Image: Look Back in Anger (here)
porous in thoughts allowing archaic ideas
but not willing or able to prevent a wrangle
that can unleash its strength on unfounded fears
obsessed in sporadic trauma that strangles
spluttering of excuses to ward off blame
wading through the mush with slow steps
obstinately unflinching but outwardly lame
obsessed with unflagging resolve so adept
how to thaw a hard-headed soul unwilling
with tirades of niceties, that just bounce off
a thick skin without any such guilt contending
likely to be a blameworthy lot hard to absolve
For Sanaa's Prompt Nights - Obsession
continually fills or troubles the mind - #34
Whistles!!❤️💖this is absolutely exquisite writing, Hank. I agree one can not do much to persuade someone whose "a hard-headed soul unwilling with tirades of niceties" love your use of tone and diction here. Beautifully rendered. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support❤️💖
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Being a young boy brought up in wartime I still have vivid memories of fear and need, as bombs fell and there were shortages everywhere. It must have been so much worse for orphans during such conflicts yet we still see it today on our TV screens see the lack of hope on young faces.
ReplyDeleteYes Robin. One can see the sense of loss in their faces, none with a smile. True enough a pre-war pic, yet it is reminiscent of the Syrian refugee children barely a few months ago who fled from their homelands and landed on European soils. A pity!
DeleteHank
This is one of your better works. Excellent, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThe picture does speak volumes.
Thanks Ann
DeleteYes, we all have deep thoughts as this horrid election draws near
ReplyDeleteWar has no winners and the poor kids suffer a lot indeed, hard to smile about anything in that situation.
ReplyDeletethis is a unique take on the prompt & yes the photo speaks volumes...
ReplyDeleteVery powerful poem of the horror inflicted without the feeling of guilt.
ReplyDeleteThe last stanza makes you feel very powerless by the words "that bounce of their thick skin" and sad. Very well written!
Powerfully written. I have experienced may sides of your insight
ReplyDeleteThis is such a powerful and well written piece. How sad, children robbed of their youth. And the last stanza paints a scary picture - a hard-headed soul.
ReplyDeleteA powerful poem Hank - makes me think in whatever arena people have power but never accept responsibility
ReplyDeleteYour first stanza in is a poem in itself. It tells such a profound story, weaved with a tone that reads like a shield... against the possibility of careless porousness.
ReplyDeleteAnd your chosen image is so powerful.
Deletewishing peace in the midst of torture, thanks for this share
ReplyDeletemuch love...
"spluttering of excuses to ward off blame" This is so true of offenders of this type. What harm is done in the mistaken name of necessity. Well written and taken to heart,,,
ReplyDelete