A World Changed

Englyn Penfyr

If I could change the world today, I would …

cease childhood pain and defray

where innocent become prey.

Rebuild generations of shattered lives, 

when edged knives pierce souls battered,

and most human love, scattered.

N'er loneliness ensnare a child as friend;

nor, wend a spirit exiled …

weeping, heartlessly defiled.

I'd banish all evil - true twisted minds,

mankind's shamelessly askew ...

through the fires, forged brand-new.

May every child warmed by a womb within

begin … eyes cast t'ward the sky,

knowing pure love ~ lifted high.

Author's Note

Englyn Penfyr
(in-glin pin-fir)

The Englyn Penfyr is one of 24 traditional Welsh stanzaic forms,
dating as far back as the early 8th century, it was recited before royalty.
Composed of 3 lines; L1 is 10 syllables, while L2 and L3 are 7 syllables each;
The first occurrence of the dominant rhyme in L1 is followed by a syllable and
a rhyme, which is repeated within the first two or three syllables of line 2.
Three verses is considered a poem, but there is no verse limit.

The rhyme scheme per verse, therefore, is A-b, b-A, A as follows:
xxxxxxxA-xb
xbxxxxA
xxxxxxA

xxxxxxxC-xd
xdxxxxC
xxxxxxC

xxxxxxxE-xf
xfxxxxE
xxxxxxE

Etc....

Reviews

[M.E.Lyle]

I read this and was captivated by its will for a better today. I think most of us wish things were different, a place were children can grow and feel safe. Wouldn't it be great to banish all evil. Sounds like heaven to me.
And about your style...couldn't you write a bit more literally? Ahh! Please don't hit me! I'm teasing, of course. Personally, I like your style and enjoyed your explanation of it.
Have a great day!

[Susan 🦋]

Haha! 😊no worries! I’m harmless. The form (listed below) is quite strict, but a fun challenge. As far as my writing style? 🤷‍♀️ Just is what it is. Yes, this world is not a safe place for children. I can’t even fully comprehend all the evil, except to know it does exist. I see it all around and it does weigh heavy on my heart. I’ve spent years raising and working with kids (I think I prefer them to most adults! 😂) Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. It is very much appreciated! Have a wonderful day! 💐

[Lisasview]

Oh, how I love to read your words.
So full of truth and hope.
I read the review from Davidgeo and was taken aback about his wish that you write more literally!! And, saying “you are that type of animal”
What the heck!!!
I loved your response…
I too love the challenge of writing with structure.
Not that I am really good at it yet….
Not sure if you read my poem,Innocence? Though not a sonnet and not at all the same structure as your wonderful poem, A world changed, I found there was a similarity in the thoughts.
Lisa, in Spain

[Susan 🦋]

Hi Lisa!! Ha! yes, lol Men?? Where are the real men? I think social media has made it much easier for this kind of behavior. You are familiar with my work, so I'm sure that comment caught your attention. I have not read your poem yet (sorry, life here is a bit crazy) I will head over there in a bit. What do you mean, " you are not really good at it yet?" Nonsense! You write beautifully!!!! I loved your last sonnet! You are a wonderful poet. Don't forget that! :-)))) Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!

[roniO]

Love this. Sometimes pain metamorphoses into beauty. Thank you.

[Susan 🦋]

Thank you for taking the time to read and review! Much appreciated! :-)

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

The wish for change for the better for the most innocent among is a wish that everyone should have. I love the last stanza in particular - the wish that every child be allowed to be born, to live up to his highest potential just like every other born into this world. I will never understand proponents of killing the most innocent among us, for the most part, because they are an inconvenience. While I firmly believe that my mother should have never had children, she did give me life, which gave me the opportunity to live and grow and be. Good write.

[Susan 🦋]

Good morning, Linda Marie! Sorry for the delay in response. Life is a little crazy right now. All life is precious. The problem being, not everyone sees it that way. There are no easy answers to these problems, and it is a viscous cycle. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Have a wonderful day :-)