One Single ImpressionPyrrhic Victory
On a ribbon of fire
The rocket rises
Clawing for the sky
Trying to escape
Its own fiery tail
Knowing
That it cannot outpace
The fire within it
And that in the end
That same fire
That propels it
Will destroy it
Its only redemption
Found in the awe
On the faces
On the ground below
The spectacle
Of dying well.
This image and others available for sale at my RedBubble Site!Also: This image and poem -- along with many others -- is featured in my book Distant Echoes, available from Amazon.com
About this piece: The photo was the chicken, the poem the egg in this case. I was considering the photo and thinking of how the very thing that drives a skyrocket is the thing that ultimately destroys it. It serves one purpose in its life, and if the weather is good and the powder stays dry and it doesn't sit on the shelf too very long it does it well. Neil Young put it as "Better to burn out than to fade away." Using it for the "Aura" prompt was a bit of a stretch, but the photo should make the connection.
About the photo: This is an older shot, taken on New Year's Eve 2008.
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28 comments:
I'll never view rockets in quite
the same way again. A great take
on these thrilling displays.
I love this!
Lovely post and observation regarding rockets...
Totally amazing shot..
While it is true that a rocket has a very brief life, it sure can light the sky for that moment in time. Many will talk about what they have seen long after the glow is gone.
You made me think... :)
An unusual thought and a telling poem to suit it.
When the light goes out, how long does the memory last?
Hi Mojo
I only called to thank you for visiting me and leaving a comment... but I got here and found such a great blog I stay a while and really enjoyed my visit... I've added you link to my sidebar if that's OK... I don't do a load of visiting at the moment, and I forget such a lot I ned the links to give me the nudge I need.. ha!
All the best
Tom
WiggersWorld
I think this captures perfectly the nature of such victories--the satisfaction is fleeting if it is there at all because it depends completely on the indulgence of those who are watching. These are the most painful of victories, of nighttime moments.
You got it well...
as a dirge it sucks!
well said! :) nicely captured picture in ur words!
the photo is stunning. you poem makes me think of the relationship between the disease and cure, poison and antidote.
Shadow Shot Sunday 160 - Home
The poem is a wonderful reflection on how transitory success can be and what value really claims a spot on the scales of eternity. Love the irony in the line:
"The spectacle
Of dying well."
Gorgeous words and stunning photo!
Very powerful! I LOVE the second stanza...it's the perfect compliment.
Watching the rocket rise, expending itself for our pleasure. Noise, smoke, and color. While the specifics are hard to remember, the experience stays. These days, I take a few pictures on the tripod to try and capture the moment. Well written.
Sounds like a desperate, painful little life that rocket had. I want to give it a hug, but it would only burn me.
Just when I thought how superb these night photos are and what a wonderful book they'd make .. you add words .. gloriously expressive words .. Now you MUST try to get a book out of them
wonderful tale of a rockets life.
"The spectacle of dying well"--We're not all given that chance. The rocket is fortunate.
Best wishes.
Exquisite! 'On a ribbon of fire' is a stunning opener.
lovely........
It works for me. I understand why you chose it. Nice!
What originality--thing that drives it destroys it. It's job is only to shine well...hmmm. I'l have to think about that one. Thanks
Being propelled by a rocket in space, is gamble at life...we don't if one will survive it, but those left below are in awe with such a brave expedition into space...
Well done Mojo...:)
Excellent connection with the poem and picture- turned out just perfect!
The photo and poem merge into a powerful image. Well done.
I really like how you bring life into such a powerful force. Very powerful - literally! What a flight, huh?
excellently done. the spectacle of dying well. loved that line.
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