The Challenge of Kneeling

Kneel: Be in or assume a position

in which the body is supported

by a knee or the knees, as when

praying or showing submission.

The metaphor is illusive, changing

like a chameleon adapting to new surroundings.

Is this a poem of brokenness, sorrow, or abuse?

The metaphor is Phoenixian. The imagery,

a bird fallen from its nest, picked up by a passing stranger,

a kitten pawing the corpse of its mother

or a starving dog in a cage long neglected and alone.

The simile seeks like or as comparison,

while shopping in a store it’s never been to. 

The stanza needs to implore supplication from the arrogant,

selfish, or disbelieving.  A fighter staring down his opponent

or a man so sure of own strength of will, there is no need for others

nor the possibility of something greater than himself.  

The imagery is difficult to find

regardless of the search engine employed.

Find a painting of the strength of surrender, of admitting helplessness.

A picture that explains what it takes to wake up in a fetal position, on a

sidewalk, and ask for help getting to your knees or a mural that spans

a lifelong journey that begins anew, every day, with the rising sun. 

Kneeling is redemption.

Kneeling is humility.

And kneeling is strength,

no metaphor required.

SMG