I Tried To Walk On The Earth

there is no them, there is only us

I tried to walk on the earth

In a place where it did not ache

Find that spot where 

My bare feet might not do damage

But its pain was all-encompassing. 

With every step I felt it cry. 

With no place left to go

I cut off my feet.

I tried to find a field 

that didn't know of hunger 

Where the crops could feed the multitudes 

But the corn was crying

Its husks were brown and it's heart broken.

I felt so insufficient

I couldn't find crops enough

So i starved myself

I searched the borders for refugees

That felt safe and welcome

But the children were starving

And the parents frightened

I tried to speak but no one spoke my language

I tried to open my nations borders

To harbor those who flee

But many who were inside

Turned violent, 

Terrified by what they didn't know or understand. 

I turned their water to wine 

Their swords to plowshares

But still they wouldn't share

I tried to find a song

That all could sing and feel inspired

But no one grasped the meaning

I cried and became mute

Author's Note

This poem was directly inspired by an amazing poem by Warsan Shire that went viral after the attacks in Paris. I was on the bus going to our country cottage for the very last time and read this poem. I was so very very moved by it that I wrote this piece in about 20 minutes, and continued to edit, as time allowed, the rest of the day, refusing to leave it for long until I felt satisfied. The poem that inspired it is in the image.

Reviews

[Aventicus]

Hmm, what is to be done with such atrocities? "Whatever I can do, anything I can do!" many would reply. And what can they do, but look on and pity the suffering souls. Can pity heal pain? Can pity resurrect those who have passed on? Can pity punish corrupt men? Can pity save those who are suffering? No, pity can do no such thing. A heart can only take one as far as he is willing to go. How far are you willing to go?

[daninstockholm]

I apologize for taking so very long to respond to your very thoughtful review. Of course, we do what we can when we can, if we care, but our perceptions are so very limited, it's not our power that is limited, but our belief in our readiness and ability to use such power that keeps us from acting.. Thank you for your kind review!

[David Scott]

A poem earth reading. You should be proud of the results here.
It seems there is no hope... It seems. Yet reading between the lines, there is at least one person searching and seeking. Where there is one there will be more. Plant the seed and it will grow.
Very deep and meaningful.

[daninstockholm]

Thank you, my friend, very much. This one, i can say, is one I am particularly proud of. I truly appreciate your kind words!

[h d e rushin]

isn't it something that, shouted down and cry-drowned, the compassionate just threw up their hands
in surrender, not disgust. I have an Arabic friend who tried to tell me of the Syrian suffering
in American terms. I mean, using Kings English words and it still didn't quite resonate. Suffering
never does when it's not your child washed up on a distant shore or not your father clinging
to the side of some overcrowded boat. Fear, especially that of the unknown, is the most
pornographic of notions since it arouses the most intense of emotional reactions.

being in Stockholm puts your body closer to the Paris despair, like writing a poem about it
places your heart closer to the human prerogative........well written....dana

[daninstockholm]

Thank you so much, Dana, You're right about fear, it traps you and freezes the perspectives, closing down all options and the search for hope. Living in Stockholm, and having a number of friends who either live in Paris or were there on that day, it touched me deeply. (All of those who i know and were there survived and were elsewhere at the time, btw)
Very nice to meet you!

[SquinklaPsyOps]

Your subject matter is intriguing, and your creation transcend the boundaries of ordinary, every-day poetry.

[daninstockholm]

I'm truly honored by your kind words. Thank you so very much. I do hate the common everyday poetry I see both here and elsewhere. To me, poetry is about a deeper form of communication than that which we see so often. It pleases me deeply to read your comments.

[Autumn Lyric]

I definitely know the feeling of being inspired into writing a piece that spoke so loud that it could not be ignored until the finishing touches were applied...this is an incredibly honest and soul defining work; glad I took time to read it, thank you for sharing...

[daninstockholm]

Yes, her work is very inspiring indeed. If you've not read her work, LaShaye, I highly recommend it! Thank you so much for the review! I truly appreciate it!

[...]

Very beautiful words. About human pain and lost. Craved with sense of humanity. Great atribute to all victims .

[daninstockholm]

Thank you so very much, Marketa.. I truly appreciate it!

[TM]

very well written and I loved the message.

[daninstockholm]

thank you so much!

[katie]

Very well written! All that is wrong in our world today can be overwhelming. I think you portrayed that perfectly.

[daninstockholm]

Thank you so very much, Katie!

[katie]

You're welcome! :)

[KWP]

this is a great poem and I like the way you have approached it. I feel you fall into the same trap as I do though - you tell instead of show (google 'show don't tell) when you show you use all of the five senses in your writing, in this way the read drops, spins and falls deep within your words because they can almost feel them. I have practiced this somewhat and it add so many more layers to one's work.

I did a marvellous free online poetry workshop recently - I recommend it - let me know if you would like the link

much love X

[daninstockholm]

Thank you so very much for the insightful review! I'm going to have a look at your idea. It does sound intriguing. This particular one doesn't seem to be the type that needed much descriptive terms, though. I feel the nature is more narrative. I'd love to hear more of your take on it. I will in the meantime look at this. I think, on first reaction only, that the poem always seems to tell me what it needs, as if it has a life of its own. I know that sounds dumb, but that's me.
At any rate, thank you so very much for your kind words and support! I always appreciate input in any positive form!

[KWP]

actually I disagree - you say it doesn't needmore description

'I tried to walk on earth' does not invite the reader in

I tried to find a field - what kind of field - tell me so I feel compelled to be there

the children were starving - how starving ? My teenage boys are always starving - does that count or are you talking of skin and bone children with a bloated bellies from lack of food, are they staring into no where from lack of energy?

I think there is room for description ... always room to invite the reader in :) XX

[daninstockholm]

hmmmmm,, ok,, i'll give it more thought,, thanks!!

[zaisham9393]

This poem is very unique and I loved it :))
Thanks for sharing :))!

[daninstockholm]

Thank you so very much!! I'm delighted you liked it!