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Around the rearview mirror of my car
There hangs a gonfalon of love divine.
My talisman, my bright and guiding star,
From which both fortitude and healing shine.
What is this mighty banner hanging down?
Not cross nor tassel, but the soft damask
That forms the flag by which my faith is flown:
The savior of my life, my virus mask.
©2021 – Paul Erlandson
gonfalon: A banner suspended from a crosspiece, especially as a standard in an ecclesiastical procession or as the ensign of a medieval Italian republic.
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Paul Erlandson resides in Royal Oak Michigan, and has recently retired from an automotive engineering career with Ford Motor Company. He has had poetry published in “Dome” (a publication of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London) and “The Slumbering Host”, a volume of poetry collected by Clinton Collister and Daniel Rattelle.
Delightful! The last three words took me by surprise. Very effective!
Paul, I’d never heard of a gonfalon… a consequence of my misspent youth, I suppose. The selected picture put me on the right track… which turned out to be the garden path you led me on… I loved the perfect twist. Welcome to SCP.
You have the kind of humor that is so welcome here.
Let’s see more!
I agree.
Great writing!
Very funny. The title reminds me of a word Kurt Vonnegut coined in Cat’s Cradle, namely “Granfalloon” (if I’ve spelled it correctly). It means a phony association of people, as opposed to a genuine association (“karass”).
Short, effective, and I’ve already gone back to the poem three times.
Nicely done, Paul.
Touche! (You mean you don’t wear a mask when you’re in your car?)
Thanks, everyone!
Your kind words are very much appreciated! I plan to spend more time here from now on.
Paul, I also learnt a new word from reading your poem. Well written, and with
the bonus of humor.
Paul, your poem is intriguing and witty while making a very valid point – a multi-layered marvel! Welcome to SCP.