Revolution – A Poem
This is the last poem I will share from my book published in 1974. I think it is appropriate for the state of the world today. It is sad to see that even in the 21st century with unbelievable advances in technology and science, human beings continue to handle disagreements with violence, continue to believe that weapons provide protection, continue to believe that an immaterial debt is an excuse to deny living beings shelter, food, health care, and education.
When will we remember that compassion is the measure of greatness and the quality of justice is measured by its mercy?
Revolution
Too many tears
with the blood
have been wasted
too many years.
In May, not all children play,
nor all lovers
walk together
tree shaded lanes.
A vampire
reddens the earth
darkens the sky
drinks the blood
of young living.
Is there any good?
Will fear ever end?
Where is escape
from this labyrinth
of lies, of half-truths?
Will dreams
like birds
with fractured wings
ever fly again?
Tomorrow is a question mark.
Today is an answer.
The earth needs
a strong scrubbing
to clean its blighted
bloody floor.
And man
a broken bead necklace
needs a patient hand
to make him one again.
Skywalker Storyteller Works 
It is relevant today. Not only for the collective but for the individual. I love that you present today as the answer to all that has been ignored and left to bleed.
Thanks for your observation as the collective is made up of the individuals.
You are actually 39 years ahead of your time.I Love all your work,but this really hits home in today’s world.
Thanks, Brian.
This poem reflects what’s harping in the world today. I love it!
Thank you.
This should be a lesson to all the world’s politicians in what’s really important in the grand scheme of things. It’s sad that human beings still believe that greatness lies in the most wealth, the most weapons of destruction, and the most power over other living beings. Keep expressing your compassion towards all sentient beings for some day the world will see as you see. I am delighted to know that I think like you!
Thanks, Lisa.
Thanks.
I love this. So true
I really love this. So beautiful. It’s really inspirational. Thank you for sharing this.
You know what it is…it’s dark but not angry (which I struggle with quite often). It’s also honest about our world and hopeful at the same time.
I read somewhere once that Thich Nhat Hanh was asked about whether or not he would fight back if he was the last Buddhist left on Earth and someone threatened to kill him. He said he wouldn’t. Something about how the truth and pureness of Buddhism would find its way to humanity. He wouldn’t even be angry.
That’s the kind of pureness of compassion, faith, and devotion I’m working on every single day. I hope to reach it in this lifetime.
Thanks for your comments and dropping by. Yes, what Thich Nhat Hanh said is what it means to be a Buddhist – it can be a challenge but it is the goal we both strive for everyday.