In the midst of all woes and tribulation,
only a few make the effort at negotiation.
Dictators and Globalism are on the increase,
the time has come to act and ensure our peace.
We are confronted with innumerable challenges,
which run into countless ledgers of pages.
Yet people seem unconcerned and ignore,
the persistent knocking on life's door.
Imminent destruction to our planet,
is only one pending facet.
As plagues and droughts bring havoc,
floods and earthquakes cause panic.
Wars and the rumours of wars abound,
with guns and missiles we already can hear the sound.
Our very way of life is being threatened everyday,
What can we do or say?
The enemy lies within our camp secretly,
and is ignored or receives our sympathy.
His name is apathy the father of our downfall,
who could be our utlimate destiny.
-
Author:
Keith Jeffries (
Offline) - Published: September 20th, 2023 13:01
- Comment from author about the poem: We are living at a time when the world is in turmoil. This poem deals with the source of the problem.
- Category: Sociopolitical
- Views: 11
- Users favorite of this poem: Doggerel Dave
Offline)
Comments1
Worth a second, third or so read. I must keep this short, otherwise I will slip into a rant (apathy rules at MPS, I fear except for some small isolated pockets).
You have the crux of the problem clearly laid out in smooth verse.
I'm away to find out what else you have here. In the meantime keep 'em coming.
Thank you. I firmly believe that apathy has the majority of the population in a state of permanent inertia when it comes to the world about them. Most people live only for themselves and inside themselves.
Agreed. What is to be done?
To engage here, needed is interaction with other poets - serve it up to them by way of responses to their work.
I belong to another three poetry websites and have frequently composed poems on the subject of our social and political decline. However, some agree but there is a heavy sense of defeatism about. It is almost a feeling that matters are irreversible and too some extent I agree. Unlimited immigration into the country over several decades has fragmented communities and the social fabric of society radically changed. Many of these people have withdrawn into self imposed ghettos. The indigenous population have moved out of the major connurbations to take up residence in the provinces. Over fifty percent of London\'s overall population was born outside of the country. Within the next fifty years some cities will no longer be populated by the original inhabitants. I too feel that the damage has been done. It is irreperable. We belong to the remnant to use a Biblical expression.
Both with the spoken and written word one has to tread cautiously as one can be accused of racism. This causes a good deal of reluctance amongst poets and writers in general.
Plus thought - your own, my own. Self examination doesn't do any harm. I must constantly ask myself, not am I racist, but what is racist about my views of society and what is not. It is a hard call, sometimes if I'm honest. Simple example: I get irritated when dealing with someone with poor English and in any language would be stupid. Do I attribute that lack of intelligence solely to that individual or is there an racial undertone there too?
On the other hand I live in a very multicultural city (Sydney). Two somewhat conflicting points: Yes, the city has insufficient housing, high property prices, ditto rents, homeless - all attributable in large part to high immigration levels (govt policy). On the other, I don't think I could anymore live in a bland monocultural society when I can have an exotic travel experience on my own doorstep, and eat Indian ,Chinese, Mexican. and etc whenever I choose.
Did I not hear that you lived in Spain?
Yes, I live in the Canary Islands on the island of Tenerife which is part of an archipelago belonging to Spain but which lies off the west coast of Africa to the south west of Morocco. The islands are sub tropical with a very salubrious climate.
Nor am I racist but I am firmly of the opinion that if one emigrates to another country then it is incumbent on that person to integrate fully into that society. I live in Spain, I speak Spanish and participate in cultural events and obey the laws. Many of those from the subcontinent who have moved to the UK are not prepared to do this and the result is an erosion or dilution of the indigenous culture. Those respobsible for immigration policy in years past cannot have considered the eventual effect of allowing people into the country who would not integrate. Hence we now face the residual effects and consequences of this ill conceived policy. To articulat these concerns earns one the lable of being racist, which I am not. Here in the islands I live in a very multi racial and multi cultural situation. It presents few problems as the authorities insist, as part of living or working here, that one speaks the language.
Enough of this as the die is cast. I am happy where I am and shall see out my days here.
And good luck too. There are few enough folks who are truly contented with their situation. Take it easy, take care.
Thank you for this dialogue.
Enjoyed. this kind of exchange makes me think and reassures me that all of my brain hasn't turned to mush and poured out of my ears when I sleep. Return thanks.
If you would like to pursue our contatct to discuss poetry and other subjects then I would welcome that as I am fighting the onset of old age and a mind that sometimes lets me down.
Thanks Keith
Anytime, Keith. Suggest you sample my back catalogue - you may find there opinions that you wish to debate, others that you dismiss completely. Promise a response.
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