keep a copy of this to read again at leisure. I look forward to more of this style and subject. It's like sitting before a fire with a good wine and classical music. Lora


This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2006-12-29 14:36:45
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi James...I have read this poem several times over the past couple of days. The first time I read it I had no idea who Boniface was so I googled his name so I wouldn't be totally clueless. The facts I learned were very interesting and I was somewhat in awe of his life and accomplishments. I was also fascinated that such an in-depth accounting of his life when he lived so long ago in the 700's. I guess there is no end of information to be learned in this age of computers. I find it interesting that you chose to write this poem in the first person but to personalize it makes it even more plausible in my mind. At one point you write that you served your Host to all ends....so I am thinking that you served Boniface but had a "bitter parting." As usual you have written an interesting and informative poem. You have taken some of the events of Boniface's life and interjected yourself and made them your own. I did read that Boniface was murdered but I could not find any information (in what I read) that told why he was murdered or by whom. You additional notes allude to the fact that history has chosen to leave that out or it could be that no one really knows. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to learn about this man...to have a lazy or stagnant mind is to be without breath. If you have been on the forum you may have seen my note that I am stuck in Texas until Sunday. It took hours to get through to the airline but when I did they changed my departure time without a penalty. So I guess I won't have to take up residency in the airport after all! Have a Happy New Year. Best.....Marilyn p.s. I enjoyed our converstaion.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2006-12-21 23:06:22
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
James, [research] Also a little known fact is that he started the Christmas tree tradition that we know today. It is true other cultures had similar objects, but they were entirely different in meaning and purpose. The Christmas tree was made to be a symbol of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. The trees which Boniface cut down to demonstrate this, were trees that were holy to the pagans. By cutting down the trees(after a startling scene) he was showing their gods would not be able to rebuke him because they were not real. But also that there was only one holy tree, the Cross upon which the christ had died. I'm unsure of all his history but you present some points to ponder. Perhaps our bitter parting, stinging a corrupt Pope even the staunch Catholicity of Dante despised, The words resounded off columns the same as marble walls, [I need more time to research] I like the dog bone ending. I don't abide much by religious warring. It is like warring for peace? Thou shalt not kill but warring deaths ok? It doesn't compute! You have a silver tongue [pen!] Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2006-12-15 07:29:13
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
My critiques are not what you are looking for my friend; to me this one is very forceful and I so love going back in time for your words have presented me with it all...........my son plays chess, I could never get into it, though it seems to be a game played like life itself.......perhaps you will give us more of this form of story poet.....well presented, great choices of words to bring this one to life. Now you go check out those who know what they speak about. I have read this one at least six times and it just keeps calling me back. Thanks for posting, God Bless, Claire
Poetry Contests Online at The Poetic Link

Click HERE to return to ThePoeticLink.com Database Page!