Headstall's Poetry Prompts - 17. Chapter 17-Poetry Prompt 14- Ballade- Beauty feeding Bloat

I love Renaissance Art and Architecture. When I see a fresco, a sculpture, or a building from that time, I become so enraptured The Sistine Chapel is so famous, especially the iconic The Creation of Adam. But when I consider the bigger picture... it's luxury and grandeur to the extreme, especially with the Baroque era. I've been reading a book lately on the history of the Papacy, and during this time, the Church spent large sums on building these grand churches and palaces... often at the expense of the less fortunate
So, while I do love the era's art, I have to look at the bigger picture
It becomes "for the sake of the institution" rather than "for the sake of the flock" ...I'll stop before I get too religious/political

This ballad resonates with me, thank you Gary

This was another beautiful poem, Gary. I read this and felt that the author is struggling with his faith. What is truth, what is a fiction? Who can be believed? I think most people deal with a questioning of faith at some point. Many churches have become very good at presenting the pretty facades that hides atrocities behind them. Blind faith can unwittingly help add more of those pretty coverings. The question is do we choose to continue to rely on faith, or do we walk away? Personally I think the answer is somewhere in the middle. I don't have blind faith in anything, but I do have my beliefs. The God I believe in accepts everyone and doesn't hate.
A wonderful and thought provoking piece.

On 10/11/2015 03:27 AM, Drew Espinosa said:

I love Renaissance Art and Architecture. When I see a fresco, a sculpture, or a building from that time, I become so enraptured The Sistine Chapel is so famous, especially the iconic The Creation of Adam. But when I consider the bigger picture... it's luxury and grandeur to the extreme, especially with the Baroque era. I've been reading a book lately on the history of the Papacy, and during this time, the Church spent large sums on building these grand churches and palaces... often at the expense of the less fortunate

So, while I do love the era's art, I have to look at the bigger picture

It becomes "for the sake of the institution" rather than "for the sake of the flock" ...I'll stop before I get too religious/political

 

This ballad resonates with me, thank you Gary

Thanks Drew. this was a very challenging form, but it sounds like my message was clear for you, and that is its own reward. I am like you with regards to architecture... I love it, but the bigger picture and the suffering that made these buildings possible, cannot be ignored. Great review, buddy... thanks and cheers...

On 10/11/2015 03:41 AM, LitLover said:

This was another beautiful poem, Gary. I read this and felt that the author is struggling with his faith. What is truth, what is a fiction? Who can be believed? I think most people deal with a questioning of faith at some point. Many churches have become very good at presenting the pretty facades that hides atrocities behind them. Blind faith can unwittingly help add more of those pretty coverings. The question is do we choose to continue to rely on faith, or do we walk away? Personally I think the answer is somewhere in the middle. I don't have blind faith in anything, but I do have my beliefs. The God I believe in accepts everyone and doesn't hate.

A wonderful and thought provoking piece.

The people of that period had to question the tyranny of the churches, but they were for the most part powerless. Your summation is perfect. I don't struggle with my own faith anymore, but I do hold a grudge against organized religion... mostly those of the past, but also those of modern day. Thank you, my friend, for getting my thoughts so accurately... cheers... Gary...

You did it! I found this poetry prompt really deserved the word 'challenge'.
Quite provokative, Gary! I can rely. Still, we should remember that without the church many beautiful pieces of art wouldn't excist, as in the past only the church and nobles were able to pay the artists. It boils down to the old question: Is art worth the money paid for it, or should it be invested somewhere else and art is pure luxus and waste of money?

On 10/11/2015 04:23 AM, aditus said:

You did it! I found this poetry prompt really deserved the word 'challenge'.

Quite provokative, Gary! I can rely. Still, we should remember that without the church many beautiful pieces of art wouldn't excist, as in the past only the church and nobles were able to pay the artists. It boils down to the old question: Is art worth the money paid for it, or should it be invested somewhere else and art is pure luxus and waste of money?

Thanks for the review, Adi. I followed the prompt... I don't think I would have written about this subject otherwise. I agree with you mostly, but I can't put my head in the sand and ignore where the church got its money from, and all the people who lived in poverty and fear in order to feed the whims of pompous, self important religious figures who knew little of what they preached. Yes, beauty was created, but how much beauty would have been created by individuals who, under oppression, never got the chance. Art is never a waste of money, but it shouldn't be created at the expense of peoples lives. As long as there are people, there will be art... great review, my friend... cheers... Gary...

I feel you capture the struggle to unite the outer fixings of the church with the true meaning of God and faith. All too often it's the grandeur and worldly glory that are deemed important and not the actual core values of religion.

Very powerful.

On 10/11/2015 04:58 AM, Puppilull said:

I feel you capture the struggle to unite the outer fixings of the church with the true meaning of God and faith. All too often it's the grandeur and worldly glory that are deemed important and not the actual core values of religion.

 

Very powerful.

Thanks, Puppilull. I couldn't write about the panels on the ceiling themselves. I had to write about how the entirety of this monument makes me feel, so I appreciate your words. Thanks for reviewing... cheers... Gary...

