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“Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.” - Jonathan Swift
The New What’s Going On Blog has set as its theme the topic of “weariness”. A feeling familiar to all of us who have trouble dealing with modern days and the worldwide status quo… All of us who feel desperate, despondent, frustrated, downhearted, miserable, and yes downright exhausted and weary. Fatigued in spite of all of our attempts to right the wrongs, and make the crooked straight. My poem gives perhaps a little rest, respite and blessings to all of the dog-tired humanity who still try to make the injured world a better place, despite all odds…
Blessed Are They…
Who in adversity find hope,
And who in hardship cope
With endless woe and ill –
Who out of blackness, light distill.
Who even in injury forgive,
Finding courage to live and let live.
In meekness, their strength’s untold
They stand tall, resolute and bold.
Who have the energy to love
Even all those unworthy of
A sentiment so noble, tender;
Their own heart ready to surrender.
Who trust and still believe
All those who seek reprieve;
Who credit all of base humanity
With virtues that preserve sanity.
Who strive for peace and calm
And who on injuries pour balm;
Giving repose to all who are tired,
The sweetest respite they’ve desired.
Who make the crooked run straight
And the trivial things be great;
Who have humility, patience, charity
Giving their all with grace and verity.
The New What’s Going On blog has prompted about “In Uncertain Times”. In our days, perhaps more than ever before, we are seeing a wave of inhumanity sweeping the world. It seems that most of the powerful countries have been swept by a rush of dystopic authoritarianism in which an all-powerful leader seizes the reins of government, supported by a small minority plutocracy.
The common people are becoming progressively poorer, powerless and unable to react in a meaningful and life-changing way. Demagogy and easily digested, rose-tinted lies convince the dwindling middle class “all is under control and our countries will become powerful, and the best in the world”. This assures the autocrat in power that he stays in power and has the population under control…
Even someone who is relatively well off, or frankly rich, and has a conscience can become lulled into a sense of false security and ignore the cries of help of those who have nothing. Maybe these well-meaning people are pacified by donations that they give to ostensibly genuine charity organisations, a lot of which are bogus and support a bevy of well-paid staff and corrupt CEOs.
Add to all of this, increasing violence, crime, drug use, abusive relationships, teenage delinquency and criminality, loosening morals and increasing selfishness with decreasing community-mindedness and we have a world that is tottering on the brink of total disaster… Meanwhile, Celia plays her ‘cello…
Celia
Celia plays the ‘cello
And the strains of Bach
Caress the celadon on the mantel,
Exquisitely.
Celia looks out on Central Park,
Knowing that in the cellar
Vintage wine is being cooled,
Appropriately.
Oh, Celia, open your eyes,
And your frozen heart thaw!
Your world is built with lies,
All is not comme-il-faut!
Celia plans her dinner party –
Crystal and silver, eggshell china;
Chantilly lace and damask all laid out –
Beautifully…
Celia content, closes her eyes
And manages to spare a thought
For those who need her charity,
Condescendingly.
Oh, Celia, come on down
See how poor people live;
All’s not too well in town,
Your excess they won’t forgive
The poem is once again set to music, and you can find all my music in my “Otidorchestre” Instagram feed or listen to it on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer, Flo, Pandora, and other music sharing sites.
