“Listen” (more advice to my chidren”
Listen
Take time, my friend, and listen
to the whispers and the screams
which cry out from those around us -
from men impoverished and of means.
As they suffer life’s cruel lessons:
aching losses; pain, deceit.
All, mere victims of a callous world?
Or did some fall beneath our feet?
For all too often, “Wealth” – it shields us.
“Fame” and “Power” build a screen,
through which little real is filtered;
our toll on others’ lives, unseen.
For to see the part we play in pain
wil pain upon us wreak.
And will make of it a “conscious” choice,
so that our demons must meet.
But it is that choice that test our mortar.
It is the choice that sets us free.
Still too many beg Will’s question -
Ah “to be?” or “not to be?”
Some just let the darkness blind them,
until the light so stings their eyes,
they are “content” to live in folly
and dance ‘round those shattered lives.
Others sit inside their castles
ever conscious of the roar,
as beyond their walls, life rages -
leaving victims by the score.
Unaswered pleas leave some “unsettled,”
‘til ‘neath their cool appearance lies
such a dread and dark foreboding,
that mere “money” can’t disguise.
When left unchecked, these souls – they wither.
Hiding, angry at the truth.
Until their “peace”; it kills the fire,
which burned so hotly in their youth.
Oh, those who choose the sheltered path,
“Yes”, they do avoid some pain.
But also joy and laughter,
“Life” also offered up, in vain.
For whether “love” or “joy” or “sorrow”,
to feel emotions set men free,
to carve out the chords of honor,
used to shape their destiny.
So take time, my friend, and listen
to the ragings and the moans
For as you “reach”, the soul you save,
could truly be your own.
Listen -
V.W.Davenport 12/25/97