Inches from the Shore

Sometimes I wonder where the problem really lives

I wondered what today would be
as I awoke and found the floor.
Oh, would they find the bigger view,
or drown just inches from the shore?

 

Easy it is to miss the mark
while insisting the mark’s the goal.
And how they love to beat the drum
then proclaim things beyond control.

 

The bait and switch, or shuck and jive
each leading to the same result.
The sad thing is we know the lies
but give in to the word-smith's cult.

 

So in the end no view is changed
by politicians we have kept.
It’s not with them the blame does sit
'tis pure bull-s**t that WE accept.

 

The art of nothing has to change
before we can repair this land.
Noise over substance - take no more
on this point we must take our stand.

 

In give and take the answer lies,
that requires a bigger soul
an open mind to new ideas
that sees our nation as a whole.

 

So demand the best from your pick
the days after you cast your vote
Next time around you'll make them pay
with a heave-hoe - cast from the boat.

 

And maybe then the others will see
it is us that they can't ignore
to then accept a bigger view
or drown just inches from the shore
 

Author's Note

Iambi tetrameter with an aBcB rhyme scheme.

Reviews

[Constance]

I love the idea behind this one- so creative a use for the metaphor, and truly it often does seem we are inches from the shoreline, almost reaching real democracy, but failing so miserably just when it seems we have gained a foothold in it's sands.
For some reason this stanza does not seem to fit with the others:
"So in the end no view is changed
by politicians we have kept.
It's not with them the blame does sit
'tis pure bull-s**t that WE accept."

I think the 'tis mixed with bull-s**t seems a bit awkward to me. Though, of course, it may only be to me. It seems to break the flow, not because of the crude word, but in the way it is presented, marked off by the use of 'tis. Regardless, it is an excellent poem. I recently tried to start a group on another site for writers who want to see change in our society. This is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to see inspired there. Unfortunately, most people live in their own little bubble, failing to look at the larger picture, question authority or the media, or seek change. People fear change, but if you sit idly enough, for long enough, change will always find it's way to you, and knock you off your feet because you didn't do anything to effect it.

[Dawn]

saw you were just sitting there and wanted read requests but wanted to say Hi, and read something first.

Pop in and read anything of mine, would love some feedback.

This has great natural rythmn, and the inagry uses nature to its best. wonderful poem.

Dawn

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Great use of natural imagery with your thoughts in this one. Also, many well made points of view are expressed. I wholeheartedly agree. It reminds me of a sculpture I am making called 'Stand, Rip your a*s-ets to shreds and spread them around the world.' Great thought provoking work, Michael. Thank you.
Light,
Siddartha

[Antonio Valentino]

Yes, time to stop treading water, and come ashore.
Great message!

Antonio

[Angel's Lady]

drown just inches from the shore

I love this line! You are truly a gifted writer! This is absolutely wonderful! Excellent job!

[Kevon]

Kudos, A mind of wonder is a wonderful thing

[Enigma]

Wow!!! AWESOME!! The idea couldn't be conveyed more beautifully, more strongly. I like how you've crafted it all and put up questions to the reader. Yes!! These politicians!! argh!! And I liked the line in which you've used a curse-word. No worries, I get attracted to such words....lol
"So in the end no view is changed
by politicians we have kept.
It's not with them the blame does sit
'tis pure bull-s**t that WE accept."