It is so painful to speak against
from where I come, this land
to where I was shipped by Him;
but as I struggle with words,
others struggle with life itself.
It feels like infidels thrive here,
acting on their own fancies,
hardened by their own ideas
till in one shocking moment,
explode a bomb in frustration.
It feels like resilience dies here,
as life is spent each new day,
with the stench of old promises,
one moment changes nothing
just that single moment only.
For what should change soon,
is lost within the maze of laws
and the promises of leaders;
as our problems re-emerge
so do those old shallow words.
Here, in this land where I live,
that shelters me each moment,
I feel like I’m fighting a battle;
I hear my siblings’ voices too,
and I know they fight with me.
Can a million whispers echo
till it transforms into a roar?
Our voices do reach the top
but they must not be silenced
by a fear of losing integrity.
Shared with Sunday Whirl (Wordle 105), Poets United (Poetry Pantry), Imaginary Garden With Real Toads (Open Link Monday), and as participation for Blogging from A to Z Day 19 = Letter S..
(April 21st, 2013)
Vinay Leo R.
Poetry & writing are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.
Amazingly beautiful!! Heartening to read your long poems again!! Freedom of speech!! No voice should be silenced… loved the second verse the best!! and how you have used those difficult words so effortlessly there…
Heartening to write long too, Nanka. Thank you. Indeed, no voice should be silenced.
A most profound poem which redresses the battle that has been raging for such a long time…the promises and the reality of the world we live in…somehow during the famine all the government officials seem to provide is stale words…a fine poem IMHO.
We all want to act, but those who should, just don’t do it. Which is extremely sad. Thank you, Martin.
I am greatly moved by this poem, especially by the line: “can a million whispers echo til it transforms into a roar?”
They should. They can, that’s known, but they should. Thank you, Lisa for your kind comment.
Nice one…!
Thanks, Stan.
So powerful… I especially like the 4th stanza.
Thanks, Laurie.
Oh, for sure, we should never lose integrity. Your poem makes some valid points.
Yeah, the people need to stand together, all of us! Thanks, Mary.
Well said and yes, a million voices together have to be heard.
They must, for the nation’s sake, Sherry!
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there are so many great lines in this piece, but it is the message through it all which speaks so clearly. It is a brilliantly handled poem. Congrats. And yes, it is a very important message.
Thanks, Cheesewolf. Glad you liked it, and enjoyed the message as well.
very nice
Thanks, ZennJen
We cannot lose our voices. It gives us strength. I love the courage and resilience in this poem Leo.
We cannot, but it sometimes feel like that’s what we are doing! Thanks, Write Girl.
The frustration of the change we are unable to make in our government hits so true with me. No victory here. Just another one quelled. What a week. Nice job expressing our reality.
Thank you, Maggie.
Thank you for the million whispers. Nice job, Leo.
I am but one, Brenda. Thanks!
You’ve obviously put a lot of yourself into this. And there’s a lot that the reader can glean from it too.
Thanks. for this.
Thank you too!
A few million would certainly change the government’s mind. We must not wait for action but be it ourselves.
Yes, that’s a lovely thought, OldEgg.