We come in to this world fresh and unused. If we leave the same way, we either died too young, or we wasted our entire lives.


The Perfect Vessel

I started out a perfect vessel.

Rich colors etched with gold
told the world I was new
and brilliant, smart and bold.

I was to be looked at,
placed upon a shelf
clean, dusted, and polished,
a status symbol
depicting great wealth
with beauty to make you tremble

Inside I was empty
my form was of all import
I would not display flowers
No I was not that sort

I was made for viewing
for art appreciation
the workmanship was superb
I was an artist's best creation

One day I was sold
taken to a home
placed there on a shelf
beside a well read tome

I was tended to and dusted
and sat content for a while
Then one day I heard a sound
the crying of a child

An infant had come into my world
and nothing would be the same
Life's banner had suddently been unfurled
and reality was its name

At first the child was lifted to me
to admire my colorful design
It seemed to soothe her little mind
when they could not stop her crying

And then she wanted to touch the thing
that brought her so much joy
and somehow I, a work of art
became a little childs toy

Down from the high shelf I came
to a lower spot below
where her little hands could easily reach
when she wanted me in tow

One day I felt a sudden shock
something dropped inside my shell
And since that day a work of art
would be used as a utility pail

Blocks and rocks and dolly parts
cars and dominos
all stuffed inside this vessel
going wherever she goes

Outside my beauty has been tarnished
I'm chipped and faded and worn
My sheen no longer gleams in the sun
Artists would consider me with scorn

I do not know what price was paid
that day when I was first purchased
But I was worthless compared to now
For now I have a purpose








Poetry by Phyllis J. Rhodes
Read 514 times
Written on 2006-12-23 at 04:35

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wee2souls
Beautiful!! way of expression!!
loved this piece !!
hugs to you and may you have a
Purrrrrrrrrrrrr fect Christmas and many
HAPPY NEWYEARS TO COME!!
love
cindymac
2006-12-23


lastromantichero The PoetBay support member heart!
you are truly a very gifted poet Phyllis this poem is lovely
powerful and a true examination of life in the raw well done rgds mike
2006-12-23


Zoya Zaidi
Beautiful anology, dear Phyllus, it is skilfuly maintained through out the poem. It is a very artistic piece of work!
Bravo!
*Bookmarked*
By the way it reminds me of a poem of mine ' Hundred Years of Solitude', where I talk about filling the Urn of my being, though in a different context... Read it if you get time to do so...
(((Hugs)))
Merry Christmas to you and your family!)))
2006-12-23


Kathy Lockhart
the true beauty comes from the purpose, the giving, the loving. This is a beautiful metaphoric poem. It teaches so clearly the moral. Wonderful!
2006-12-23