resolute in grief
silence roaring in the heat
July marches past
without confusion time flows
history repeats itself
Embed from Getty Images
The Silent Parade of 1917 is the subject of today’s Google Image.
This if for Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly Poetry Challenge. The prompt words are heat and confuse.
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an ending that delivers a punch; an evocative melding of the movements of politics and life. “roaring silence in the heat” perfect
Thanks so much!
I had to look up Silent Parade. That was what the world was like then. The English massacred the Irish, the Spaniards massacred one another, always someone somewhere was getting butchered by their neighbours. A hundred years on and things have changed, even if attitudes have deeper roots than laws.
I had to look it up, too. I was curious about the Google Doodle. Yes, it’s still going on. But I imagine that march was an amazing sight to see.
It must have taken great courage.
Yes, I imagine it must have.
🙂
Unfortunately that’s what history does, as you know.
Yes, indeed.
“…without confusion time flows…” Wow. Powerful word usage in your Tanka… and here we appear to be at a precipice again. If there is anything that is definitive it is that time marches on and does repeat itself. I love the Tanka and the political imagery! ❤
Thank you so much, Colleen.
Yes, I agree with you.
It is a circle, isn’t it. Still the dying, still “resolute in grief”. A mass silence. Could be very powerful in the right circumstance. (K)
Yes, exactly. Thanks so much, Kerfe.
They were having a silent march downtown yesterday which I just discovered today. Even more of an effective contrast with all the garbage coming out of the President’s mouth, I’d say.
Yes, very true.
I’m reading May Sarton’s Journal at 82. She writes about her belief that the world was a wreck, at least politically. And that was back in the 1980s, history repeating itself. 😦
Thanks, Marian. Yeah, The Handmaid’s Tale was written in 1985. I had nightmares after reading it.
Sobering, and very well written, Merril.
I’m sure it would be a possibility at any time in history, but I’m pretty sure that a similar demonstration today would be met with violence. Sadly.
Thank you very much, Ken.
I’m afraid you’re right.
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Your poem conveys tension, pain, and strength. I especially love the phrase “Roaring silence.”
Thank you, Rose. I’m happy you found all those emotions in the poem!
I’m fond of that phrase, too. 🙂
I think this was very informative for me, Merril. My grandma was in a “Suffragette March,” she told me this was as a waitress in NYC. She always said it was very important to be able to “win the right” to vote.
Oh, how cool that your grandmother was in a Suffragette March! Thanks for telling me.
You’re welcome, Merril. I came back to write a new thought. 😊
🙂
Just the thought-provoking post which should be delivered on Labor Day weekend or around other civil liberties holidays, Merril.
This was a solemn, polite and meaningful March.
Thank you, Robin. I’m happy you found it so meaningful.
( I had to look back to see when it was actually posted. 😉 )
😉 ha ha. . .