For want of a future
There is no ancient iron key
such as turned and locked Rapunzel firmly in
confined within, turret, dungeon, tower
no jailer jangling noisy bunch, clanking
nor electronic system, tag or buzzer
red light on/off flashing
none of this security array, not prison cell, thin rations, gruel
and yet, though no fence is wired, fizz and shock
no key nor lock
still we are confined,
whole world cribbed and cabined
globally, in chains.
And though we roam in realms of gold
music, poetry, art
warmed by the fire of joy
the leap from the cliff, the pot-hole plunge
a siren mermaid call
paradise this way, pearly, iridescent
seducing like chocolate
yet still, fizz and shock, no key nor lock
we pace like polar bear, zoo’s shame and horror
the daily counted steps, back and forth, forward back
for want of a future, promise, possibility
a tune to play or dance to
hands linked, proximity
and hold our breath in trepidation
awaiting the enemy’s call, next move
pawns, powerless
in thrall to the merciless king.
March 20th 2021, Hounoux
You trigger so many thoughts Sally. It does seem to to be a product of my confinement to travel in thought. Your first verse takes me to how much lockdown has brought about a greater global connection of those who are suffering and our shared humanity. It leads me to feeling gratitude for what has come into my life to connect, lift the spirit, feed the mind. Goodness it suddenly makes me think about the wonderful people who have always held out a hand, hope and connect and give hope. Well I can think of a few enemies and merciless kings Sally whose presence has been made more powerful our universal one seeks out untouched victims, keeps us 'holding our breath' when I want to scream! I've enjoyed your poem, your way with words sorts a few thoughts, thank you x
ReplyDeleteI need to use the preview before publishing, fill in the 'as' ...our!
ReplyDeleteNo worries Jude, my brain just fills it in. Of course writing the poem helps me sort out my thoughts/ feelings too!
ReplyDelete