A creative group was started at my college and I was a little bummed out that I couldn't be part of it - my hours at work won't allow it. So, I sent a link to my writing.com portfolio to the professor who organized it and asked if someone like myself could be a virtual member. He said that could work and he is bringing a copy of my e-mail to the next meeting - which is tomorrow! Look sharp everyone! They will be watching...I hope |
The Prefect and the Perfection of The 12 "Nous avons réduit la toile des voiles pour rester en vue les uns des autres, et, la nuit, les douze navires se resserrent en escadre" [Ulysses and the Odyssey] It found me on the internet one day. I picked it apart, with compréhension limitée and came up with: "They lessen the veil of canvas to rest in sight of one another and at night the 12 ships tighten into a squadron." Later I did read that this is actually the French for: "At night, they slow down and the 12 ships group closer to one another to keep from getting separated." For some reason, I prefer the prosey mess I first made of it to its proper, succinct translation. Twelve is believed to be one of God's favorite numbers. It can be found in 187 places in His word. Revelation alone has 22 occurrences. 12, which is considered a perfect number, symbolizes God's power and authority, as well as a perfect governmental foundation. It can also symbolize completeness or the nation of Israel as a whole. Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons, each of which represented a tribe begun by a prince, for 12 princes total. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham through Hagar, also had twelve princes. Jesus chose 12 disciples. God specified that twelve unleavened cakes of bread be placed every week in the temple with frankincense. A perfect offering. |
As a poet, I often feel as if my work is dusting the world - a world as cold and hard as iron with confectioner's sugar in the hopes that it will soften and sweeten into Mom's French toast. Poets hope - hope and think and dwell in rhythm. There's no undoing this - no unwishing the God-given beat of another heart. He gave us two hearts - success is learning to ride astride them both. I wish you all success - not constant, of course, but perceptible enough to feed the hope just when it needs it most... |