THE DOVE, by Felicity Rogers

[fjrogers]

Here are some of my poems that are not currently in print but have been read in past years. (Editor's note - I have taken the liberty to give each of Felicity's poems its own thread, they are all so beautiful).


THE DOVE (For Arcus Lodge of RAM, No. 50)

My grounded Ark in anchored fast,
the deluge waits....its yearning wanes.
What land receives our coming?
From haven's rest to mountain ridge,
great hands release the dove
with homing wings, expanded realms of love.

Out of chaos, darkness streams
the pearl of seed to carry dreams.
No strife, nor conflict linger long....
Sweet messenger where is your song?
Of hope and peace, goodwill to men
who dwell on waves for sun again.

Wisdom, Strength and Beauty ride
on winds abating with each tide.
Heed not confusion, conflict shall not win,
a covenant in woven....time is still within.
I search the rim by day and night.
Where is the dove's enchanted flight?

Morning moves on drifting clouds
as 'lo she cometh' in sacred sound.
What does she hold be-decked in pearl?
An olive branch, the promised rainbow tells.
Land and sea are one, we walk
and wear the crown of joy....as nature's peace.

[maat]

I had the great good fortune to hear this beautiful poem delivered by its author in the lodgeroom.
Bravo Felicity.

[acrogers]

Do you remember that passage in T S Eliot's Little Gidding -- "The Dove descending/ breaks the air/ in a flame of incandescent terror/ of which the tongues declare/ the one discharge from sin and error..."

It gives a totally different view of 'Dove' symbolism--as herald of the coming of the Spirit's fire, but when you've read it I think you need to go back to Felicity's poem, to get a sense of the symbol's richness, yet also a sense of balance.