Following political tides –
mesmerized by neglect
of actual issues – playing
to an audience of moaners
(standard consumerist
plights) – glossing over
exploitation of women,
verbal slaughter of race,
religion and social values.
Wondering about media –
who commandeer bias,
swallowing atrocities and
spewing contrived truths,
absent sound voice, or will,
jeopardizing the security
of so many trampled in
the race for what? Surely
not responsibility – what
lapse of conscience has
allowed hateful rhetoric
to bloody progress, no
consequences? Who will
bear the burden when in
the absence of morality
or respect for humanity,
the margins will increase?
The world quakes at the
failure to acknowledge
this broken path, see only
a devaluation of assets,
perceive a race that did
no more than increase
the monarchy of a king,
grant power to absolve
sins – a sleight-of-hand
trick – nothing to do with
the common habitants –
have so many questions
about how they’ll proceed.
(First penned in November of 2016, I am resubmitting this piece for Reena’s Exploration challenge#120. Image from personal collection.)
I guess we’ll never learn. Shame on mankind! Superb piece, V.J.
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Thanks Eugenia. Such strange times.
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Here we go again. Very worthwhile to repost this. I go round and round with why? but more importantly – what is the way to a better path? or…what is WRONG with (some) people?
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Exactly. It’s all so surreal.
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Way too surreal.
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Your poem expresses my frustration with the current state of affairs eloquently and powerfully. What I find so hard to take is that this unconscionable attitude and behavior continues unabated when so many good people devoted their lives–and in some instances–gave their lives to stop it.
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I agree Liz. That someone so smug and self-serving can continue is beyond belief. Let’s pray an answer comes soon.
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This is profound. It’s just as true (or more so) today.
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Sadly, yes. Thanks
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Spot on, unfortunately. However, you did create beauty out of chaos, the poem itself is lovely.
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Thanks Julie. All we can do is draw attention to the issues. Appreciate the comment.
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Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Is there an exit strategy? … asks VJ Knutson
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You raise intense questions in a very interesting format. Best piece that I read today!
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Thanks so much, Reena!
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Sadly, some things never change.
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So it seems.
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