Tanned Virgin Hide

Great work!

It leaves me wondering, which is awesome!

If you'd care to give a analysis of the poem that would also be appreciated.

Once again, great work brother!

reply to post by IAMIAM

I haven't heard that spoken since my Grandfather passed when I was a teenager. Best wishes for whoever this thread was written for and their impact on the world as they passed through it.

This threads headline sounds more than a little b&d to me...anyways...

From the first Omen movie in 1976...A poem you'll not soon forget...


When the Jews return to Zion,

And a comet rips the sky...

The Holy Roman Empire rises,

Then you and I must die...

From the eternal sea he rises,

Creating armies on either shore...

Turning man against his brother,

Till man exists no more...

reply to post by IAMIAM


I see nothing mysterious about a dead virgin or body parts, reworked, stretched and re- used for utilitarian purposes no matter how useful. Sorry but it is disrespectful to me, to life and living things, and to Virgins.

There is something sad about a Virgin (representing an incomplete life not fully lived) and I do not feel they should be exploited for ceremony. Lamb or human being. In fact I distrust pretty much all theologies and beliefs that rely on virgins or virgin parts and attach great meaning or symbolism to them. Sort of a quaint but outdated patriarchal lodge custom. Reminds me more of Fred Flintstone than any honor bound group.

The purity of a Virgin should not provide wearing apparel, nor any other ill gotten gain or status to anyone. The state of virginity should not serve, even SYMBOLICALLY to enrich or benefit ANYONE other than perhaps the Virgin his or her self. Sends a bad message. Love, respect and appreciate life. Don't kill it and use it to make yourself look better or work cleaner. IMO

For covering of secrets
the aprons were made
not of flesh, but of deed
and the skins you were paid

From deeds attending your oath
your master gets meat
and you are left grateful
for the skins and the feet

A Mason bee
does not live in a hive
an odd thing to be called "free"
twisted words are a jive

The god that you serve
is the Lord of the Flies
and when he whistles for you
your captive soul dies.






p.s. Yes, it's my own original "poem"

Originally posted by IAMIAM
The truth of the apron, which we wear with great pride
Is not found on the surface of this tanned virgin hide.
It can not be taught by words printed or spoken,
Nor can it be passed like many a token.

This badge of a Mason must be put to the test
From the day it’s presented to the day that we rest,
And when slips from our hands the tools of our trade
The apron will tell all the progress we’ve made.

Will it be sullied by our words or our deeds,
Or maybe be ragged from unscrupulous creeds?
Our hope should be when we’re laid in the ground
That our apron remained, as pure as when found.

The truth of the apron which we wear with great pride,
In the end,
Is found on the surface of this tanned virgin hide.



With Love,

Your Brother

My work ... Link

edit on 25-12-2011 by IAMIAM because: (no reason given)

Very Beautiful Poem brother. I have some memory of my thoughts when I was presented the apron, but after understanding it's significance, and presenting the apron, it's true meaning to me came clear. It sounds like you got it right away. No matter what people think of it's appearance, God knows how clean and spotless it really is.

Originally posted by newcovenant
Sorry but it is disrespectful to me, to life and living things, and to Virgins.

It's known as the lambskin, or white leather apron. It's a virgin lamb.
It's meaning to masons is to remind them of living a pure and spotless life. (unattainable I know, but something to strive for)

reply to post by newcovenant


Hahahah. Reading your anti-virgin screed I was struck by what a narrow ideological straightjacket that line of thought seems to lead to. Although quite well-intentioned, your ideology-of-choice's obsessive focus on "subversion of tradition" at all costs and with respect to gender roles in particular make it a priori indisposed to the the traditional respect for and conception of virginity...something about the supposed purity of virginity as traditionally configured will strike the left-conditioned mind as vaguely fascist, and at the very least repressive of female sexuality. It is all very predictable and incredibly limiting.

If I may poach a bit from the odious language of semiotics, you are committing an act of liminal violence against the "text" of virginity as a mytho-poetic concept...trying to limit the rich tapestry of meanings the concept has been given in traditional cultures of every description down through the ages...crushing it through the politically-correct grinder into a little two-dimensional cheezy morsel you can toss over your shoulder to make an ideological point...yawn, no offense but it's all very mechanical and predictable...the deflowing of the virginal mechanical bride at the hands of postmodern progrssivisim if you will...such thought does the virgin herself as an ancient human archetype much disrespect, IMHO...nothing personal, just my observations of that one post....peace...

Originally posted by newcovenant
There is something sad about a Virgin (representing an incomplete life not fully lived) and I do not feel they should be exploited for ceremony. Lamb or human being.

Many aprons are now made with virginal polyester so they can remain clean longer.

reply to post by IAMIAM


Frankly, your poem is too obscure for my intellect and I suspect for may other numb-minded as myself.

The only comment I can make is that I seriously doubt that you are or have been a Master Mason."

As the saying goes on ATS and I hate it, "...Pics or it didn't happen."

Originally posted by Aliensun
The only comment I can make is that I seriously doubt that you are or have been a Master Mason."

Doubt is fine my friend. If you are truly on a quest for truth on the matter, then start at the beginning of my time here, and review my work.

Look what I have been building.

If you are in pursuit of the truth that is.

With Love,

Your Brother

reply to post by IAMIAM


Virgin hide is I think a process same as virgin wool and virgin olive oil. I wouldn't read anything sexual into this one.

Or it could mean simply brand-new but back then they didn't have brands per sae.

reply to post by IAMIAM


Whats Up IAM?? I really appreciate this thread!!!!...I recently became a mason here in DC myself and i will keep your words close as inspiration as i continue my quest for light!! i have been lurking for a while and your threads always humble me..Thanx!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Baddguy
reply to post by IAMIAM

 

Whats Up IAM?? I really appreciate this thread!!!!...I recently became a mason here in DC myself and i will keep your words close as inspiration as i continue my quest for light!! i have been lurking for a while and your threads always humble me..Thanx!!!!!!!!

Well my Brother, in your quest for light I built a temple for your use. I do not go there myself for I set the rules they must follow, and rules being you must be a Freemason in good standing to participate.

As the craft has rejected me, I no longer can teach in the temple I created.

But for you, here you go...

The Sanctum Sanctorum

There you will find masters of every arcane craft since the dawn of man. They gathered as brothers to share what they had. Learn from them.

But remember, the lodge is without as well as within.

With Love,

Your Brother

Originally posted by dannotz
Great work!

It leaves me wondering, which is awesome!

If you'd care to give a analysis of the poem that would also be appreciated.

Once again, great work brother!

I am sorry my friend, but my work isn't for my analysis. It is for yours.

Each and every word and deed.

With Love,

Your Brother