Why the long face, wise one, why the long face?
Stitched eyebrows, distant eyes -- you're in a daze!
Was it something I did, or what I said?
Pray tell, wise one, do tell...don't make me wait!
Last night I was awoken from my dream,
As I saw a bright light slowly turned dim;
Curiosity got the best of me,
Approached it I did, to take a look-see.
What did you see, wise one, what did you see?
Was it a monster, a ghost, a fairy?
Can't wait, wise one, I really want to know,
What was that light, and why did it glow?
There was a peek-hole, and a world beyond,
A pair of staring eyes with hope long gone–
The eyes looked at me, green with envy,
Begging for help, for kindness, for mercy!
What happened there, wise one, what happened there?
Were the eyes looked sad, were the eyes looked scared?
Tell me more, wise one; prithee, tell me more,
Was there a turmoil, was there an uproar?
Beyond those eyes, the earth was torn asunder,
A war-torn land, as if 'twas hit by thunder;
Powerful leaders, to corruption fell,
Wealth in their pockets, day to day, swell.
With pride and greed, in sins were they stained,
No sign of hope, nothing else remained.
Brothers killed each other, in hatred they basked,
Quarrels turned to war yet no question asked.
Dying old people and kids impoverished,
A country once prospered, now has perished.
'Twas a sad tale of a nation forgone,
Passed down through generations 'fore I was born.
I can imagine the tale you told,
As if it all, before my eyes, unfold;
I can feel their pain, I can hear their scream,
Right down my face, welled-up tears slowly stream.
But tell me one thing, wise one, pray do tell:
Whose envious eyes 'twas that have seen hell?
Those sad green eyes belong to a young child,
A face so sad, so grim...without a smile.
I can't really tell even if I want,
It can be you, my child, or anyone!
In my heart, my child, for the worst I fear,
The plague may hit us, what if it comes here?
Are we all prepared for the worst to come,
Perchance, o child, we can avoid this harm?
Hear me, o wise one, hear my promise,
I'll right the wrong, if any went amiss!
I will tame pride, I will dispel greed,
Corruption on our land, I will defeat,
Prosperous land, continue to prosper,
From time ancient, for now, for ever.
For I understand your worries and your pain,
that dim light you saw, I'll make it bright again!
Your words echoed with the truth, with kindness,
It soothes this heart with your thoughtfulness.
If everyone cared, o child, the way you do,
From dark to light, our world shall be birthed anew!
HBY,
14 October 2017.
This poem was written for and won the Padang Terap district-level poetry recitation competition.
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Overflowing
PoesíaThis is a collection of poetry I have written throughout the years, whenever my head is overflowing with thoughts and my heart with emotions.
