As the planet rages we cry for peace
a river of tears falls from confused hearts
currents of longing swirl craving a past
when sureties ruled both Earth and Hearth.
Men rose slowly on merit and women bloomed
respect was the mantra of man and boy
noblesse oblige the refrain of the high
blessed by success, status among his peers,
he dreamed of helping those who suffered
sought peace in workplace or governance
spoke with discernment, sensitivity, insight
standing between Wisdom’s open hand.
As war rages, regimes rise and break
mirroring breakers crashing on shores
leaders rattle sabres of spleen or silence
or echo the calls of confused birds;
while the people follow the loudest call
they long for the leader who offers acumen
respect, care, judgement, in word and deed
a taste to the Earth of peace and serenity.
Where is the Arthur heading his brave table
or Minerva dispensing her wisdom wide
will they rise to rule and dry tears that drown
both the planet and peoples who suffer now?
© Carolyn O’Connell
The BeZine 