Delope
it is of little consequence
the candid practice of
throwing away first fire
is strictly prohibited
the bloodthirsty
amputate without hesitation
the unbecoming
blithely refuse blind faith
the morally superior
aim and fire prematurely
animosity
malignancy
jaundice
rancor
in the act of a duel
a craven indecorous
attempt to abort conflict
to delope is a not noble turn
virulence
satiety
hostility
enmity
an adversary
is an adversary
is
an adversary
wrong blood
erroneous victory
I discovered the word ‘delope’
while reading bits and bobs about Joseph Howe, one of my very favorite Nova
Scotians. ‘Delope’ French for throwing away, the practice of throwing away
first fire in a duel. Apparently, John
Haliburton challenged Joseph Howe to a duel at Point Pleasant after several
articles Howe had written and published in the Novascotian enraged Haliburton.
He wasn’t exactly on board with Howe’s ideals for promoting responsible
government. Haliburton, who was the son
of the judge in Howe’s famous libel trial, missed his shot when they stood at
odds. In turn, Howe ‘deloped’ deliberately
and missed, firing his gun into the air.
I just thought it was an interesting word and as usual, a
poem transpired. I love when that
happens. I don’t know if Howe showed a
sign of cowardice or humility but interesting to know someone would choose to
waste their opportunity to settle a dispute.
Duels, that blows my mind. I will
recall this the next time I stroll through Point Pleasant Park.
Food for thought?
In propinquity,
Nic
And, a billboard from the man:
Words change things. Truth.
Another cool French word for the vernacular armory! I shall employ it forthwith.
ReplyDeleteAs for the poem, how you got this work of art from a single verb is astonishing. It captures everything about the purpose of a duel - the ego, the violence, the stupidity ... in fact, it could also be a metaphor for the state of our society. That's what I love about your poetry, Nic. Not only is it vivid in its imagery, if I step back to view it as a whole, I often see a another picture superimposed on the specifics. What you do is genius.
This subject certainly warrants discussion - throughout history, men have done dishonourable things in pursuit of honour and it's usually gotten them into trouble of the bloodier kind.
I tinkered with this one for a whole work day and posted it still a bit unsatisfied but now that I've gone on to other pieces and chipping away at edits on 'Mute', I like it more. Kinda suckered me a little.
DeleteYes, it does indeed warrant discussion. The idea of grown men resorting to asinine tactics to settle a dispute is both amusing and ridiculous. Words offer far better results and offer more weight. I wonder though, if you 'delope' in a duel, is it cowardice or human? And by what standards!? I think hashing it out with words a much better idea.
I guess it depends on the nature of the duel, or who misses first. If I thought like a man, maybe I'd have an answer, albeit a lame one.
ReplyDeleteOn the poem front, it's surprising how often a piece looks better after some time away from it. Because the artist is her own worst critic, she always sees where improvements coulda/woulda/shoulda been made. I love everything you write, but I'm looking at it from the stands. The rough edges are so well-disguised that I don't see them, lol.