Retaining the Silence
Every morning the hum of my room
Holds me back from starting.
The world hasn’t changed on its own,
So I have to put my self into it.
The agency of improvement can never be other people,
Although the sound in my ears is still other voices.
No miracle device will stop the war-makers...
Even when they change their names.
No blood will sooth the dragons.
My life begins each day
Exactly as alien from motive as it was the day before.
I listen for the news on the computer --
Garbled, self-interested, as ever the wayward path.
I try to remember what can go right:
A friendship, a stranger’s freedom, letting be.
And the hum gets louder; my thoughts fade into the background
Of a place with no place for our silence.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/28/2009 05:38PM by petersz.
EVERY POEM'S AN EXPERIMENT, INCLUDING THIS ONE.
A successful experiment, I'd say, Peter. Your introspection has led to some well-phrased observations...the last two lines in particular.
Joe
It is good to see the forum back up and running again, but I wonder how many more contributors this latest problem has turned away. We've lost so many over the years because of hackers. At any rate, it is good not to have to go through the ordeal of having to change userids this time.
I agree Joseph. We need the site itself to be attractive enough to bring more quality people like the so many we have lost. All I can do is keep chugging along, like the little engine who could. Anyway, I always hope at least ten people will have posted their poems between each poem I post.
Regarding this one, Joseph, my friend at the dinner last night said he did not like this poem because the last lines were too negative. So I am happy to hear your balancing opinion.
amo,
Peter
I get a hopeful vibe from this one, Peter, which is always good.
Les
Negative, perhaps, Peter, but true from your perspective. And, afterall, it is you who wrote the lines.
Joe
Joseph,
At least the words passed through the part of the universe manifest here, although the words belong to the language, and the language speaks through the poet, as every little fable about a muse or genius or inspiration testifies.
Cheers,
Peter
a lovely piece...what a wonderful read!
can relate so to it.
Gouwe/Carolyn
Gouwerijn
My moto's Those who ask question shall know answers.:>>> wie vraagt wie weet. Those who darenot ask shall never know. ::>>> wie niet vraagt wie niet weet.
Thanks, Carolyn. Love your tag btw and its in one of the languages my girl friend speaks but which I do not.
Cheers,
Peter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/01/2022 02:30PM by petersz.
Peter,
I am especially drawn to poems such as this...those that some, like your friend, refer to as "too negative." Most of my poetry flows during times of turmoil. Writing helps me to release painful emotions from deep within my soul. More therapuetic than talking to others or praying at times. Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed it.
Sheila
salom,
Peter