RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
We are
souls in a body
soft spirits
pressed up
against the harshness
of our minds
gentle lambs consumed
by the lion
of our brains
living in a place
where cynicism
is an epidemic
breathing in
the poison
of its blue breath
and we are
thick-lipped
with the sting
of its scorn
We are heart brutes
drowned out by the
clank clank
of our thought chains
finite bodies
all fear and quick
gritting our teeth
while drones loom
reveling in
the mock and hollow
of hate and debate
our rib bones bleached
white with spite
we, in the round,
with our square screens
and our rush of blood
we are ego
bleeding out
like red wine
staining the carpet.
© Sherri Brannon 2017
The state of humanity...stark words that feel clipped and harsh on my tongue.
I created the image with apps - I took a photo of my hand and then overlayed another photo of birds soaring in the sky. In Procreate, I added the heart and tears.
It has been awhile since I've posted a poem...my writing always comes from whatever energy I'm feeling at the time, and lately it's filled with the turmoil and divide of our world.
A piercing and heartfelt piece well done
ReplyDeleteSherri, this is superb. I love it.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness this is potent!
ReplyDelete"Soft spirits pressed up against the harshness of our minds"....how I love that. It is so true. We are very hard on ourselves. I, too, feel what is going on in the world keenly, Sherri. Your image is haunting and beautiful. So nice to see you posting again!
ReplyDeletethis is so deep and provocative. there's a lot of imagery in it. great talent!
ReplyDeletewonderfully written!
ReplyDeleteOh my this is amazing in both image and words....I felt the bite of these lines....and especially:
ReplyDelete'reveling in
the mock and hollow
of hate and debate
our rib bones bleached
white with spite'
A somber write. One can only hope your energy rebounds.
ReplyDeletewe are ego
ReplyDeletebleeding out
like red wine
staining the carpet..... So true. An enjoyable here.
I love your spirit, Sherri. It keeps you honest. It rewards us with heartfelt words we cannot ignore. I send love your way.
ReplyDeleteYes we are! I think you have described it well!
ReplyDeleteA powerful, impactful poem. I believe that every time good people tell it ‘like it is’ – a blow is struck against tyranny. There is work to be done ... and words that need to be said. An important piece.
ReplyDeleteAmazing image – and the poem is far too convincing!
ReplyDeleteYou express it perfectly.
ReplyDelete