Join us every Monday evening for virtual drinks at the dKos community political poetry group. Drop by and speak your mind in rhyme or blank verse. Let’s use language to scream our passion to the world. Bongos, berets and turtle neck sweaters are optional.
The keypad is mightier than the sword
I’ve started this diary over too many times to count in the last few weeks, trying to pick pieces that might fit with events unfolding in the world. Ultimately it seemed events were unfolding so quickly; the riots in London, the liberation of Tripoli, Famine in the Horn of Africa, Hurricane Irene, it began to feel like the whole world was engulfed in a churning hurricane.
Ultimately, I’ve chosen to offer 3. Follow me below the winding lines for this week's Indigo Kalliope offerings.
Unmoored stylistically portrays that sense of chaos in an uncertain world. For me, it captures the uncertainty and fear of living at a time when the forces arrayed against our social safety nets seem oblivious to those relying on them for survival.
Electric Rage kept coming out in pieces for me during the London riots. It’s not quite done, but more often than not my pieces never seem “done” and something about it feeling a little ragged around the edges seems right.
Enchanted Forest is my peace offering. I’ve always loved the woods.
I look forward to reading your comments and seeing your offerings this week.
Unmoored
Awash and battered at sea
as mighty force of relentless waves
pound endlessly upon the ship
She creaks, she moans, she holds
While forces that care not what
damage their assault inflicts,
rage on in seeming blind fury.
They huddle there
Those that sail upon that ship
Wanting to trust, needing to believe
afraid the forces are too great
Aware the pounding waves
heed not their cry for mercy
The thought exists
To jump into savage fury’s arms
And end the fear, the toil of bailing
Yet tethered to hope they struggle on
Believing their ship will sail on strong
And not give way to raging sea
Awash in fear, clinging to hope
Their ship, their shield against the storm
Battered, moaning on churning seas
And so they wait the break of dawn
With calmer seas to carry on
sm
Electric Rage
Pounding feet and breaking glass
The fires ignite with one small flash
Fear, defiance, power and flight
electric in the humming night
Adrenaline pumping hours ahead
A city burning, filled with dread
These children plunder, loot and fight
No longer caring what is right
What lights the spark of bubbling rage
Exploding into slumbering streets
Contagious till the break of light
The shattered dreams or sense of might?
Healing wounds and calming fury
There are no answers in a hurry
Our world awash in war and strife
All clamoring for peaceful life
sm
Enchanted Forest
Sitting in the misty morning stillness
The gliding mists surrounds me
gently, softly
Leafy lush hills of dark green forest
moist with dew, alive with scent,
Nature’s buzz and rustle singing
beneath the boughs.
Life abundant, busy in
sun dappled fragrant morning.
Why do I feel so calm here?
Like a voice calling welcome
rest, breathe, exhale, be
Enchanted, soothed and soon entranced
with mossy trunk and winding branch
The deep and peaceful woodland
waits to fill the spirit of those
who seek her magic.
sm
All poems above © sm 2011