When scientists start trying to claim science can resolve climate change, unlock the secrets of the universe and enable us to live our lives through a medium which gives us no privacy, no control and little contact with other humans we must ask is something wrong?
Western Monkeys
We hear no evil, see no evil:
Its their culture, we do not understand.
We beat ourselves with righteous guilt
for the evil trade of long dead men
yet stand aside, permit the femicide
some long held tribal prejudice demands.
The hand that rocked the cradle of mankind,
the breast that stilled the hungry infant's cries
must bear the burden of the grown man's rage
and envy of the womb's deep silent power.
The knowing ape, must kill and rape;
knows less than beasts we clamour to despise.
From Abraham down through Africa,
a journey on a road in time and space
has brought us little way along the path
that leads to our reunion with the gods.
Defile the seed and taint the future breed?
Black or white, are we not enough the same.
The violated woman never knows
what evil dwells within her silent shame.
Her cries carry no economic weight.
"What can we do, they never help themselves?"
As mercy dies Western Monkeys shield our eyes,
take refuge in wealth, accept no blame.
Ian, you have no idea how this topic makes my heart ache. I wrote an article on the genocide of women in Bosnia and Kosovo some years ago for a publication, and currently it is online again at a new literary ezine called Sunpiper. As writers with voices, we must use them to speak for those who cannot...
Unfortunately, your poem is quite on the mark. Yet I fear it is not only Western Monkeys who shield their eyes - seems to me that the problem of turning a blind eye to the problem is rather systemic in many a culture.
Thanks for your brave and honest observations about a difficult and painful reality.
~Rose~
Reviewed by Nicole Davis Vergara (Reader)
Reviewed on May 17, 2004
WOW!!!!
Ian this is so poignant, powerful and trully OUTSTANDING!!!!
Point gotten across and made, ahhhh sweet yet also sour sword of poetic justice!
~Nikki~
Reviewed by Thomas Lanechanger (Reader)
Reviewed on May 17, 2004
Greetings Poet.
Absolutely a keeper for sure! The winds of change have already begun their journey of Justice to help cleanse this World, as we once knew it too be. This BRILLIANT write should open their eyes once and for all, and blow them all into the sea!!! Keep The Faith.
I have been tossing a poem around my head for Jim as well. I just hope I can write one as good as yours.
You did leave out one element that Jim mentioned in his information. I understand that in the U.K. making deragotory remarks about a race or religion is a crime. So I can understand why you left out the Islamic connection. However, here in the U.S. we still enjoy freedom of expression. So I will not be bound by any regulations, other than my own.
Each person is but a grain of sand resting beside the sea. This thought sets the tone for Jill Eisnaugle’s latest poetry collection, Beside Still Waters.
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Thank you for the addition of your voice.
Unfortunately, your poem is quite on the mark. Yet I fear it is not only Western Monkeys who shield their eyes - seems to me that the problem of turning a blind eye to the problem is rather systemic in many a culture.
Thanks for your brave and honest observations about a difficult and painful reality.
~Rose~
Ian this is so poignant, powerful and trully OUTSTANDING!!!!
Point gotten across and made, ahhhh sweet yet also sour sword of poetic justice!
~Nikki~
Absolutely a keeper for sure! The winds of change have already begun their journey of Justice to help cleanse this World, as we once knew it too be. This BRILLIANT write should open their eyes once and for all, and blow them all into the sea!!! Keep The Faith.
My Deepest Gratitude Respect and Admiration.
Thomas Lanechanger
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :( >tears <
Reindeer
I have been tossing a poem around my head for Jim as well. I just hope I can write one as good as yours.
You did leave out one element that Jim mentioned in his information. I understand that in the U.K. making deragotory remarks about a race or religion is a crime. So I can understand why you left out the Islamic connection. However, here in the U.S. we still enjoy freedom of expression. So I will not be bound by any regulations, other than my own.
Love,
Sara
Thank you for posting this Ian!!
Masterfully done my friend!!
Love Tinka