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.
