Look upon a weary world, and call it what you will
I name it split, torn apart, and on the brink of broken
brimmed with hatred, fearful now, replete with hearts unopen
this globe of poison bubbles hot, and loathing has its fill
see here, see there; the stains of man, this bitter trudge uphill
you point at me and I at you, words better left unspoken
come flying out and cut like barbs, and there the curses soak in
while small ones sit, and stare, and wait, for they shall bear the bill
yet not all is lost amidst the gloom, time still to end this duel
honest ones do strive unceasing, with tired hands to join us
to seek repair of what is broke, among these days so cruel
with words of help and healing, stitch up these wounds we must
let kindness douse the fires lit, let caring be our rule
for days to come in gentle peace, together bound in trust.
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander
English teacher
Short stories and poems📚
Please be honest- I would love your constructive feedback, as it's the only way I'll get better. Would rather it was pointed out so I can improve!
Currently writing James The Wonderer


Comments (9)
This is beautiful. It captures exactly how heavy and fractured the world feels sometimes, but it also leaves a thread of hope to hold onto.
This was so poignant, deep, and emotional. Loved your poem!
'Let kindness douse the fire lit, let caring be our rule’—a light to outshine 'the stains of man'. Love your poem.
Nothing like starting my morning out with a little doom and gloom. So glad you lit that torch of hope at the end. Your poem was fabulous. The cadence and rhyming married beautifully. The tone was certainly somber but fit perfectly with the message.
Damn, Mr O'Connor dropping the truth in sonnet-form. I gotta say, that like everyone else below me - the advise, wisdom and thoughts are spot-on here. Buuuuuuuuuut, I also wanna commend your rhyme scheme, the cadence and the fact that this read like a unique take on a sonnet compared to so many I've read these last few weeks. This is definitely one of your finest poems- that I've read anyway - well done, mate!
Awesome sonnet and message Joe!
I hope the guidance in your poem finds the light. Feeling very weary today. 😌
I hope the guidance in your poem finds the light. Feeling very weary today. 😌
This is such a powerful reflection on the state of the world.