SMITTEN

alanmdouglas · 09-20-2006, 04:22 PM

SMITTEN

How are the mighty fallen :
God Almighty
used to be
everywhere;

now everywhere
is a parking attendant,
with far more power
than discretion or sense ....

Alan McAlpine Douglas

Altree94 · 09-28-2006, 01:41 AM

Hi Alan!

Just because He isn't noticed, doesn't mean He isn't there!

And the less said about parking attendants, the better!

I enjoyed this read but I am puzzled over your choice of title. I've only seen this word used in conjunction with love as in "he was smitten by her charms" or to mean "hit with" as in "he was smitten by an idea". Perhaps you use this word differently in your part of the world?

I really like your kind of poetry - you always make me think!

alanmdouglas · 09-28-2006, 02:33 AM

Dear Tree,

To say I always make you think is a high compliment indeed ! Thank you.

Smitten - or hit with, traffic or parking violation fines, imposts, penalties, always and everywhere !

I'm afraid this is more about parking attentdants that about God, in whom I do not believe. Wish I could say the same about the others.

Love
Alan

PaintedDiary · 10-15-2006, 01:00 AM

Dear Allen,

What an interesting read! Very unique and thought provoking to say the least. I love your range of diversity in your writing! Seems like you could write about ANYTHING!!!! Wow! I would love to know the motivation behind this, if I may? Take Care.

Kimberly

alanmdouglas · 10-15-2006, 03:02 AM

Dear Kim,

Thank you, I'll verbalize about anything. As it happens. I reckon a poet SHOULD be able to write about anything.

Where it came from ? Ther is an expression "God is everywhere", and a feeling that this is no longer true, but petty officials telling one what one can or cannot do for sure ARE everywhere, this is about that contrast.

I have smitten traffic wardens/parking attendants in poems before.

I note that I did not answer Tree about the title - smitten means "hit" - The Lond smote the Ephenians or some such, and I seem to be continuously smitten by these ungodly hoards of bureaucratic enforcers.

Hope this helps ?

Love
Alan

santre_63 · 10-15-2006, 03:49 AM

Interesting and evocative poem. Deals with a very real and ubiquitous issue. Take care...