The Little Things

Free Verse

You don’t need a tempest

To know which way the wind blows

A bubble in the air is enough

 

You don’t have to taste a full pot

To figure if the cream has soured

A drop of acerbity is enough

 

You don’t need armageddon

To send a man to his damnation

A little, heartfelt curse is enough

 

You don’t need legions

To bring down a great empire

A single wily knave is enough

 

You don’t need a calamity

To crush and devastate a foe

A wee, wilful smile is enough

 

You don’t need an ocean

To sink a wayward ship

A lone berg in its path is enough

 

You don’t need a boulder

To shatter a house of glass

A small, well-aimed stone is enough

 

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

David beats Goliath, the Titanic goes down, George and Mary throw rocks at the old house.
and Down goes those we thought unbeatable, unsinkable, untouchable...
the panes of life...this makes me think of how the meek shall inherit the earth.
All the power, wealth and fortress can't keep demise out, and the little guy in the end will find a way.
j.

[AJNJ]

All great examples of the might of the meek. Its the proverbial beetles that finally crash a great Oak to the ground. Thank you very much sir.

[barleygirl]

The thing I love best about this poem is that you use many well-expressed examples to SHOW & each one piques a series of ideas about how this could manifest. This is what poetry is all about, sending the reader's mind on a much longer jaunt than just the words you place along the path. This reminds me of how some people spew a steady stream of political outrage on social media & nobody listens. I rarely post anything political, but when I do, it's something that really matters, not just the day-to-day bullshit. When you save your rants for something above-and-beyond, more people pay attention, I've found (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[AJNJ]

Indeed, a rant to be of effect should be saved for a worthwhile cause, once in a blue moon. I appreciate that! Thank a ton Ms. Margie 🤗

[Jimmy Yetts]

Tiny amounts of genetically engineered virus can sicken a good part of the world.
Not, exactly, a positive message, but nonetheless true.
Enjoyed your meaningful poem, P!

[Unspoken poet]

You don’t need an ocean
To sink a wayward ship
A lone berg in its path is enough

Love this part a lot, this is a very well written, much enjoyed this
Very awesome

[Ana Papaya]

so well said.
it was the straw that broke the camel's back wasn't it?
little things in life are important and make up, together, either success or failure

[AJNJ]

Thank you very much for appreciating this poem Ms. Ana :)

[Ana Papaya]

you are kindly welcome, P :)

[Eilis]

This reads like a collection of aphorisms to me. A set of principles, perhaps, to keep in mind when approaching the world. Leonard Cohen said: there’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. And I couldn’t help but think of that idea after reading this poem.

Indeed it is the little things that begin the road to ruination, but also in the midst of that there can be the equal/opposite reaction waiting to bloom out. Through the rubble, the sunlight cuts and spills along the earth. Signifying (to the human mind, anyway) that darkness doesn’t necessarily nullify the light.

But your poem is more focused on the acts that begin some revolutionary moment. Whether it is the individual or the country being brought to knees. Most things are initiated simply enough. And the ripples spread to create the future.

A cool poem/meditation, Pestonjee. I enjoyed reading.

[AJNJ]

Thank you very much for such a thoughtful review on this poem, Ms. Eilis. I enjoyed writing this poem in a certain mood. Your words inspire me to also write about little things that bring about positivity. Like cracks and chinks can be both positive and negative. Always two sides to looking at things. I appreciate your words very much!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Pestonjee... your poetry has brought me
to my knees... it is the little things that can
"clip our wings" and we cease to fly... at least for awhile.
"Rockies may crumble... Gibraltar may tumble"... but the love of our Country and the World... will stay. We pray. gently, Pat

[AJNJ]

A country is greatly blessed when it has the love of its good people. Thank you very much for such a kind review, Ms. Pat.

[emmajoy]

One breath keeps hope alive. Perhaps?

Your words should be hummed til the sky turns blue again.

[AJNJ]

Thank you very much for such kind words, Ms. EmmaJoy.

[Neville]

So many truths crammed onto a single page .. this is more than just a single poem, this is an education in its own write

Neville

[AJNJ]

Goodmorning sir.
Thanks a lot for appreciating this piece.
Have a nice day :)

[Author Gus]

Depending on where a person stands in life this could either lift them up or cause r knees to rattle. The weak can rise and the strong can fall. Life is a balancing act, a simple free verse leaning itself into a powerful topic; well done!

[AJNJ]

Thank you very much for reading and appreciating this poem!

[Dave Brown]

I can't remember how Don Quixote made out in the end but probably deserved good marks for trying
It'd be nice if the little guy could always pull it off (well, maybe not)
Good thoughts
Lovely picture

[AJNJ]

That’s something to think about indeed. Thanks for appreciating :)