Poetry Corner: Moral Issues

POETRY CORNER

– 2/08/17

Hosted by Kathabela Wilson

In these trying, unusual times poets speak out. It has always been so, historically. The power of poetry carries us beyond the mundane and difficult to a new hope based on overcoming obstacles. Our reactions are so personal, but speak for so many of us, because of the emotional strength of real life struggle. These small poems plant seeds of awareness, and possibilities for a better life.

~ Kathabela

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Seeds (Photo – Jean Holland).

Jean Holland

cataracts
clouding her vision
Lady Liberty
no love gets through
crossed arms

grandmother’s suitcase
turquoise
the ocean waves
she crossed herself
and took a leap of faith

​​ Jean Holland, in Albany, New York, recalls through teary eyes her grandmother’s stories about seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time in 1915, when she emigrated to America from Europe to meet her future husband. She left her entire life behind her to come to this land of promises with only her turquoise suitcase (which Jean still has) and a handful of seeds: “The descendants of both the seeds and my grandmother continue to thrive in this land that welcomed them with open arms. And now, still, that’s all that is being asked for by many, the ability to thrive.”

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Pasadena Women’s Rally, 2017 (Photo – Kathabela Wilson).

Bryce W Fauble

all along the wall
new graffiti
This Space for Rent
political appointments
to the highest bidder

Bryce W Fauble lives in Northwestern Pennsylvania. He says “There’s a lot of talk about putting up a new wall along the Mexican boarder. You’ve heard the debate, for and against, but what worries me more are the appointments of numerous agency secretaries, cabinet members, and political strategists by The President seemingly based off of past contributions to his campaign. This suggests whatever message that’s crafted for a new wall comes from people who were able to pay the most. Pay the most. Ugh.”

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♣ We welcome and encourage your response especially in the form of short poems. You may reply by leaving a comment below.