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Poems#13

In the light of recent events here are a couple from 2 years ago (included in A Day At A Time In Rhyme) and, somehow, even more relevant now.


October 14th

COWARD

I was going to write

something

about racial stereotyping

something

about Rupert Bear

but then

I tied my pen in knots

trying not to write

something

that would offend

someone

somewhere

somehow

some way

it all seems

so clear

so straightforward

until the words

are out

into the light

of doubt

and you run away

in fright

of being

misconstrued

button your lip, girl,

no one really wants

to hear

any of that

from you.


June 23rd CAREFUL, THEY MIGHT HEAR YOU silence

it’s the best option now

better not trip over your

tongue

shut up

about China

about gender

about cultural distinctions

facing extinction

subjugation to the undistinguished bland

shut up

about safety

variety

propriety

imperialism past

and the oh-so-frightening present

silent

as the flow of money

through the internet

watchdogs crouch

in cyber corners

armed to the tweet

ready for the glitch

a whiff of bitch

a chance to snitch

at your expense

to pull the holier-than-thou card

but not so holy

not allowed

not out loud

except to sanction

every code

every way to say

it’s still okay

to shut a woman’s trap

because a HE said so

long ago

centuries back

silence

it’s the best option now

even for those

without a voice

to make that choice

self-censure

and the coward’s ploy

retreat from noise.


See also poems read out loud at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uLwxslE_VQ-fu-Dw6gdIA/playlists

Also shop at: https://www.amazon.com.au/Day-At-Time-Rhyme/dp/0648083861/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=A+Day+At+A+Time+In+Rhyme+Jane+Clifton&qid=1572053238&sr=8-1

 
 
 

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1 Comment

Unknown member
Jun 14, 2020

Hey Jane. I may have said it before but there are lots of your fans myself included that enjoy hearing your "voice". We at least are listening. Unfortunately in light of recent events as you say I think a lot of people are wondering what they should or should not say and as a result fall into that zone that TS Eliot described: between the thought and the action Falls The Shadow.

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