/ viruses purge /angers burst /
/ we reel with shock / firing volleys of cause and blame
arm ourselves with righteousness / attack wrong/
but seldom save our ordinary souls / for what comes after —
nightmare truths (memories that dissect us
pinning open layers of dislike / hate / self-loathing)
and softer dreams / also true
( we are not monsters — can remember comfort
/ can crawl to one another still / those who will )
and if we do / endure and embrace/
imagination may reappear — the eye of the heart / always looking /
when will we manage to play as children do /
who left with spoils / fashion unspoilt games / of
must-believe / must / make / believe / again?
unearth a way for this to happen —
not hide guilt / not hide fear / find possible
recreate innocence / until there is nothing less
than folk befriending fear / and staying together
this is as close to truth / as love
has brought me to healing
poem and image by Jo Mariner
ANOTHER extraordinary poem, thank you Jo!
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Extremely profound thought Jo! ❤️
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So good to hear from you Ruta…
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This poem, is a little unusual for you Jo, as I found it accessible at first reading – although there are phrases and ideas to be revisited and dwelt upon, for sure. But it feels so very relevant to our time and at the same time seems to reflect your thoughts and feelings. I like very much the metaphor: ‘ the eye of the heart/always looking and the way the final couplet resolves , for me, with a warm hope – and a real sense of your own healing. Excellent poem.
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Thanks Barbara. I really appreciate that.!
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