Juxtaposition

Unjust in echoes

I wince over war

Darkness pressed,

Poured over evermore at night.

Light.

Left, right

Weaponry - Heavenly

Mockery in juxtaposition

Ever emerging anti-intellectualism

"People who shut their eyes to reality,

Simply invite their own destruction."

I carry solace, cloaked in the armor of Baldwin's words.

For the ocean's waters bear no sympathy,

You've fallen asleep in the Lion's Den.

Reviews

[Ookpik]

Not sure if it's James Baldwin you mean - he's incredibly quotable, but I hardly remember every line he'd ever delivered. Regardless, though, he's a favorite and the line "...cloaked in the armor of..." stood out to me as I read.

We all have our views, opinionation, and very often they inform our coping mechanisms - nowadays it matters less to me that the people I interact with have opinions, or what they are, then it does that they've found ways to effectively cope with the world around them, if not to enjoy the time they've been given.

Doesn't always seem to be the case that they do.

Anyways, really enjoyable read, appreciate your sharing.

-Ook

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend.
"People who shut their eyes to reality,
Simply invite their own destruction."
Blind people will fall to the foolish person leading us. Powerful and worthwhile thoughts shared Ty.
Coyote

[alanwgraham]

Great photo to accompany a great poem. The ocean is relentless, placid, awe inspiring, frightening, calm - like war!
There are strong echoes of the times we are living in, and I fear we are not even at the end of the beginning.
Take care,
Alan

[Robert Trakofler]

Baldwin is one of my absolute favorite writers:) he is sorely needed right now during these days of unrest:( his words are so poignant right now! He was ahead of his time, take solace In the knowledge that others are with you in your struggles and we will not shut up!!!!

[CC]

Beautiful and chilling! Thanks for the read!

[Nariko]

I like this quote, "People who shut their eyes to reality,
Simply invite their own destruction" I think it's eye-opening that such an obvious and simple fact can be easily overlooked by everyone. And we have the habit of avoiding things that are too difficult to deal with in certain moments but we have to face them at some point.

[Raeven]

First, love the photo. I could spend all day looking out at those waters. Secondly, the quote... "People who shut their eyes..." Is too true. This is a piece that legitimately makes me think of how everyone else sees reality, because a lot of times reality is too much to bear for some...and I just can't wrap my head around that.

[Sachi Ruaya]

Such serene tang! Brought with an unjust truth and our own lies!

I greatly enjoyed this poem. Especially when quoting "People who shut their eyes to reality,
Simply invite their own destruction." Interesting...

Thank you for your submission to A Poetic Canvas of Reflection and Observance!

Sachiko