Open Poetry #47 |
For Those who may Follow |
Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
The music plays, the cradle rocks establishing a beat The rhythm harkens to the womb, the babe drifts off to sleep Awakening some future morn while trying to stay in step with all the changes that occured while innocence has slept. No stranger to this land and yet, confused to say the least Is one step forward two steps back the nature of the beast? Perhaps there was another time, a different style of dance Before the ones who call the tune re-set the odds of chance. If still the music haunts the soul, to resonate within With one step forward two steps back we're ready to begin A dance to mock futility and end its senseless reign Though flesh will perish over time, perhaps some spark remains, To pass to those on down the line who've yet to tap their feet, "Don't quit your day job, poet child, if you expect to eat." |
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© Copyright 2011 William E.Kleist - All Rights Reserved | |||
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Dr Moose, I am not sure if I read your poem correctly, but what I understand of it is that history repeats itself and it appears that humankind follows a predestined pattern and also simply doesn’t learn. We progress a little and regress a lot. However, perhaps in doing so, we will take more notice of the mistakes and learn from them. Yes, there seems always to be a tune which we all hum through the ages. May (the) current Pied Piper(s) and his (their) music lead us on a different and better path and perhaps we will have an influence on the future generations to do better than we and our predecessors have done. I think your final couplet may mean that we need to listen to poets and philosophers, but sadly the world doesn’t recognise them enough for them to be powerful enough to make major and speedy changes. Forgive me if I am way off track. Either way, I enjoyed your philosophical poem. Owl |
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Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Owl, Thank you most kindly for your insightful observations. Did I really say all that in just 14 lines? Lol. While what I penned here could be extrapolated to incorporate the "world view" you express ( and I share ),in my somewhat "ego-centric" universe it's more about paying the bills and putting food on the table. There was a time when more lofty pursuits beckoned, now, I have my work, my poetry,and my sense of humor. I guess things could always be worse. Be well. Doc |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
I like this very much. It is so true to life and how it evolves over time. Nothing stays the same, and perhaps that is the irony of it all... just like the one step forward two steps back that you refer to. I love your take, and your insight even more. Bravo!!! |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
I liked this ~ and I like your poetry and sense of humor. I want to learn how to inject my humor more in my poetry. It's a pleasure to read your message .. and you left me with a smile. Alison |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Bubbling giggles at what I read into what you were saying! Just 2 short poems, to show that I understand NOW what you are saying, although my poems are put a lot more harshly than your poem. My current situation is fractionally better than expressed below, but I must admit that I am getting a bit tired of bread and peanut butter for my meals for the last 7 months, and my inexplicable energy is waning slightly. Smiles. UNEMPLOYED March 1999 Fear, Tormenting, racking, Where to now? Bills, debts Terror. DEBTOR’S PRISON 20 January 2001 The sinews of my scapula are twisted and knotted and plaited. My head and heart and shoulders and feet are heavy. My bright “Good morning”s are paper-thin and my scratched soul’s voice manages a rasping “Where to now?” Owl |
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Dr.Moose1 Member Elite
since 1999-09-05
Posts 3448Bewilderment , USA |
Blues Serenade, Thanks so much. It's truly a sad commentary that so much of life seems to be that way. I was raised to believe in the "Great American Work Ethic & Dream" where not only work hard but work smart = success. That was before my country decided manufacturers (such as myself) should take our business elsewhere, and if you weren't big enough to successfully outsource, perish. Bitter? Quite. Surviving with a sense of humor intact? More determined than ever. Doc Alison, Thanks. It's been my priveledge to watch your poetry evolve over the years here at PiP. I have no doubt you can and will inject any nuance into your poetry that you so decide. ( We "perpetual students" gotta stick together yanno, lol.) Doc Owl, Thanks again, your two brief poems contained some really stark imagery. To be honest, in contrast to most on this planet, my life would be viewed as one of excessive consumption. However, by American standards, the reality of it is that my standard of living has been steadily falling for the last thirty years or so. "One step forward, two steps back", please excuse me my self indulgent ramblings. Doc |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
No, Doc, I don't excuse them. There is no reason to. I enjoy them instead! Smiles. Owl |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Love your poem, Dr. Moose! The sad part is that whatever "wisdom" we want to pass on to those who may follow just doesn't hit base. Gives meaning to the phrase of being "in it for ourselves" and so we will all, in our own way, do that damn forward/back dance. Helen |
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