No Escape:

“These are the times that try men's souls” Thomas Paine

Ill-fated travelers on twisted roads

shrouded in dust from heavy loads-

helpless captives bound to the trace

by trials, heartaches, and disgrace.

Curious observers through the day

come to watch away from the fray

straw men singing godless hymns 

cover the path with countless sins.

Observing time they idly stand

no words of courage to command-

warnings needed but fail to start         

locked inside stone cold hearts.

No dusty finger present this time

no calming look of love sublime-

just stones of contentious conceit

stockpiled all around their feet.

The way ahead marked in shadow

deep in tears of constant sorrow- 

no other means by which to cope     

no escape through a gate of hope.

Author's Note

we should not lose hope but sometimes it seems impossible to find.

Reviews

[Soren]

Carl like many of your poems this one reads with such smooth flow and great rhyme. I'm sure there are many takes on this but to me it felt like humanity in general that face a bleak and death bound road where there is no escape. Dark but one of my favorites of yours.

[carl]

yes I see your take and agree - I know there are many individuals and groups of people who are ill-fated travelers. thanks for the read and review much appreciated - carl

[K. Louis]

The imagery of dust, stones, and cold hearts emphasizes the bleakness of the situation.. I also appreciate the rhyming and flow of the poem. Well done.

[carl]

Thank you for the time to read and review my piece - I appreciate the compliments and encouragement -carl