the universe gives
but we take away
the universe gives, but we take away
snared by the lies of a counterfeit king,
awake, my friends, to the needs of the day.
…
when many false prophets lead us astray
that righteous hate we should callously cling,
the universe gives, but we take away.
...
those whose venom works of the good betray
and applaud injury with casual sting,
awake, my friends, to the needs of the day.
...
anguish so fierce that silence doth betray
lest we evil grieve and solemn tears ring,
the universe gives, but we take away.
...
better stories could suffering allay
and with harmony’s love healing might bring,
awake, my friends, to the needs of the day.
...
with every birth unburden the way
and each child's tender heart rejoice and sing,
the universe gives, but we take away,
awake, my friends, to the needs of the day.
About the Creator
John Cox
Twisted teller of mind bending tales. I never met a myth I didn't love or a subject that I couldn't twist out of joint. I have a little something for almost everyone here. Cept AI. Aint got none of that.
Comments (10)
I'm impressed by how this can hold anger and hope so cleanly.
Well-wrought, John. To what degree will history repeat itself? Time will tell.
Such an enlightening and heartfelt poem, John. Indeed, I fear we may never awaken to the needs of the day....there are far too many lying, counterfeit would-be imposters. This poem is a poignant reminder that we must give at least as much as we take, if not more. Well done.
Well done.
A gentle call to arms, well written!
I found this remarkably soothing. It started off less so, but by the end, I was reassured.
John that line about us taking away is powerful especially when include nit just us but the universe . Again you tell a story that invokes a sense of urgency
Oh wow, this had so much depth and truth to it. Loved your poem!
A beautiful, aching, and so deeply relevant villanelle! I want to hang this one on a wall somewhere - thank you for this, John.
A poem that says we can only do what we can do.