BACK FROM A TWO WEEK HIATUS ~ LISA IS HOSTING QUADRILLE MONDAY
"TURN" IS THE WORD WE ARE TO USE IN OUR POEMS
Our Son Christopher's Artwork ~ From Decades Ago
HOW MANY CORNERS MUST WE TURN
HOW MANY CITIES MUST WE BURN
HOW MANY WOUNDS MUST HISTORY HIDE
HOW MANY TEARS HAVE JUSTIFIED PRIDE
HOW LONG TILL TRUTH OUT-VOICES FEAR
HOW CLOSE MUST RUIN DRAW TO HEAR
BEFORE WE LEARN TO DOUSE THE FLAMES
First off, Helen, such a powerful collage. If I remember correctly, a loved one was in VietNam so that must be a picture of him in the collage?
ReplyDeleteHelen you are asking the right questions. How long?
Yes, it's Christopher's father in uniform ... Danang, one year 67-68.
DeleteIf only we could (really) give peace a chance... Great stuff, Helen
ReplyDeleteYes indeed!
ReplyDelete(The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind.)
Wonderful collage, creates emotions!!
ReplyDeletePowerful poem Helen!!
Surely the people do not want war but now as we see they rule by money!! Humanity has suffered so much from wars and we still have wars!!
Thank you very much for this post!
Powerful art and poetry. The forever unanswered question. How long?
ReplyDeletePertinent questions, Helen, and the collage is the perfect illustration of this poem.
ReplyDeleteHelen, this feels like a cry from deep within—urgent and sorrowful. To me, it reads like a chant echoing through time, asking questions we still haven’t answered.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
David
SkepticsKaddish.com
This is a song. I fear we're never going to learn.
ReplyDeleteYour son's artwork is very powerful.
Like Rosemary, I too heard echoes of Dylan's still valid still unanswered questions - great write Helen...
ReplyDeleteThat's the question. So far, no answers from those in charge - at least none we want to hear.
ReplyDeleteHelen, a powerful, urgent piece of protest poetry - driven, rhythmic, and unflinching 🙌
ReplyDeleteSuch a great poem, Helen. I love your thoughts and questions here!
ReplyDeleteA cry from within, yes, exactly...there are some very ugly, limited actors in today's world, and not just in one or two countries..I can count on one hand those who have the iron will and wherewithall to douse the flames, if they were listened to..at least in Ukraine. Two are Petr Pavel and Kaja Kallas.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a poignant collage, Helen! Indeed, "How long till truth out-voices fear."
ReplyDeleteThis is a marching song!
ReplyDeleteYour poem screams, Helen. I'm not usually a fan of all caps, but they work here.
ReplyDeleteAnd exactly why I chose the font! Screaming isn’t my style either.
ReplyDeleteHelen, this is a poignant read! I can hear and feel your screams! ❤️
ReplyDeleteWow, that really packs a punch, and yes.
ReplyDelete