Not My Conundrum

(Thomas Hardy - Far From The Madding Crowd)

Somehow that expression

two wrongs don't make a right

has stuck

Like being in a rut

a stylus not moving

from the same vinyl groove

When Gabriel Oak

was roused by ringing sheep bells

he set off in pursuit

To find that his younger dog

had driven his flock 

over a Dorset cliff edge

Their carcasses lay

strewn below, two hundred ewes

heavy with prospective lambs

Dead or dying

left to the cleansing mercy

of the incoming tide

I don't know why

I sobbed in silence for the sheep

at sixteen in my cinema seat

But I cried out loud

when that young collie who lacked

comprehension was shot to death

That was my first understanding

of two wrongs don't make a right

still rigid in my much older head

And I tell myself

there is no way I can condone

the taking of life as retribution

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

I must say you were quite mature at that age to make that analogy……which in my opinion the right way to note about it…retribution is not the way to solve problems….an aye for an eye may have been the way in ancient times, but not in today’s reality…. A very astute poem with a deep understanding of right and wrong…..
Excellent!
Best
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Betty. That film became a turning point for me. Retribution by taking the life of another just doesn’t work for me. Have a wonderful Sunday, I am so pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re so very welcome Chris, hope you had a lovely weekend!
Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this definitely gets its point across...reminds me of "A Hanging" by George Orwell...as short story i teach in my comp. class.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I'll have to check that short story out Jacob as I am not familiar with it. Thank you so much for your response.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

The motto of the 24th Marine regiment is "Si vis pacem, para bellum" or..If you seek peace, prepare for war. And we must always seek peace first but likewise we must always be prepared to defend that peace against those who would take it from us. Tyrants must be removed from power and the living must answer for the dead. Peace and freedom are wonderful luxuries to have. But they are always bought with blood.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. When it comes to protecting the country we reside in, I agree with you. I am not a pacifist, but I do not support capital punishment.

Chris

[Lorry]

We all learn this lesson in different ways Chris. Seeing the bullied become the bully, or the trolled become a troll, it just adds to the victims if the cycle is continued. Two wrongs just make more hurt to go round.

[Chris Shaw]

That's exactly what I mean here Lorry. Two wrongs just make more hurt. Thank you for your response.

Chris

[barleygirl]

WOW! WOW! And WOW! Your writing is great, but your message itself reveals your heart & mind in such a palpable way, I swear it's very brave to be so honest & transparent in your writing! This is startling in clarity & rarity . . . you are a rare bird, my friend. I love the way your mind works! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie, sort of exposed my true self here haven't I? Well, it is a controversial subject and I don't expect everyone to agree. Thank you so much.

Fondest

Chris

[barleygirl]

I really love this poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie, that means a lot.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Amazing analogy. KUDOS to you for reaching such a conclusion at a tender age. I feel like I had a much more rigid, unforgiving view when I was young. Its easy to feel empathy for people who are wronged when one is young, but much harder to feel empathy for wrong doers. Over time, my views have softened considerably, and I don't think an eye for an eye, with a few notable exceptions , is a good idea -- not sure I can feel too much sympathy for the extreme psychopaths, dictators, and despots of the world, but generally, all life is sacred. A really thoughtful write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lyn. I'm not a pacifist, so do believe in protecting the land we live in, just anti capital punishment. I appreciate you leaving your views.

Chris

[Mari' Emeraude]

Hmm. It reminds me of the controversial capital punishment laws as just one example. This poem brought it to the forefront for me. Good poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mari. That was my intention. I was hoping that's where the reader would travel.