he grows among bark and screech
and other natural prayers of the dark
a deliberate root
with the will and skills for wilderness
all make-up scrubbed from the heart
his hold is surer than the collar
once rounding him to other intention
another stray safely in the fold
ash on hands and earth under nails
he wears the anointing of place
and in the fire he’s built for company
animals are born to burn as revelation
random shapeshift ghosts
glowing a dream geometry
johnpoetflanagan 
I do not pretend to fully comprehend, John, but I interpret it as the way man’s misguided views have misunderstood what is the greatest gift from God.
Thank you
Dear Vera
Your reading is as good an interpretation as any.
Much love to you
John
Thank you, John.
Lots of love
Vera
Reblogged this on Ace Friends & Bloggers News.
Ian
Always generous and supportive
Thank you, Friend
john
Welcome great writing needs sharing ….. ⭐️😊👍
Thank you, Ian
I see animals in the leaping flames. Like in clouds, you see there what you want to see.
Thank you
Alicia
for your fine support
Always
john
Although neither in shape or form this poem, to me, is very Blake in its essence, John. It seems to speak of Truth and the creative force which lives within each of us which our ‘cultures’ try to suppress. I may, of course, be wrong in guessing your intentions.
Hope your are well
Chris
Wonderfully insightful response, Chris
Thank you very much
Always
john
You are always a pleasure to read, John.
Thank you, Chris
“All makeup scrubbed from the heart.” I know that I do not grasp your full intention, but the beauty of your imagery offers acceptance. Thank you, dear John.
Thank you
Dear Myra
Thank you
Always with love
john
John, the first verse evoked thoughts of some who live in a dangerous world where they have had to develop means for survival. Perhaps homelessness is one category of people who live among the “screech” and have learned “will and skills” just to experience a new sunrise. This is what first came to mind, although my interpretation may not be correct in what you were expressing.
Hugs, my friend…
Lauren
Thank you for such a fine response
I appreciate your support more than you know.
Much love
john
ah, the mysterious shape of things…
A lovely response, Joan
Thank you
Big hugs
john
From within the sanctity of our environs we quiz the night sky seeking the who, what and why of our existence from the creator of all that is. Our mortality defining each and every one of us with absolution as some pray others offer living sacrifices in hopes to appease and delay the inevitable. I have read this gifted work many times but I am certain I have not interpreted it accurately even though the beauty of your words and the gift of the intellect imbued still whisper to me. It is a work of art that will beckon me repeatedly to read and savor. Ever your friend, Jon Michael.
Jon My Friend
Thank you for this first-rate response and in it your honour me and my work greatly. I am ever in your debt.
Always with love
and
Ever Your Friend
john
Good one. Last night I was working on a poem called, ‘Northern Woods’. I’ll try and send it to you. I am paranoid about posting unpublished poems on FB.
Thank you, Bruce. I’ve given up being worried about publishing poems anywhere.
Time’s not a friend any more so i just publish and be damned.
I’d love to read your ‘Northern Woods’ if you wish, send it to me privately to my email
johnwriterflanagan@yahoo.com
My best to you
john
Brother John – Absolutely beautiful poem. Love the imagery leading to the mythical truth within us. Sacred woods immediately make me think of Druids and their worship of nature as a path to the God within us: a deliberate root
with the will and skills for wilderness
Pretence done away with in the search for truth and the Way:
all make-up scrubbed from the heart
his hold is surer than the collar
once rounding him to other intention
another stray safely in the fold
Until he is the religion and the revelation:
ash on hands and earth under nails
he wears the anointing of place
and in the fire he’s built for company
animals are born to burn as revelation
and the world within him glorious with:
random shapeshift ghosts
glowing a dream geometry
One of my all time favorite poems of yours!
Thank you
Brother David
for this first-rate evaluation of the work, thorough and accurate without being heavyhanded or pedantic – you reached in where i hoped readers would go, and you ‘cover’ the movement of thought from beginning to end. I am humbled by your effort and your insight, and grateful beyond words.
Much love to You and Diane
Always
Brother john
Hi John! My mind always goes to fantasy and mythology. Your poem to me is about Dryads, tree spirits. I love the imagery. Lovely poem! 😀 xx
Vashti
Thank you so much
and i like the way you see the poem.
Again, thank you.
A big hug
john
The inspired mind is a spirited reminder and acknowledgment of the wondrous symmetry our words portray. Wordcraft is a journey you travel so well, John. My, how good it feels to be experiencing the path you walk once again. My warmest regards.
Thank you
Friend Don
for this thoughtful, elegant response
Always
john
‘Born to burn’. Aren’t we all? I think I feel your mood, but you are the Skillful one to put it in words. These two new poems seem to be related somehow. Is it the geometry? I hope you get a message of peace and happiness in your dreams.
Hugs.
Inese
Thank you, Inese
for this fine response,
fine indeed.
Big hugs
john