How Close to Violence (poem) by Michael S. True on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on September 1, 2014

We look evil indirectly in the face with the instant news of the day. We count ourselves to be fortunate if we somehow avoid being exposed to this evil directly. We could be on the verge of the end times, or this may be "normal". Only an infinite God knowing this, I content myself to try and be on the side of good. You've shown as much as we can bear Michael. Bob

Reviewed by jude forese

Reviewed on August 30, 2014

violence has always been the response for mankind's distrust and ignorance ... there are 7 billion people on earth and the instant media enterprise helps to promote (report) the onslaught of its blood thirst ... your poem explores this scenario quite forcefully ...

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on August 29, 2014

I'm not sure I fully understood, but I believe you are writing about the tendency for violence to take front and center in our entertainment and news. As though that were what life was really about. And I've found that some people get caught up in fear over all the violence that they think is happening when it's not.

One of the best examples of our inhumanity to each other was what happened in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina. I'm sure there were many acts of selflessness where people were rescued and saved from horrible situations--friends helping friends--friends helping strangers. On the other hand, from the news coming out, it appeared like every man and woman for him/her self. Floating bodies and despair were testament to the inhumanity taking place. Or was it? Or was that just our perception from Houston where we took in the unwanted in the Astrodome.

Ron

Reviewed by John Domino

Reviewed on August 29, 2014

A very though provoking poem Michael.
Throughout History it's always been a fight between good and evil.
In the end, good has always been the winner although it takes much time.
"Over come evil with good! Love is victorious over hate! Thank God!"

Reviewed by Jansen Estrup

Reviewed on August 29, 2014

Jarring, your darker future. I especially like your line, "A new respect for villains now,/For those who deftly feign sincere." Well done.

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton

Reviewed on August 28, 2014

Violence, which is mankind's "true" calling, is much more likely to sucker punch a dottering old man as he walks his mutt than at any time in the history of mankind. I'm not a dottering old man just yet, although the day fast approaches, still I carry a very sharp lock blade knife and a walking cane made out of very hard oak. Been thing about buying a pistol. Yep, it has come to that..

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on August 28, 2014

Bleak, but with much any conscious person can't turn a deaf ear to. Contemplation of such images should be part of everyone's pondering diet...assuming many ponder anything anymore, the scourge of drive-by living, thinking, believing et al, seemingly side by side with the inevitable infestation of hopelessness for any and all who try and find their existence fulfilling by outside means, forgetting the inner castle of mind and heart has always, and will continue to be, the only sanctuary for the peace we instinctively pursue.