Easy to sit in the easy
chair of comfort,
Ears and eyes blind to
woes of other lives.
Intake the facile gossip
from neighbours,
Dismiss the world at large
to disinterest.
Unmoved by the magnitude
of madness,
A character concerned with
only self-regard.
Passing judgement from the
court of fireside,
Absent from any open-minded
deliberations.
Ignorance is multinational
and across all classes,
Narrow-minded opinions
intrude on liberation.
Closed and fixed
traditions depreciate humans,
Depressed and ridiculed in
their daily existence.
Frail voices and lost
flocks seek only to be found,
Clear direction offers a
less fraught oppressive life.
Faux politicians engrossed
by the frivolity of celebrity,
Must seek to respect
individuals and educate change.
Enlightenment strives to
cast knowledge far and wide,
Without wisdom the future
remains depleted of hope.
©Copyright Eileen T O’Neill 08/04/2015
Poets United
Mid-Week Motif: Enlightenment..
... and there are so many other things one can do
ReplyDeleteEach couplet is a consideration that could lead to hope. I especially like the first line of the central couplet: "Ignorance is multinational and across all classes," We are not exempt. Opening our eyes to respect, yes!
ReplyDeleteThis is the way life often feels.....I think present day leaders often have more concern for being elected than making the tough and necessary decisions, governments are mandated to make. We have all the information, but no action.....I like your closing couplet so much. We need to use all our wisdom now.
ReplyDeleteThe poem invokes a sense of longing for a much better world.. there is too much of corruption lying around at each corner.
ReplyDeleteLoved your poem :D
xoxo
It all makes me want to hide under the bed. I get so disillusioned with the hate and intolerance. I think Jimmy Durante said it best "Why don't people leave other people the hell alone!" Live and let live. You've said it well.
ReplyDeleteThat last line struck a cord. Knowledge and understanding of people and the world goes a long way, and we all need to hope in our lives!
ReplyDeleteSadly you have said much that is known but continues to be ignored for such short term gain. Like Aesop's Grasshopper we live for the day thinking nothing of tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYes the world needs wisdom, light in order to survive. You've made a deep statement with your poem Eileen. I hope we all listen.
ReplyDeleteIt is survival that demands immediate attention much to the chagrin of good thinking! Nicely Eileen!
ReplyDeleteHank
That last line sums it all up — and allows room for that hope.
ReplyDelete"Closed and fixed traditions depreciate humans." If every single one of us embraces the meaning within these words... the world would be balanced and happy and enlightened for all, methinks. ♥
ReplyDeleteThe world these days is heading where, we donot know.
ReplyDeleteIf ignorance rules the roost where will wisdom come from?...However we have to hope against hope......"Must seek to respect individuals and educate change"....this is one of the medicines to heal....
ReplyDeleteThe truth you've written needs to be heard.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to sense that the upcoming political race is one of wisdom ..but yes, that is certainly what we need to cast some light on our world
ReplyDeleteI see so much and feel much from your poetry. Eileen
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure to read you.
Perfect last line in this poem.
xx
At the end we all are to be blamed...we must take the initiative and help humanity become equal. Great piece, Eilleen. The last line gives hope...beautiful~
ReplyDeleteHmmmm - a provocative read!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the knowledge without wisdom - just collected information, what's next...
ReplyDeleteEileen,
ReplyDeleteYou've so powerfully expressed the voice of many, I believe, myself included, who think of these serious problems every day, feeling frustrated at the continuity of apathy and silence and inactivity towards those less fortunate, suffering, wronged.
Poppy
I sometimes think that poets are the conscience of a people--your piece reminds me that we must always extend ourselves--empathy heals
ReplyDelete