We Are Those People by Robinson Jeffers
March 9th 2008 04:55
We Are Those People
by Robinson Jeffers
I have abhorred the wars and despised the liars, laughed at the frightened
And forecast victory; never one moment's doubt.
But now not far, over the backs of some crawling years, the next
Great war's column of dust and fire writhes
Up the sides of the sky: it becomes clear that we too may suffer
What others have, the brutal horror of defeat—
Or if not in the next, then in the next—therefore watch Germany
And read the future. We wish, of course, that our women
Would die like biting rats in the cellars, our men like wolves on the mountain:
It will not be so. Our men will curse, cringe, obey;
Our women uncover themselves to the grinning victors for bits of chocolate.
Review in Poem by Dexter
Judging the violence, condemning the sin, ridiculing the meek,
Close minded arrogance, perceived will.
A subjective truth ignoring humanity’s random individual nature,
Others perspective lost, the why and how in similarities of response.
Personal experience guides actions and apathy, tormentors on either side,
Surrounded by cause, a spewed amputation of effect.
The humble conjugate wisdom, coagulated depth of sight,
Bicycle eyes x-ray, cultural adversary dissolves.
Cats and Dogs, big cats and deer, is this the only way?
by Robinson Jeffers
I have abhorred the wars and despised the liars, laughed at the frightened
And forecast victory; never one moment's doubt.
But now not far, over the backs of some crawling years, the next
Great war's column of dust and fire writhes
Up the sides of the sky: it becomes clear that we too may suffer
What others have, the brutal horror of defeat—
Or if not in the next, then in the next—therefore watch Germany
And read the future. We wish, of course, that our women
Would die like biting rats in the cellars, our men like wolves on the mountain:
It will not be so. Our men will curse, cringe, obey;
Our women uncover themselves to the grinning victors for bits of chocolate.
Review in Poem by Dexter
Judging the violence, condemning the sin, ridiculing the meek,
Close minded arrogance, perceived will.
A subjective truth ignoring humanity’s random individual nature,
Others perspective lost, the why and how in similarities of response.
Personal experience guides actions and apathy, tormentors on either side,
Surrounded by cause, a spewed amputation of effect.
The humble conjugate wisdom, coagulated depth of sight,
Bicycle eyes x-ray, cultural adversary dissolves.
Cats and Dogs, big cats and deer, is this the only way?
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Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Just dropping in for my 'fix.' ... and what an unexpected surprise?
I had never heard of Jeffers, and now I find I am a 'fan.'
Lilla ...
Comment by Dexter
Jeffers has a lot to say in his writing about society and also human nature, well worth sourcing out.
Glad to provide a new poetic passion.