Jean-Leon Geroms,"Pollice Verso," 1872
Consider the power of a gesture:
Two fingers raised as a plea for mercy
Thumbs descending to slay a prone creature
How casually cruel can digits be?
Whether in an ancient coliseum
Or in a postmodern comments section
Do we ask: what is it like to be him?
The vanquished, verging on vivisection?
No, we are all subjects, never objects
Onlookers, invulnerable to looks;
Others might condemn our absurd projects
But today, things are assessed in our books
Be mindful of the weight of your own thumb
Those who condemn can the condemned become
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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Comments (5)
"Two fingers raised as a plea for mercy" Wow! That line is beautiful.
This was so profound and so true. We must always be mindful of others and put ourselves in their shoes before we say or do something. Loved your poem!
geezuz - non- stop! Holy! Great closing couplet!
I really admire your creative thoughts and different power in words
I love this. Such a creative thought inspired by an image, with such a powerful last line.