These are the times that try men's souls!
When the waking dawn sings no longer with the morning bird,
And songs can not be sung with their feathered voices.
Why would they sing for us in times like these?
When wars are raging among that of our enemies,
And even greater battles with that of our friends?
When youth rises against the wisdom of the elders,
And disrespect is that which has become respected?
In times that even love is rarely true. . .
But reduced to a word used to know one another?
In times like these that try men’s’ souls?
Once, long ago, there was time
When the bird and the morning were lovers.
Songs were sung of love that was true
Voicing the emotion felt between every soul!
A song of love and a song of joy!
One that explained the serene peace.
Before hate ruled the land.
Before swords declared the king.
Back when virtue earned respect!
That was a time when heroes thrived.
When wonders happened all too often.
Love was a thing that was pure.
Love was a thing that was true.
This was a time not so long ago!
Oh, but look at the morning!
The beautiful rise of the silent new birth of misery. . .
The sun once again begins its search for its lover.
The sun begins its search for the bird.
It’s daily search for one true friend. . .
The one that ran from here.
From the anger, and the malice, not to mention the hate!
From the screaming of the tortured voices!
From the shouting of words that are not to be said!
From the tears of the hidden innocent
That are all too afraid to cry.
And it’s in times like these,
This is all the morning sees.
These are the times that try men's souls!
Now is the time that tests the honor of man.
Here is the time that tests the strength of the mighty.
This is the time tests the wisdom of a sage.
The time that men fall in shame.
Author notes
be dead out honest in the comments, this was written with me rather tired, but i think may be my best poem (given the proper editing). and yes this is how i feel of the world today
A contest entry
- Your Best Pre-write of 2007 by Metaphorist.
900 points, ended January 4, 2008, 22 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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I think that this is wonderfully written. You make you voice heard and your point made and I think that's great. Nicely done.
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its a bit rusty...i can't put my finger on it, but i'm sure if you tweaked it a bit here & there, it would be even better. either way, brilliant poem, i definatley enjoyed reading it!
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A plea to humanity. Powerful and moving. Love the personification of the sun in stanza four- probably my favorite part of the poem. The ending stanza leaves a little to be desired; it is much less powerful than the rest of the piece.
Typos: line 1 and 39- “men’s”
Line 8- “disrespect”
Line 17- “serene:
Line 21- “heroes”
Line 32- “malice”
Correcting these would largely improve the quality of this poem.
Thanks for entering. Good luck in my contest and in the New Year!
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A very intelligent concept and delivered with such depth of wisdom. Beautifully written with a flowing understanding. Vey well done (even if you were tired)
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David . . . oh so well done . . . sadly, there is so much truth in these words . . . if you were tired, then perhaps you should write more when in such a weary state!!!
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BRILLIANT
I think maybe you should write when you are tired all the time, if they would turn out like this awesome piece of poetic pie you have served up here for all to read. It's a+ in my book!!!!!!!!!!!
POETDONTKNOWIT
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I do agree with you. I think that a wake up call is just right around the corner with somethings.
Great job,
Kari -
You have put some powerful images before the readers mind to take and ponder over later. While your lines flow smoothly you see the age of man for what he is...Man is very slow to learn and has been in societies like we have before only difference is the size of his toys and money in his wallet...Men sadly fall short...You have a strong poem here keeping the thread and interest throughout I feel your last stanza a brilliant summary.Thank you for the pleasure
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I totally agree with your assessment of these times and very well put! It sounds like a desolate world, and the epic prose you use has the feel of the old poets. This is one of those things that I wish everyone could see and feel enough to change their thoughts, their dreams, their motivations... the way they treat other people and the world and it's energy. Love it.
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Times that would test the wisdom of a sage.
Times that men fall in shame.
David you made me stunning with the notions you are describing and touching a kind of factual and worldly eternity for all of us...specially for men...Indeed it is great heartfelt replenishment of the ardent heart which is on its way back to the painful cave of celibacy and this fear here is in the stage of the universal cry here..what I can see in this great poem,If I am not wrong my friend...
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