Two poems written on Substack notes
the carelessness of the few
if millions of breathing beings
proscribed evildoers and those greedy
enough to shake down the poor and
oppressed, we wouldn’t be dancing
in a pit of flames, trying our best to
outrun the burn.
but here we are…
walking on lit coal, struggling to stay
sane, and clapping away fire that aligns
itself with our truths.
we had the tools to succeed politically,
however, many were afraid to see how
well they worked.
and now, we’re all
drowning in this
inescapable Hell.
a griseous morning
morning isn’t sashaying over to
me as it’s done the
past few days.
it appears sullen,
griseous, and
downtrodden.
I don’t have the
words to heal the ache it feels, but
I offer a few anyway.
it wanders around my home,
anxious to see which one of us
will break first.
I’ve got news for it…
it won’t be me.
Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-Book and Paperback) yet?
I recently signed up to write on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing as I speak about the most recent events with my place of employment as it pertains to racism and discrimination. I welcome your visit.
These two poems together are incredibly powerful, trE. The shift from the ‘inescapable Hell’ in the first one to the raw defiance of ‘it won’t be me’ in the second gives chills. A beautiful and necessary message about resilience.
‘Griseous,’ is the perfect word. The idea of the morning being ‘sullen’ and in a standoff with you is such a powerful image for waking up to a world that feels heavy. Love the defiant ending.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much, Rhyan. I always appreciate your feedback!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well shared trE!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kindly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both beautiful. The personification in the second one, and the concluding line made me smile. Love your writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Selma. I truly appreciate you. Happy Sunday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great poems. I had to look up griseous too. I like that it made Word of the Day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it did! I enjoy using the word of the day in poems.
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
loved ‘griseous morning’; had to look it up, of course —
LikeLiked by 1 person
I write poems for the Word of the Day via the Dictionary.com app. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
that’s a novel approach — but it works for you; I like it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, sir. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh I feel ya trE!!!! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful ending there! I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the vibe and flow of both of your thought-provoking, conscience-stirring poems trE! Girl, it won’t be me either! 😜🤦🏻♀️🤭
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I appreciate your comment. We’ve all gotta stay as sane as we can. 🙏🏾🩵
LikeLiked by 1 person
Child trE, and sometimes I have to check myself to make sure I haven’t gone all Fruit Loop over here! 🤪 Geez Louise! 😝
LikeLiked by 1 person
There you go! No, it won’t. 🛡️🐦🔥🙌🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
LikeLiked by 1 person
Morning isn’t sashaying over to me either. Great poems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person