Words lend us power to wound and repair,
they’re our weapon to weigh when we engage;
winnow a whine; speak with voice of a sage;
fine wine our linguistic grapes, we who care.
Let us speak for those who cannot speak; dare
revive lives forestalled and hopes failed; our rage
and pain be tools we target to assuage
those whose suffering through serving we share.
They would make music of the beats they miss
if we'd set the piece, and in their fashion
chorus or concert as the loss demands.
So, loose the tongue's irresistible kiss;
wound’s rapier thrust; whisper’s compassion:
Parry their point that our vantage commands.
"Let us speak for those who cannot speak, dare
revive lives forestalled and hopes failed; our rage
and pain be tools we target to assuage
those whose suffering through serving we share."
This is so beautiful Helga! I greatly admire your passionate work.
"Surrender lament for songs rare.
They’d have made the music we must find
to fashion; reform this dance with passion
from lessons past - Present, future demands."
I think this needs to be a mandatory bedtime prayer!
Maybe, eventually, it'll sink in.
Carmen :-)
Reviewed by na na (Reader)
Reviewed on March 17, 2004
Yes, words do matter. Our society is held together by the words of our forefathers. Within the written word, much of our important past would be forgotten. Bill Murray
Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)
Reviewed on March 17, 2004
Powerful poem and message.
Reviewed by Debashish Haar (Reader)
Reviewed on March 17, 2004
What a shame!!!Excellent Petrarchan rhyme scheme(abbaabbacdecde)...Helga!
Using Calgary as a backdrop the author satirizes the self-serving nature of the public as it continues to fatten itself, not only physically, but egotistically as well.
revive lives forestalled and hopes failed; our rage
and pain be tools we target to assuage
those whose suffering through serving we share."
This is so beautiful Helga! I greatly admire your passionate work.
Peace,
Bill
They’d have made the music we must find
to fashion; reform this dance with passion
from lessons past - Present, future demands."
I think this needs to be a mandatory bedtime prayer!
Maybe, eventually, it'll sink in.
Carmen :-)
floria
And a great command of words you have here, too!