Please Don't Step On Land Mines

A public service announcement

Please Don’t Step On Land Mines

Daffodils are oh so hard to grow

In soil hardened by lost souls

Meadow larks are fast asleep

Do not disturb the passing hours

Don’t drink down oceans resting

Or step on land mines slumbering

Planted in our dreams we keep them safe

For their own sake we bury them

Ornery crows scream in discontent

Wake the state of harmony

Rusted devices planted years ago in holes

Hide by design in places meant for flowers

Below the surface of the mind

Just as potent and just as old

Alarmed by vibrations or slightest of sounds

Please don’t step on land mines

It would be a crime to wake the sparrow

It would be an atrocity

So keep it quiet when you explode

We must keep the peace you know

Reviews

[Patricia]

Hello sir, I don’t believe we have met but I was drawn here by the title…. I really enjoyed this powerful write especially during a time when Ukraine is doing just that so that their people and wildlife don’t get killed. Such a shame that we still have to pen such poetry. Excellent writing in my opinion. There are a couple ways to take this poem but I’m going with the obvious and not a metaphor or allegory but if I’m wrong I still love it! That’s 100/100 from me ;)

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi Patricia, Thank you so much. I'm very happy that you found some merit in my work. You are right. I meant exactly what I stated. When people step on land mines bad things happen. War is hell. We all know that. I like your picture of flowers. We should all be planting flowers not bombs. Have a wonderful day. Take care. Earl

[jacob erin-cilberto]

What a message in this one...I find this metaphorically strong.
Yes, in an allegorical sense...land mines stand for what they are, but in an allegorical sense,
People will explode...and go on rampages...these atrocities have to be stopped before they happen.
Yes, stop those who would step on land mines...or make sure others are out of the way if someone wants to self-destruct.
powerful poem, Earl.
j.

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi Jacob,
I truly appreciate your impactful comments. Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it. Earl

[John the Baptist]

I used to teach a class to mentally ill adults in which I used land mines as a metaphor for unpleasant memories that could trigger explosions of anger. I think you have done likewise here, and done it well. All of us have these things buried in our minds, so we must become aware of them for our own sakes as well as for the sakes of others.

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi John The Baptist. (Cool name.) I received comments from you before in the past. How could I forget such a name. I find it interesting that you used land mines as an effective tool for your students. (I mean that in a nice way, an educational way.) Have a great day. Earl

[Lisasview]

Dear Earl,
Metaphors are with out a doubt my most favourite thing ever!!!
Or perhaps this is not really what you wanted to portray??
Either way this poem you is so very relatable...
Hope you find time to read and review mine as well..Perhaps Miles Apart or ...
lisa, now in Spain

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi Lisa, I am a very simple man. "Don't step on land mines" means exactly that. Stepping on them can be hazardous to ones health. Mostly, I was trying to find the balance and harmony found in nature. Land mines don't fill that hole or fit that mold. Have a wonderful day. Best wishes.
PS: I read your poem and commented on it. It was spectacular. Earl

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Earl... we need to remember the effects of Land Mines... perhaps even as a Metaphor... the tenderness of Princess Dianna still reaches the Heart of so many. Life is Bitter Sweet. We will concentrate on the Spirit of the Young and Old to bring Hope to a World in Turmoil. Be blessed. gently, Pat

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi Patricia,
Thank you so much for your heart felt response to my little poem. I appreciate it. Have a wonderful day. Take care. Stay with God. Be blessed. Earl

[Chris Shaw]

There is a great metaphor here Earl, but your words can also be taken at face value. Long after the wars are over, the landmines can cause their carnage. My mind turned to the late Princess Diana who had that cause close to her loving heart. Thank you for allowing me to drift with this write. I often do. Hope you are keeping well my friend.

Chris

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi Chris, So glad you enjoyed it. I remember clearly Princess Diana having this as one of her primary causes. Nice to hear from you. Take care, Earl

[Chris Shaw]

And you too Earl. Best wishes.