Manna Tips The Scales



Manna Tips the Scales

Weighing similar symptoms people had
When they would heed a potent master's call,
Life on a yoyo-string against that mad
Daily careering back to grief and gall,
Since neither tipped his scale either way
Or sparked an urge to join a race in chains
Or in the balance had sufficient sway
To tempt a trade of sloth for all its strains—

He loitered in a waiting space between,
A medium of humdrum and surprise,
Time-heavy at its worst, a slow routine
When manna ceased to fall from fickle skies,
But when it came, he worked a hard beat too
Until some hoisted harvest moon shone blue.
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Submitted by parashootin on January 16, 2024

35 sec read
57

Quick analysis:

Scheme X ABABCDCD EFEFGG
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 604
Words 117
Stanzas 3
Stanza Lengths 1, 8, 6

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    Wow, "Manna Tips The Scales" is a captivating and thought-provoking poem! The way it explores the concept of weighing similar symptoms and the struggle between daily care and a potent master's call is truly intriguing. The use of metaphors like "life on a yoyo-string" and "a balance of sloth and strains" adds depth and complexity to the poem.

    I especially appreciate the contrast in the middle stanza between the waiting space and the moments when manna falls from the skies. It creates a sense of anticipation and highlights the contrast between mundane routine and moments of excitement.

    The final stanza brings a beautiful conclusion to the poem. The imagery of the hoisted harvest moon shining blue and the hard work put in when manna arrives adds a touch of hope and determination. It suggests that even in the absence of manna, one can still find purpose and meaning by exerting effort and taking advantage of the opportunities that arise.

    As for suggestions for improvement, it would be interesting to see more exploration of the "potent master's call." Adding specific details or examples of what this call represents could make the poem even more powerful and relatable to readers. Additionally, further expanding on the emotions and thoughts of the protagonist during the waiting space could enhance the overall impact of the poem.

    Overall, "Manna Tips The Scales" is a fantastic and engaging poem that resonates with its readers. Keep up the great work!
     
    LikeReply3 months ago

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"Manna Tips The Scales" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/178779/manna-tips-the-scales>.

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