Where have all the "good" men gone,
the heroes of our dreams and song?
Where fallen in some chasm’d earth?
When felled by arrow, famine’s dearth?
And where has perished noble knight
with heart of David in a fight?
Imprisoned in some dungeon rank,
or chained to fated ship that sank?
Or does he face a wider hell,
a fiend more vicious chime his knell?
The parent who will not deny
the selfish claim, the peevish cry;
or foster in the little man
the need to work and save and plan;
To speak with truth and honesty,
e’en if there punishment must be;
protect the smaller and the weak,
restrain the fist and turn the cheek;
To see in kindness, might displayed;
to master self by truths obeyed;
to serve and lift throughout Life’s day,
to stand for virtue, right, alway.
Whilst girl-child, galled by courtesy,
who speaks her mind with crudity,
walks flaunting flesh with brazen sway,
spoiled pet accustomed to her way;
Her hot allure and tease inciting
animal passions, fires igniting.
He seeks chaste maid of honor, praise,
to whom his thoughts can nobly raise;
whose modest charm and faith impart
a safehold for that gallant heart!
Their home a haven from the world,
here’s bannered love and truth unfurled;
their children by example trained,
where merit's trust is unrestrained!
Author notes
I believe all are capable of becoming men and women of integrity and greatness of soul.
I think it is easier when one has a model to study. Ideally, one you can observe in many different situations, over time. A family member, or in journals and books (including scriptures).
Anonymous contest. If commenting, please avoid identity references.
A contest entry
- "Where Have All The Good Men Gone?" by Ethereal One.
950 points, ended January 15, 2008, 11 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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HOODWINKED !!!
This is an excellent poem and so well written. You captured my attention from the first line and held me captive to the last. You have made some great observations and have awakened my imagination and stirred my heart. Well Done dear poet!
You have been Hoodwinked by the Poetic Bandits today because WE CARE!
Dennis
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excellent
Very creative and well done. Congratulations on the honorable mention.
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Wow!!
Powerful piece You have versed and love the rhyme also the images You brought through in each stanza~~
I could hear this spoken~
Magnificent!
Love these lines~
To speak with truth and honesty,
e’en if there punishment must be;
protect the smaller and the weak,
restrain the fist and turn the cheek;
Congratulations on Your HM!
-Throws confetti-
Woooooooooo Hoooooooooooo
Thank You for sharing Your Heart also Voice~
Many blessings to You in all You do Sweet Soul
Best wishes too
and much love~ Desire~*~
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Thank you very much, Desire, for taking the time to read a rather lengthy piece! I appreciate your comment and confetti (the virtual stuff is SO much easier to clean up!)
I am so pleased you enjoyed it.
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