Individuals can never be completely safe, regardless of where they live, due to the nature of this raging planet. Recent seismic and tsunamic events in Asia make us aware that it is only a matter of time …
Find a home for peaceful abode, Be it any sweet castle we master, That very spot at the end of our road, Must succumb, in time, to disaster.
No account of tragedy is given here Of what may befall by hand of man, Or damage that wayward biosphere Can inflict in exposed life span.
But the land is born of raging fire: Molten rocks gush many a red hell. Above seawater hardens a pyre, Sun dries, waters freeze, cracks swell.
Tectonic plate on plate scores, And earthquakes raise the sea, Push liquid waves on distant shores,
Wreak havoc on failures to flee.
Hurricanes, tornadoes do deadly dance, Earthquakes shake and liquify the ground, Mudslides cover, no warning advance, Ice and hail beat houses down.
Wildfires consume remains from drought, Floods smash, and float goods away, Untouched by mud and mold is naught, So hope for interlude among the fray —
Interlude ‘fore disaster should arrive — In tune with geologic metronomes. Blissfully ignorant of the tragic jive, We wait — between beats — in our homes.
Funny the way nature eventually wreaks havoc...
and thats why you wrote this on my birthday! LOL!
Great thought-provoking write in the sense that we think staying inside is going to make any difference...
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on October 20, 2005
"...Tectonic plate on plate scores,
And earthquakes raise the sea,
Push liquid waves on distant shores,
Wreak havoc on failures to flee..."
Earth is a mess, no doubt about it. Well said, Leland.
A powerful and masterfully executed poem. How eloquently it sketches the innate fear that we all have of the ravages of nature - and no wonder! Today's terrible earthquake in the south Asian subcontinent adds significance to this fine work.
CJ
How so very true, my friend. Even here, in this ancient, granitic and remote corner of the world, which seemed to watch the changes and convulsions around it while remainining almost exactly the same as in the days of the Druids, even the so far less reflective of us have now no choice but to perceive that the whole universe is one in continuous expansion, continuous metamorphosis. And we have no choice but to be conscious that we are also particles of the universe, and that which affects a particle, affects the whole. The universe and ourselves, an interactive whole of particles of energy, sometimes in tiny clusters of apparent or real harmony – enjoying peaceful interludes – sometimes going through the convulsions again, as all keeps naturally evolving. And paradoxically – or maybe not – even this conscience can provide its interludes of bliss… but ignorance, especially when deliberate will not prevent – and will probably potentiate or hasten, in many cases – that which is naturally meant to happen. One more very well constructed and very lucid poem to induce deep reflection, dear Leland, as is the fine attribute of your intelligent poetry, which is always a pleasure to read.
Love&Light*
Alexandra*
Leland, a most beautifully written poem, touching all the aspects of our chaotic environs. Strange how Mankind survives, living on such an angry planet, were it not for the "good" it also has, we'd be long gone. The duality always fascinates me, and my write today compares the brilliance of mans achievements to the way we behave;-)
So good to read your fine work!
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
This book won 'The Poetry Category'
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
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and thats why you wrote this on my birthday! LOL!
Great thought-provoking write in the sense that we think staying inside is going to make any difference...
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
And earthquakes raise the sea,
Push liquid waves on distant shores,
Wreak havoc on failures to flee..."
Earth is a mess, no doubt about it. Well said, Leland.
Ron
CJ
Love&Light*
Alexandra*
your constructed this poem quite well ... solid imagery and perspective ...
No matter where we plant ourselves, Nature is there to remind us of who's boss. :) Excellent, thought provoking write, thank you, Sir!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
And I live in Texas, home of killer tornadoes, hurricanes, heat, cold, bugs...ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Masterfully done Leland!!
Love Tinka
So good to read your fine work!
Love,
Eileen
It is a privilege to read this wise "Peaceful Interlude"...
A masterful composition glowing the American Fine Letters.
I salute You, Mahatma Poet.
Long Healthy Life.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU