Maybe There's Courage in Clover

(when you look at a field of clover, you don't see imperfection, sadly too many of our young people look in the mirror and hate what they see)

a field of clover

wet from recent rain

lush in its verdant greenness

perfect in its wider vision

hides imperfection

yet you wouldn't know that

unless i can show it

so when i hand you a short

stem supporting four leaf heads

instead of the usual three

it may appear to be a flaw

in its making, but i don't

suppose it feels any different

from all the others being

tickled by september sun

look at us as a species

too ready by far to point at

each others defects instead of

celebrating who we are

we are all human regardless

so it saddens me to see those

who lack courage to stand firm

some have such a shallow 

opinion of their own appearance

they will follow the crowd

to gain sameness

instead of playing their own

ace card, standing alone and

being proud to do so, they

join an army of monotony,

afraid to display uniqueness

believing comfort comes in 

numbers

Reviews

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

This is poem is so on point my dear friend. Everyone nowadays wants to be a size zero with arched brows and pouty lips. I swear I can't tell one social media influencer from another. In gentle, sensitive words, you convey your dismay. Love your poetry always.

[Chris Shaw]

My fav cat Ditzy says it like it is. Even a p***y cat can see it. Why don't these young women stop following the crowd and stand proud. Clones they are. Treats for you.......... Always good to have a visit from you and you can be sure of treats every time :)

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Thanks dear Chris! Your treats are lovely always! Keep inspiring us, my special friend.

[Neville]

bang on our Chris .. what a sad and sorry push a button, tick a box and pop a pill world we have observed forming and in such a short span of time .. this is one of them that just had to be writ, posted and read ..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. Pleased you like this older poem and you share my views. I guess I am just old fashioned and I don’t like what’s happening these days.


Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

In an increasingly collectivist world, sameness becomes the logical standard.
Go to almost any of our schools; see how conformity of thought is, practically,
demanded--difference, roundly discouraged.
That "army of monotony" has, for far too long, held sway.
A desperately needed message adorned in high art.
Thank you, Lady Christine!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Jimmy, thank you for your thoughtful response. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - you are so right on! Sometimes I wonder where are those who have the courage? Those who will finally say, "Enough is enough! We shouldn't have to put up with this garbage anymore! Those who are willing to put themselves at risk and initiate necessary change - are there any?
GOD - I can't wait until November when we vote and hopefully get fid of the idiot in the White House.
Take care of you and yours - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for your much appreciated visit. Have a lovely Sunday. All the best.

Chris

[Relic]

Your words can only be shared through years of experience and wisdom. I find it a shame that young people are all looking to emulate what they see on TV or media. I like the clover connection you've made. Great poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tim. I appreciate your thoughts. It is mainly young people, particularly young women I am referring too. Social media has much to answer for. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lorry]

Well said Chris. We see flaws others don't and in most cases it is just an illusion, as we are used to seing ourselves in the mirror and feel that's not how we see ourselves. And it isn't.
Go into photoshop and flip the same photo and hey presto, its us again, where left is left instead of right in the mirror.
Plus, are we still in the playground? Be unique, embrace it and stand out, but for self and not others. They'll all have an opinion no matter what we do.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Just having a whinge. Too many people follow the crowd in everything. Not just behaviour but the way they look. Clones they are. Mainly young people who don't want to be different. Thank you.

Chris

[Lorry]

I was certainly different. Big dark quiff and skinny. Sigh
😀

[Dave Brown]

I better read the other reviews before I write anything too unique
I don't know about that standing out stuff
Just saying (I think)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dave for your visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Easy to seek solitude dear Chris. With old age upon me. I became Salinger. Thank you for the internet. Allow me to create without wandering out. I agree. Too many quiet voices in our world. The world become more lonely when we should be seeking some happiness. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Too many follow the crowd, not just in the way they look, but the way they behave. Where are the visionaries, the pioneers of the past?I too am thankful for the good part of the Internet which keeps us connected to friends who are like minded. Then there's the other part which is vicious and hateful. Always appreciate your wisdom Coyote. Many thank yous for your visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[John the Baptist]

I think perhaps the internet has led to a reluctance to show one's uniqueness. After all, who wants to stand out, only to become the target of the army of cancelers, trolls, conspiracy theorists and unvarnished psychos who populate cyberspace these days?

[Chris Shaw]

Sadly you are right, but who gives a toss about a minority of nutters? Never follow the crowd, that's my motto John. Thank you for the visit.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I just love this...different does not mean flawed. Different means unique, something or someone noticed in a crowd of sameness.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh to be the one that stands out. The one that diesn:t follow the sheep. Thank you Jacob.
read moreOh to be the one that stands out. The one that diesn:t follow the sheep. Thank you Jacob.

Chris