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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 1999-08-26 04:10 AM


BLACK AND WHITE

Draining the color out of black and white
I watch life slip to shades of gray.
Those clearly drawn lines of wrong and right
Growing more obscure everyday.

I walk in the shadows of truth,
Taking my stand on misguided belief.
Weaned off the tears of innocent youth,
And polished in my own grief.

I look to the sky and want to cry,
"God, what's happened to our ideals?"
But wasted tears don't replace the years
When the heart, itself, forgets it feels.

I used to watch the news at night,
Horrified at just what I might see.
Rampant crime in the spotlight,
Glorified in other's misery.

But, now, hardly noticing at all
When someone's raped, or shot, or dies,
I stare at the screen like a blank wall,
Mute button pressed to silence the cries.

Somewhat entranced, somewhat paralyzed,
Somewhat preternaturally numb.
Per chance, in glance, I've realized
The monster I've passively become.

No laurels, no morals, no reason to fight
For what once seemed so cut and dry.
Draining the color out of black and white,
I face tomorrow with a sigh.

© Copyright 1999 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
wayoutwalt
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870
TEXAS (it's all big)
1 posted 1999-08-26 04:32 AM


i love your wordplay michael your wit is your greatest asset and you have used it well here.. sad topic but too true love the poem
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
2 posted 1999-08-26 09:59 AM


Great poem... words to ponder. *S*
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
3 posted 1999-08-26 11:25 AM


very nicely written!!!

------------------
"Nobody has measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold" ~Zelda Fitzgerald

Craig
Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 444

4 posted 1999-08-26 12:41 PM



Superb poem!!
I had a go at this challenge myself, but my effort failed miserably in comparison to yours, well done!!

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
5 posted 1999-08-26 12:56 PM


Michael - great poem... a terrific exit, too. Sometimes, the close is the hardest part. You made this poem close cleanly.
LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
6 posted 1999-08-26 12:58 PM


Michael - great poem... a terrific exit, too. Sometimes, the close is the hardest part. You made this poem close cleanly.
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
7 posted 1999-08-27 01:52 AM


Thanks LngJhnAg
I'm glad you liked the exit - I wasn't sure if it was strong enough to carry out the point of the poem.

Michael

Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
8 posted 1999-08-27 02:20 AM


Your way with words is masterful. Each poem is perfectly written.
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