Inner Light

When all seems bleak and hopeless...

So, they're killing people in the movies,

They're killing more on the news,

And if man-made murders are not enough,

Nature's in on the action, too.

Tsunamis in the oceans,

Earthquakes on the land,

Avalanches in the mountains,

The scale is getting grand.

Suicide bombers in the streets,

Mass shootings in our schools,

Airplane crashes, auto wrecks,

And pyromaniacs with fuels.

Yet as tragedy follows tragedy,

And the storm of destruction gathers force,

A countervailing calmness

Can be found at its very source.

The love of a husband for his wife,

The miracle of birth,

A mother caring for her child,

The shared pleasure of carefree mirth.

These things will not protect you,

But they will keep your soul intact,

They will make your load more bearable,

When the future seems most black.

© 2017 The Iron Horseman

Reviews

[Cat]

I love the word play on this one. It's really bittersweet and conveys an optimistic yet realist point of view. I absolutely love the last few lines "
These things will not protect you,
But they will keep your soul intact,
They will make your load more bearable,
When the future seems most black." 200/100 :)

[Nolo Segundo]

You're right about love keeping the soul intact-- actually, quite literally true....

[The Iron Horseman]

Thanks, NS. It is what makes the world go round! :)

[Chryiss]

The last stanza is most brilliant. It's true that the wonder of life cannot protect us from the horrors of life, but the remarkable preservation of souls you mentioned is the salvation. Attitude and fortitude of mind can trump the physical body; it's amazing how fragile yet resilient the human spirit is in the face of everything hurled at us. In a sense, that's probably our 'humanity' at work. Not matter the evils or our own self-doubts, the flickering hope and struggle for life is within us all. Thank you for sharing and evoking such feelings.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you for your review, Chryiss. I totally agree with your comments.For as long as the joys of life outweigh the pain, so long will we survive.

[casablancavic]

That is some crafty writing.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Vic. Glad you liked it.

[Jamil Badi]

I love how this poem seems like a reassuring reminder, but also a cynical comment on how we aren't truly safe, but we make efforts to keep ourselves together. Really enjoyed it.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Jamil. I'm glad you liked it. Your interpretation is also entirely accurate! :)

[Stacy Purvis]

This is exactly how I feel.
When it seems to be the darkest moment, we need to remember to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.
So beautiful.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Anastasia.

[C_theSurrealist]

Even there are many horrible things in our surroundings, let us look for the greater side. This poem shows optimistic and it's outstanding. Great job. Keep writing! :D

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you.

[Bushra Naqshbandi]

A truly inspirational piece! One that depicts the condition of the modern world really well and provides the modern reader with simple yet powerful methods to combat the alienation and moral corruption present in the society. Very well written! :)

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree with your logic.
"The love of a husband for his wife,
The miracle of birth,
A mother caring for her child,
The shared pleasure of carefree mirth."
The above activities. Keep us human and hopeful. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you again, Coyote. A few of the most important things in life!

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree and you are welcome.

[Paul Bell]

The sad thing in the world today is. You get told everything. Social media 24 hours, and they wonder why the kids are bonkers.

[The Iron Horseman]

Yes, information overload has long-reaching effects. Reminds me of a song lyris - "If you're trying to reach me, leave me alone."

[The Iron Horseman]

Thanks, Cat. Glad you enjoyed it.