Considerations on Alchemy

Inspired from interactions with other fine poets.

The humanity of feeding one hungry soul

transforms bread crumbs into fine cuisine;

as anonymously gifting, expecting no reward,

transforms excess and waste

into the indispensable essentials of life.

 

A kindness shown to the unkind

begins a chain reaction,

replacing conflict with peace.

A song,  gentle sung,

converts isolation into community:

much like poetry transforms…

Impotent words of every day speech,

become compelling phrases

empowering emotions and thought.

  

We are, every one of us, alchemists;

our words and actions,

our very imaginations

have transformative power!

 

Will we transform gems into sand?

Will “civilization” continue

transforming our living Earth

into a polluted rock?

Or will civilization decide

to turn indiscriminate “progress “

into sustainability for the entire planet?

 

Shall we use our power of alchemy

to create eternal gifts of priceless value?

 

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

Both powerful in vocabulary and in sentiment and subject matter. Well done. (One thing, perhaps you meant to pluralize alchemists?)

[David Scott]

Thank you KL! I did hv a typo there. Will fix it when I have a computer. I love getting help like this.

[Lyn Anderson]

No problem -- sometimes we can go over a piece and never see it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we try don't we?

we write trying to inspire thought, and movement to peace....but we can only hope our words will have that effect....poets understand poets...but i wish we connect more to the average joe, who might just need some kind of reminder about humanity...and everyone's need to contribute to bettering life for everyone.

j.

[David Scott]

I think we do when we remember and when we find the energy. Ha.
Yes, it is good to have the understanding of poet friends.
I believe we can impact the world. We can learn to communicate with those who don't naturally gravitate to poetry... It is an evolution of art to become contemporary.
Thank my friend for always looking in on me.

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

I shelve this in my library. A very good poem. How very well penned and how very deeply expressed and reflected. Doing for others without expecting any returns. Transformation of bread crumbs into the finest cuisine when one hungry soul is fed. This is deep and greatly meaningful. I would specifically commend you for the second last stanza- all stanzas are good, but this one is outstanding. Let total exploitation of nature and environment continue, and the earth will soon turn into a polluted rock. Let all people join hands together, be good to each other and care for the nature and environment, and this world will turn into heaven.
Excellent piece of writing. Keep writing.

[David Scott]

Thank you for the considerate review. I'm so happy it held some value for you.

[BThomvanWart]

I have always enjoyed the idea of alchemy and its continuation in history as a philosophy taught as a religion - to transform the soul. The ideas alchemy provide are beautiful and dark, yet very tangible. I love this piece, although I couldn't help but feel as though there's a transition that needs to be inserted between the break into "Poetry transforms..." Upon getting to those lines, I felt kind of like it went directly from one point to another with little context. But, that's just me! It's definitely good writing and it shows the doubt of the human will while also displaying the hope that perhaps, even though "pandora's box" was opened, the world can persevere as a whole. Good piece!

[David Scott]

Thank you very much for the review. I like your comment about the abruptness of the stanza. I agree with you. I think it just needs to be placed earlier in the write and it would feel more natural there. A great observation.
I am no authority on the subject, but I agree it has always held my interest.
Thank you once again for your generosity of words.

[...]

Yes!!! "We are, every one of us, Alchemists: our words and actions, our very imaginations have transformative power" Yes yes yes ! I love every word of this reach into infinite possibility. With a lambs voice and a lions heart, you speak

[David Scott]

Thank you very much Lynn. Of course, I would never have thought of this poetry without your input... So thank you doubly!