avatarJames G Brennan

Summary

The web content presents a personal reflection on the experience of frankincense through a free verse poem, in response to a prompt by Lucy (the eggcademic), and includes links to related poetry prompts and responses.

Abstract

The text is a contemplative piece centered around the author's experience with the scent of frankincense. It begins with a nostalgic acknowledgment of the smell's significance since childhood, describing its strong presence in large halls and the ritualistic way it is released from silver containers. The poem delves into the sensory and emotional impact of the incense, including the head rush it induces and the temptation to join in the collective incantations it evokes. However, the author expresses a desire to resist being swept into the communal beliefs, preferring to maintain individuality. The piece is a direct response to a prompt from Lucy (the eggcademic), and it concludes with the author thanking Lucy for the inspiration and platform, as well as providing links to further poetry prompts and responses.

Opinions

  • The author has a deep, personal connection to the scent of frankincense, which has persisted since their youth.
  • There is a recognition of the power of frankincense to evoke strong emotions and potentially influence personal beliefs.
  • The author values their independence and is cautious about being subsumed by the collective experience that frankincense represents.
  • The poem suggests a respect for the potency of rituals and their ability to invoke belief through sensory experiences.
  • The author appreciates Lucy (the eggcademic) for providing the prompt that inspired the poem and for showcasing it on her platform.

POETRY

Frankincense

Free verse poetry

Photo by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen on Unsplash

It is a smell that has stayed with me Since a young age a scent I even enjoy now Its pungent release from pierced silver As its essence fills large halls.

Rattled from swinging chains In a brief rhythmic motion Is enough to invoke potent beliefs Through incantations some call prayer.

Passing my nostrils up through my nasal cavity Producing a head rush if I am not careful I too will feel the urge to join in these incantations, To be swept along in the moment maybe even Join chanting followers in their beliefs For a few brief moments, and so the realisation dawns.

To be frank I wish not to be seduced by this burning resin We call Frankincense to join your clan and find my voice Is no longer my own. So keep your resin and let me be.

Is this Frank enough for you Lucy? If not I may become incensed.

This response is to Lucy (the eggcademic) Frank. Thank you Lucy for your Frank prompt… Read Lucy’s prompts here.

And Lucy’s own Frank response here…

Thank you Lucy (the eggcademic) for giving my words a platform here at The Brain is a Noodle… Thank you all for reading and your precious time… J.

Poetry
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