A Man Came To My Cottage Door
by Arnie McConnell
A man came to my cottage door,
his manner full and strong:
“I came to claim your Earth for mine.
You shall not be here long.”
I understand your message, sir,
I said, cold fear denied.
But may I know the reason why
you feel so justified?
“Manipulation was the cause,
the power that you drank,
despising simple, solemn prayers
until your beaches stank.”
“You ate and bought and shat your fill,
as lawless tend to do.
Now, lies and theft are what you’re left,
and you are also through.”
“We held off for the time we could,
then to our longing gave,
swift, selfish right to take by force,
the green and blue we crave.”
*****
In later years, I learned that I
would clearly and unquestionably die.
It brought some wisdom to my case,
but not enough abiding grace.
I never learned what mattered most,
true kindness to a gentle host.
So, this end is no surprise,
more hidden inkling of surmise.
© Arnie McConnell and MPNforum.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Arnie McConnell and MPNforum.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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Comments on: "Poetry Corner – Arnie McConnell (July)" (1)
Very interesting!