“The Letter” by George Goodwin Kilburne
let them know how you feel
let them know what you think
speak your mind with a candid
assessment of why they are wrong
refrain from ad hominem epithets
this is no time for politeness but
neither will crudity land your points
home just explain how they’ve
failed to keep faith with the values
embraced by their very sworn oaths
make them see through their blindness
and hear through their deafness use
sharply drawn words that will penetrate
even the dead calloused skin of their
conscience for this is your birthright of
duty a solemn condition of liberty’s
legacy granting your great wealth
of power and privilege conferred by
the title of citizen sharing republic
This reminds me of an authors quote ( I can’t remember who) on writing, he said “only write what you believe.” Spoken in the manner that we would, from our hearts as we feel it with honesty, as is our human responsibility. A clear conscience is a cross to bear.
A great read. Thank you.
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indeed – poetry must be sincere or it will never succeed
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Hmm…I imagine this can be applied to many situations and many forms of being…not limited to writing…and yet, I am thinking of taking to my pen and responding to a situation…It is such a delicate balance — “to speak one’s mind” and not be abrasive or crushing. I guess the criteria is the motivation that sparks the demand? I have been struggling with WHAT TO DO since September of last year, when my friend since we were 14 years of age, has decided to pull the plug on ALL relationships and retreat into her cave. The loss of her in my life is profound–sometimes I get really angry at what she has chosen to do…then sometimes, I think WHO am I to beg her to live her life differently? Then I read Harper Lee’s GO SET A WATCHMAN, and in Chapter 18, she writes: “Very well, if you won’t tell me what Melbourne said I’ll put it in my own words: the time your friends need you is when they’re wrong, Jean Louise. They don’t need you when they’re right—”
Thank you for making me reflect once again, Paul…Have a good weekend!
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and thank you for the thoughtful and heartfelt comments
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I see your message is clear, precise and its target would do well to heed the words of eloquent intelligence when structured as you have outlined. Fingers crossed!
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ha ha – I just told rivrlogr the same thing
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And if they will not listen, tell them once again through the ballot box.
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with fingers crossed
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encouraging
encouragement 🙂
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*smile*
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Submit up to 10 poems to kjamesbooks@gmail.com. Published ok. Poems from the Heron Clan IIV
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I am an Indian , in India….I got goose flesh when I first read the poem…..The politics aside…..it is like a wake up call….those who pretend a death because they have forgotten how to fight……those who can love fiercely but have succumbed to fear of freedom and safety of cowardice…..they should read it ….it also has a semblance to Bhagavadgita our scripture where Lord Krishna calls upon Arjun to fight on the side of right and sacrifice all relations to uphold the right….
Universal conscience is so alike.
I am humbled reading it.
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as I am humbled by your comments
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Pingback: If Not You, Then Who? — Poesy plus Polemics | momentarylapseofsanity
thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
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Poignance . Well spoken. If not the cream of the nations, who will point it out?
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we all have the power
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Words to live by in the coming months as I try to speak my mind to those who support Trump.
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I understand
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The beginning struck a cord with me as to Emily Dickinson’s “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” Wonderfully written poem!
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thank you for the flattering comment, becky
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