Reading your poem, Gary, puts me in mind of the wonderful film they don’t seem to play anymore. Shoes of the Fisherman

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shoes_of_the_Fisherman

As a kid, I loved seeing this about once a year when the local TV station played it on weekends. So touching is the story about a real man becoming pope and vowing to liquidate all the trapping of the Church so it can fulfill its real mission – helping mankind.

Thanks for a very inspiring poem.

On 10/11/2015 05:10 AM, AC Benus said:

Reading your poem, Gary, puts me in mind of the wonderful film they don’t seem to play anymore. Shoes of the Fisherman

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shoes_of_the_Fisherman

 

As a kid, I loved seeing this about once a year when the local TV station played it on weekends. So touching is the story about a real man becoming pope and vowing to liquidate all the trapping of the Church so it can fulfill its real mission – helping mankind.

 

Thanks for a very inspiring poem.

Thanks, AC. I really enjoyed the challenge of this form. I have a lot of strong feelings about religion, and the damage churches have done when they wielded great power. I'm glad you found it inspiring. I've seen the movie... cheers... Gary..

On 10/11/2015 08:07 AM, Reader1810 said:

Having gotten my B.A. in Art History, I have to say I do love a lot of that grandiose art and architecture - except for Rococo, which is the epitome of over the top tackiness - think keeping up with the Jones's gone off the rails.

But, like Drew, I do realize all of this came at the expense of "the little people" .

What it boils down to for me is that far too many haves" use the "have nots" (be it in mind, body or money) to stay get something for themselves. it's wasn't just in religion, but in societies clinging to the tradition of class or caste ranking.

You would think that in the 21st century things would be better, unfortunately that is not the case.

 

As always, great writing on your part Gary.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family

Thanks, Reader. It boggles my mind at how long religion has been able to control people. The churches don't have the all encompassing power they used to have, but they still wield some with the fanatical right wing. There was a lot of injustice at the hands of the church, and I took this opportunity to speak of the costs all these impressive monuments exacted, in their time. Wonderful review as always, my friend... cheers... Gary...

Powerful poem Gary, and beautifully written. An all too real truth which sadly continues even today. I think we forget or never give thought to who and what was sacrificed, for the privilege of gawking at these elaborate and showy structures.

Our Cathedral built in 1885, is an amazing gothic building with an impressive spire. The inside boasts vaulted ceilings and is gilded in gold. It's beautiful and historic, and St. George's Cross hangs proudly outside. Two years ago the Dean went nuts. For months on end, every sermon felt like he was shaming the parishioners to tithe more. We should take pride in the building that housed us. It's expense and up keep was our duty. And on and on. Until someone stood up and asked during his rant, 'what about your dedication to preserving our souls?' Crickets. He retired 3 months later. Yet, the Gold is painted on and shiny every year, so who's being left out for the inside of the church to shine.

On 10/11/2015 09:20 AM, Defiance19 said:

Powerful poem Gary, and beautifully written. An all too real truth which sadly continues even today. I think we forget or never give thought to who and what was sacrificed, for the privilege of gawking at these elaborate and showy structures.

 

Our Cathedral built in 1885, is an amazing gothic building with an impressive spire. The inside boasts vaulted ceilings and is gilded in gold. It's beautiful and historic, and St. George's Cross hangs proudly outside. Two years ago the Dean went nuts. For months on end, every sermon felt like he was shaming the parishioners to tithe more. We should take pride in the building that housed us. It's expense and up keep was our duty. And on and on. Until someone stood up and asked during his rant, 'what about your dedication to preserving our souls?' Crickets. He retired 3 months later. Yet, the Gold is painted on and shiny every year, so who's being left out for the inside of the church to shine.

Wow, Def. Powerful review! I love the example you single out. We humans have this ridiculous ability to turn a blind eye to what is important. Would he have ranted so hard for the homeless or abused or afflicted... the precious building took precedence over his fellow humans. I'm so pleased you obviously connected with this Ballade... thank you, and cheers, my friend... Gary...

The price of beauty can be pretty high. In the past (and even now) those people paying the price didn't always get a choice if they wanted to pay.

On 10/11/2015 12:00 PM, EagleIsaac said:

The price of beauty can be pretty high. In the past (and even now) those people paying the price didn't always get a choice if they wanted to pay.

So true, and my point exactly. The church ruined many lives throughout history... and they're not done yet, unfortunately...the kind of thing the minister did to Nate is a common occurrence...thanks for the review, buddy... cheers... Gary...

Your poem is well crafted, thought-provoking and has a clear message. I can definitely relate to it.

On 10/12/2015 11:08 PM, Dolores Esteban said:

Your poem is well crafted, thought-provoking and has a clear message. I can definitely relate to it.

Thanks, Dolores! I couldn't resist trying out the Ballade form. When I followed the link for the prompt, as much as I saw the beauty, I saw the misuse of power by the church who had it created, and that feeling is what I keyed on. I appreciate your thoughts, and the review... cheers... Gary...