Division Bells

(there are always two sides to every story)

while confrontation and contempt

make futile bridges that's for sure

cement on stone builds by the day

tall walls are thickened with manure

division screams across the miles

away those smiling faces now

it's blistered hearts and tears that smart

when love is all but torn apart

Reviews

[mattavelli]

Hello, Christine! :)
Reading your feelings here, gets me wondering what we can do to solve our problems, and what the root issues are. When I listen to the national news after dinner, everyone seems passionate and argumentative. What really disgusts me are the opinion shows; which air on news channels, but are essentially political propaganda. People rally behind bizarre causes, seemingly always ready to fight for them. Maybe they're all fighting for the same cause, just not communicating it well. Haha

[Chris Shaw]

Dear mattavelli, too much politics these days sadly. Best not to listen to it :) Thank you for the read and review.

Chris

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yes... I would say... manure indeed.

Such a nice... good... description!

So... cementing a house and trying to build some foundations that will never perish...

Or even crumble... completely go down! In some... future.

;)

[D. Mansfield]

"division screams across the miles" These days it can scream at warp speeds and opinion can be swayed in a matter of minutes instead of days and weeks. A very dangerous thing if its not for the greater good. I enjoyed the poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DM for visiting this older write and reviewing. Sadly far too much division and not enough harmony these days. Have a good Sunday.

Chris

[red93]

Very interesting how you take the Central Images Chris and view from different angles - excellent phrasing as well.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony for giving this olderpoem an airing. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... emotions are a part of life... and difficult to decipher on only paper. However poetry is an exception... as it is Universal in any language. There are times when we understand life better when reading other Poets words.
tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your words of wisdom dear Pat. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Arthur Henn]

When reading this. I think of the city street scene when I shoot my Los Angeles, street photography. Most of the time I’ll find a place for the shot. And I’ll wait for the right candid moment to capture a picture. And in the waiting I see all of what you have so cleverly written in expression.

Chris, Thank You for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Arthur for sharing Los Angeles with me and how you approach your street photography. So pleased you found some meaning in my lines. All the very best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Walls of division, how ugly and divided! we need to really think about human life and how, at least in the U.S. , it tears people apart, "Blistered hearts" and what to do? we must be more compassionate to human life and stop this breaking up of families. I watched the Berlin wall come down, and even though I'm American, I was so happy and smiling that, because there was some semblance of unity.
Well stated Chris!, All the best, stay safe, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, thank you fir your thoughtful interpretation of my poem. How compassionate you are. All good wishes.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

My pleasure dear Chris, love reading your poems , always so soft and meaningful
Take good care
Betty

[John the Baptist]

Well there is certainly enough manure available worldwide these days, and the walls seem taller than ever. Hate to sound like a scapegoater, but I think the internet is responsible for much of it. This goes for both countries and individuals.

[Chris Shaw]

You know John, I have to agree with you, the tinternet is a pain in the backside. It has spread more hate than love that's for sure. My grandkids asked me the other day how I occupied my time before computers came along. My list was never ending. They looked shocked that I had a life :))

[Pennywriter]

Having been a kid in the 90s, I do believe that communication technology can create a divide. I mean to say that people, today, talk through their cellphone rather than face to face with the other person. I see that as a divide, as conversations are rushed. However, the question that arises is: how do you communicate with a person living abroad? You cannot count on letters for ever. Of course, let us not forget this COVID pandemic. I still recall my golden childhood: freedom from cellphones! Communication technology was not so prominent during my younger years.

[Pete]

what a world it would be if as much effort was put into tearing them down as building them up. bridging divides is such a noble thing. the thing about walls is that it not only keeps others out but keeps the builders blindly in. after a while they get so high and thick that the truth can no longer be seen. course those on each side believe that they hold the truth. the final straw is 'love torn apart'. understanding with compassion goes a long way but that takes heart... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Pete. Bridges not walls says I works best. All good wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I love the song I learned in my youth... “If I have wounded any Soul today... and caused them to hurt... please Lord..
Forgive. Amen. Pat

[Chris Shaw]

That is a beautiful thought to ponder on dear Pat. If only more people considerd the hurt they can cause to others. Thank you always for your lovely visits.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Our Heavenly Father knows the slightest reason ... we are left with Faith, Hope, and Charity... (we are not invincible). tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

You know dear Pat, when I wrote this I was thinking about the mess of Meghan and Harry and the Royal family. How terribly fraught that has become and how difficult that will be to smooth over. Then I realised that all of us in our own little way can cause a flutter or two ourselves. I need to smooth over a couple of feathers I ruffled this morning with our Beth :))

[Patricia Wedel]

Lovely to hear your thoughts... we can always by example show that being humble can bring us to our knees and realize that we want to understand. Perhaps Harry is aware of his vulnerability and knows that God understands. I am more worried about their young son and another on the way. I would be kind to all of them, including the Precious Queen of England and also Diana’s oldest Son and his wife and children. We all live in the same World. Bless you Chris... Roger has both his vaccines and I had my first phase and am scheduled for the second. It has been difficult to obtain the appointment, as I was pre-registered in February. Praise the Lord.... with love and prayers... Pat

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you have had one vaccine and Roger has had two. We have had the first and are waiting for the second. It makes me feel just a little bit safer in a really unsafe world at the moment. Love to you too Pat....

[Patricia Wedel]

Yes, we are fortunate... it helps to pray together for healing. Love and blessings.
Pat