I Tried To Walk On The Earth

I Tried To Walk On The Earth

A Poem by daninstockholm
"

there is no them, there is only us

"

I tried to walk on the earth

In a place where it did not ache

Find that spot where 

My bare feet might not do damage

But its pain was all-encompassing. 

With every step I felt it cry. 

With no place left to go

I cut off my feet.


I tried to find a field 

that didn't know of hunger 

Where the crops could feed the multitudes 

But the corn was crying

Its husks were brown and it's heart broken.

I felt so insufficient

I couldn't find crops enough

So i starved myself


I searched the borders for refugees

That felt safe and welcome

But the children were starving

And the parents frightened

I tried to speak but no one spoke my language

I tried to open my nations borders

To harbor those who flee

But many who were inside

Turned violent, 

Terrified by what they didn't know or understand. 

I turned their water to wine 

Their swords to plowshares

But still they wouldn't share


I tried to find a song

That all could sing and feel inspired

But no one grasped the meaning

I cried and became mute

© 2015 daninstockholm


Author's Note

daninstockholm
This poem was directly inspired by an amazing poem by Warsan Shire that went viral after the attacks in Paris. I was on the bus going to our country cottage for the very last time and read this poem. I was so very very moved by it that I wrote this piece in about 20 minutes, and continued to edit, as time allowed, the rest of the day, refusing to leave it for long until I felt satisfied. The poem that inspired it is in the image.

My Review

Would you like to review this Poem?
Login | Register




Featured Review

Hmm, what is to be done with such atrocities? "Whatever I can do, anything I can do!" many would reply. And what can they do, but look on and pity the suffering souls. Can pity heal pain? Can pity resurrect those who have passed on? Can pity punish corrupt men? Can pity save those who are suffering? No, pity can do no such thing. A heart can only take one as far as he is willing to go. How far are you willing to go?

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

I apologize for taking so very long to respond to your very thoughtful review. Of course, we do what.. read more



Reviews

A poem earth reading. You should be proud of the results here.
It seems there is no hope... It seems. Yet reading between the lines, there is at least one person searching and seeking. Where there is one there will be more. Plant the seed and it will grow.
Very deep and meaningful.

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Thank you, my friend, very much. This one, i can say, is one I am particularly proud of. I truly app.. read more
isn't it something that, shouted down and cry-drowned, the compassionate just threw up their hands
in surrender, not disgust. I have an Arabic friend who tried to tell me of the Syrian suffering
in American terms. I mean, using Kings English words and it still didn't quite resonate. Suffering
never does when it's not your child washed up on a distant shore or not your father clinging
to the side of some overcrowded boat. Fear, especially that of the unknown, is the most
pornographic of notions since it arouses the most intense of emotional reactions.

being in Stockholm puts your body closer to the Paris despair, like writing a poem about it
places your heart closer to the human prerogative........well written....dana

Posted 8 Years Ago


daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Thank you so much, Dana, You're right about fear, it traps you and freezes the perspectives, closing.. read more
Your subject matter is intriguing, and your creation transcend the boundaries of ordinary, every-day poetry.

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

I'm truly honored by your kind words. Thank you so very much. I do hate the common everyday poetry I.. read more
I definitely know the feeling of being inspired into writing a piece that spoke so loud that it could not be ignored until the finishing touches were applied...this is an incredibly honest and soul defining work; glad I took time to read it, thank you for sharing...

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Yes, her work is very inspiring indeed. If you've not read her work, LaShaye, I highly recommend it!.. read more
Hmm, what is to be done with such atrocities? "Whatever I can do, anything I can do!" many would reply. And what can they do, but look on and pity the suffering souls. Can pity heal pain? Can pity resurrect those who have passed on? Can pity punish corrupt men? Can pity save those who are suffering? No, pity can do no such thing. A heart can only take one as far as he is willing to go. How far are you willing to go?

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

I apologize for taking so very long to respond to your very thoughtful review. Of course, we do what.. read more
[send message][befriend] Subscribe
...
Very beautiful words. About human pain and lost. Craved with sense of humanity. Great atribute to all victims .

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Thank you so very much, Marketa.. I truly appreciate it!
[send message][befriend] Subscribe
TM
very well written and I loved the message.

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

thank you so much!
Very well written! All that is wrong in our world today can be overwhelming. I think you portrayed that perfectly.

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Thank you so very much, Katie!
katie

8 Years Ago

You're welcome! :)
this is a great poem and I like the way you have approached it. I feel you fall into the same trap as I do though - you tell instead of show (google 'show don't tell) when you show you use all of the five senses in your writing, in this way the read drops, spins and falls deep within your words because they can almost feel them. I have practiced this somewhat and it add so many more layers to one's work.

I did a marvellous free online poetry workshop recently - I recommend it - let me know if you would like the link

much love X

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Thank you so very much for the insightful review! I'm going to have a look at your idea. It does sou.. read more
KWP

8 Years Ago

actually I disagree - you say it doesn't needmore description

'I tried to walk on ea.. read more
daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

hmmmmm,, ok,, i'll give it more thought,, thanks!!
This poem is very unique and I loved it :))
Thanks for sharing :))!

Posted 8 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

daninstockholm

8 Years Ago

Thank you so very much!! I'm delighted you liked it!

Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

401 Views
11 Reviews
Rating
Shelved in 1 Library
Added on November 16, 2015
Last Updated on November 19, 2015
Tags: poetry, despair, refugees, famine, hunger, the earth, pain, sorrow, violence, peace, fraternity, writing, hope, hopelessness, asylum

Author

daninstockholm
daninstockholm

Stockholm, Sweden



About
Time gives us moments made up of empty canvasses. How will you use yours? Happily married male, American born but now happy to be living in Stockholm, loves to learn and experience new things new p.. more..

Writing

Related Writing

People who liked this story also liked..


INK OUT LOUD INK OUT LOUD

A Poem by hanir