The Poet

A call to arms to use your art and inspire a better world.

The Poet

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

(Be the Hope that the world needs)

If I do not say these words

Then no one will.

And from that place of silence 

I become complicit. 

I allow hate to overcome love

Ignorance to equal common sense

And vice to outweigh virtue.

For we all have a dream; pray for our better angels 

Knowing in our hearts

Words move mountains, part seas,

give hope for us to believe 

A wise woman once told me...

They can take my eyes

I will find a way to see you.

They can take my tongue

I will find a way to tell you. 

They can take my arms

I will find a way to show you 

...Find a way

Author's Note

A few years back my muse once said in her sultry beguiling voice, "The world burns as we live in colored paper houses." WTF? Is that code for something? Is that an enigma that must be deciphered like a Sunday paper crossword puzzle? Or was it just a pointed fact since I live in California and it has been burning down the past few years. No, I've come to understand there is a darker meaning behind the words. We as poets must always be vigilant to the world and times we live in. The most significant art throughout history was born in troubled times by those that refused to be silent. One word of single significance is all it takes. Just one versus being silent. Write just one word of hope. Not to be remembered for it, but to inspire others toward the profound relevance their voices have in order to make this world a better place for all of us. CLE

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Here, here. Be a light to someone's darkened path and a shoulder to help bear someone else's burden. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. F.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so very much for the kind words Fabian. They a very appreciated, especially from a gifted poet as yourself. As a child of the 60s I recognize the importance of speaking truth to power and its profound consequences. My hope is simply as a human being to recognize our commonality far outweigh our differences. When someone says 'I love you ' it means and feels the same in every language as the word 'hates' does. It's the amount of voices that chooses one word over the other that truly matter. I write for that reason alone. We as poets stand on the shoulders of giants who spoke their truth. I would be remiss and less if I didn't do the same. It's not to say one can't do both in observation of these turbulent times. Give hope in poetry as well as stand in defiance during times of need. To be that light you speak of, whether small or large, is none the less purposeful and meaningful as a human being. And poet. CLE

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Words are wonderful and as someone who has had a lifelong fascination with them I am not one to belittle their importance. But love must be more than words. Words can lie, tempt, deceive, slander and sometimes hurt. But love never does. My mother used to say to me, "Don't tell me you love me. Show me." She was a very wise woman.

[Betty Hermelee]

My dear Lorenzo
yes, hope is what we need now; we also must be inspired to make the world a better place...we cannot be complacent,....or we will be destroyed....if we so desire, we can show our strength..."words move mountains"...and I truly believe that....whatever happens in a dark way... we shall find a better way....
love this!'
Warmly, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you kindly and sweetly for sharing your thoughts with me on this poem. I can't begin to express the gratitude your words mean to me. As a child of the 60s I recognize the importance of speaking truth to power and its profound consequences. My hope is simply as a human being to recognize our commonality far outweigh our differences. When someone says 'I love you ' it means and feels the same in every language as the word 'hates' does. It's the amount of voices that chooses one word over the other that truly matter. It defines my reasons to write, because I choose to hope,dream of a better world, and love. Anything counter to my ideology and beliefs I will speak against. As poets better than I have done so in the past. I can do no better for their legacy than to pay it forward with love. Which truly is worth fighting for. CLE

[Betty Hermelee]

Always a pleasure, Carlos
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work. Powerful writing.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Thomas, for your kind words on this poem. It may not be original in thought or presentation but its meaning comes from a place of unquestionable hope. I love writing about humanity's better virtues and hopes, but I recognize the opposites that exist in counter. This was written not to disparage writers in the community on the works they share, but the importance of their voice in difficult times like these. As a child of the 60s I recognize the importance of speaking truth to power and its profound consequences. My hope is simply as a human being to recognize our commonality far outweigh our differences. When someone says 'I love you ' it means and feels the same in every language as the word 'hates' does. It's the amount of voices that chooses one word over the other that truly matter. CLE

[John Prophet]

Love the sentiment and the write…

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you JP for the kind words. I so appreciate them. We live in dark times and history reflects that the voices needed in moments like these tend tend to remain observant rather then spoken. It's not to say that one should solely use their gift to speak truth to power at every opportunity. But to not say one single word of defiance is a concession of one's indifference. I love writing about hope, love, and beauty in the world but I'd be foolish to believe its opposites do not exist nor effects our lives. I just was not raised that way. So I'll write about both in hopes that anyone who stands voiceless against the storm is moved to speak. At least one word of defiance. CLE

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[Belle79]

Yes indeed, this piece was Beautiful and Very Inspirational, I really enjoyed reading

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me Belle. Remember the Poet is you. These words come from Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Edgar Allen Poe, William Wordsworth, Pablo Neruda, Sylvia Plath, and many many others in a line of poets. Whose work is passed down from generation to generation. They began their writing journey just like you. One word at a time. Continue to grow as a poet and be true to yourself and authentic in the art you share. Remember it is not art until it is shared. It is in the act of sharing your words that they find value in the heart of your audience. Thus making it art. CLE

[Tumi]

A great inspiring message to pass across, really heartfelt

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Tumi, for the kind words. I wish I could take credit for these words but I feel they are merely whispers from those greater poets of the past that simply want us to not be afraid to speak our truth. To give hope to others who feel they have none. Poetry has always had the power to touch a heart in so few words. Always remember the gift you've been given and cherish it well and always share with the world. Because it isn't art until it is shared, and it is in the sharing with others that your words find value and worth within their hearts. CLE

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Well said, keep on shinning!