Yesterday’s News

say what you mean
mean what you say
don’t allude to your feelings
while turning away
don’t hide what you’re saying
behind veils of mystique
with words rarely spoken
that sound like they’re Greek

spell it out in an instant
there’s no need to stall
use language that’s simple
the best type of all
not dressed in disguise
but upright and proud
though it might raise an eyebrow
just speak it out loud

i’d rather the truth
the truth that you see
although once you have said it
i may not agree
we might on occasions
not share the same views
but that doesn’t mean failure
it’s yesterday’s news

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"I'm just Second Hand News, just Second hand news...yeah"
or as Cat Stevens sang..."Say what you mean, mean what you say, say what you're thinking and think anything"
Masterful work here..."Veils of mystique"don't necessarily make our words more powerful...they shield with guile and dishonesty"

A poem is not a failure if we don't see it the same way as the author...it's yesterday's news to be determined by the bloke reading it...
really good piece here, Chris.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear J for your encouraging words. Pleased you found so much here, particularly the song references.

Chris

[Victor D. Lopez]

Love the sage content and construction of this poem, Chris. Imagine the time, effort, and frustration that would be saved the world if people simply did as your poem suggests. Of course, it is difficult to defend the indefensible without subterfuge, obtuse language or purposeful equivocation. Politicians and their enablers should be forced to sit tied to a chair and hear a reading of this poem for an hour or two until they get the message. Come to think of it, so should those among us (myself included) who speak better than they listen when it matters most.

[Chris Shaw]

Ha, thanks Victor. Your review made me smile. I like what you suggested for politicians:) I appreciate another encouraging review from you. All good wishes.

Chris

[mabel mae]

Beautifully written! Your other work has me smiling and I can’t thank you enough for sharing this. You are a very strong writer and I am confident that as you write more and more, you will continue to grow and get better.
This poem really captures the need for sharpness and clarity in one’s words. If there isn’t any, we end up upset and wondering what the hell anything means. It brings the words that need to be said in debate frustration.
I hope to get to read and review more in the future. -Mabel

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mabel Mae, your review is so encouraging. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for your very welcome visit.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Hi Chris love this

Sometimes I write fictional poems but on most part they are not

I usually say what I mean and to the point

Yes we can all agree to disagree I agree
Great write ✍️
Hope you well too I say that in earnest x

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Julie, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
Again, great writing! If everyone followed what it says, what a better world this would be!

[Chris Shaw]

It seems so obvious Vol, but so many people beat about the bush. Many thanks for your thoughts.

[Rachid Amrani]

Beautiful written and well said. Your poem speaks to the mind and heart about the virtue of truth. I think this world would be a much better place if people embrace honesty and be truthful to one another.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Rachid for leaving me such a positive review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Rachid Amrani]

Thank you Chris. It was a joyful read. Will be reading more of your works.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous. Will visit
you soon too:)

[erin:)]

I really liked the rhythm to this poem. “But that doesn’t mean failure it’s yesterdays news” gives a hope that life goes on so your worries may not matter tomorrow or next week

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Erin. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[NormaZ]

This is a great reminder to me to not be afraid to tell the truth, sometimes I just don’t want to cause any conflict. I love the middle ‘use language that’s simple the best type of all’ The rhythm of the poem made me think of Shel Silverstein.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks you for your kind review Norma. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Lorry]

Aloha Chris and couldnt agree more. This reminded me of working in a city office where no matter what you answered, it was instantly met with "What do yoiu mean?" quickly followed with "well i just think...? There instant" whst do you means are an auto response, said too quickly to be thought and is it any wonder i ran for the hills away from city life, with people stating quite clearly saying what do yoi mean or well i think, proving they dont and somehow think talking is thinking. Never has been, never will be!
Can you tell this is a bugbear of mine and i usually just say back "What do you mean what do i mean. I know you heard it and speak the same language, so you being an ignorant something that rhymes with bit, not listening makes you think im gonna repeat everything i just said just to give said thing that rhymes with bit enough time to actually think of something to reply to instead of being a complete "bit"
Or just turn to the wall and say "yeah, i know, they are arent they, then laugh and walk away laughing and ignoring the silly little bits! 😊
.... Know what i mean? 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lorry, so you have experienced this too? lol. This poem was inspired after a conversation with one of my nearest and dearest who was beating about the bush. Much better to be direct don’t chã think? Hope all is good with you. All the best.

Chris

[Lorry]

What do you mean? ☺

[Chris Shaw]

Don’t you start ha ha 😀

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work, Chris. Fantastic job.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas. I appreciate you.

Chris

[FPW]

Lovely rhyming poetry! This reads smooth as silk and touches on a subject that really resonates with all today. There is far too much BS in our world and we need more people to call things as they see them and not hide behind fake facades. More acceptance of alternative viewpoints is also required. I think many of us are getting sick and tired of woke elites cancelling opinions that they don’t agree with. I enjoyed my visit.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Felicia for your visit and thoughtful response. I have to agree with you re the wokeness about these days. Pleased you enjoyed my poem.

Chris