Written for: dVerse Poets Pub – Poetics: 7 and 7 (7th Anniversary) (posted by Gospel)
and for: Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads – The ‘Tuesday Platform” (posted by Sanaa)
The “seven deadlies” as they are known in pop culture, are:
• Greed
• Lust
• Envy
• Gluttony
• Sloth
• Wrath
• Pride
And the seven virtues are:
• Charity
• Chastity
• Kindness
• Temperance
• Diligence
• Patience
• Humility
“I’m asking you to write a poem about one or all of these and how your life has been affected. Do you see a complementary function between vice and virtue? Is there one in particular that has played a key role in your giving in to temptation? Or one that has provided a valuable lesson? Can you personify them and show their relationship in an unforeseen light? Consider one or more of these questions, but the form for your poem is open.”
Can any effective appeal
be made to a greedy,
prideful person whose
gluttonous appetite
for power and fame
never seems to wane?
Can he not open
his eyes and heart
in welcome to all of humanity,
and acknowledge their worth
with kindness, tempering
that dangerous drive
to achieve a dictator’s blindness?
I am fearful for every ideal
America used to stand for.
I am fearful to turn on
news, and find we are crumbling–
that building blocks of freedom
have come crashing down … all for a kingdom.
Yes, even from this distance it is alarming.
LikeLike
It is sometimes hard to watch the news.
LikeLike
The virtues will prevail, although at this point I think “wrath” justifiably belongs in the virtue column.
LikeLike
Agreed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you get any free steaks in the mail, don’t eat them…
Unfortunately, I don’t think the big guy has stopped at 7. Hang on.
We will move on from making America grate.
Thanks for your take.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Lona. Look out for loose greats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And oh yeah, I’m purple too btw 💜
LikeLike
Perhaps the “ideals” weren’t real? Perhaps we have been duped? He is us, and we are him. Oh my, what will we do?
LikeLike
Not give up the fight!
LikeLike
Your last line packs a great punch!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jo. Wish it was a real punch!
LikeLike
… all for a Kingdom! Well said!
LikeLike
Thanks, Dwight!
LikeLike
Maybe this makes me a bad citizen or whatever, but I turn him off. Poetry is better for the planet and the soul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Write in: Amaya Engleking.
LikeLike
No, it just makes you a CITIZEN.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At this point
all we CaN
WiLL really
do is hold
our nose until
he is convicted
or Vote for Bernie
and his Running Mate
which ever comes next
and oh yeah don’t forget
the Mid-Terms for that might
be an
im
Peach
oF A Deal too..
and then we yuck
will have to Breathe
through Pence no way
to shake off the Trump Blues Fully
now except Turn the TV and News off
and Just
Vote
no
to
Fear and Hate..
he’s not even a man
real men don’t sit with
their Arms Folded unless
they are still little boys afraid
in the School Yard oF Fear sTill…
There is still a Very Small and Lonely
Hurt Child in the Face of Trump i See the
Look on his Son’s Face too.. it is unmistakable
NoW and sadly
familiar too..
for without a
Loving Mother
i Might be a Trump now too..
We Are All A Family And an unusual one too..:)
LikeLike
This is so beautifully written, Fred. I hope
“it will be an
im
Peach
oF A Deal too..”
Never took into consideration, those folded arms, but it is very telling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.. it’s
Truly
Been
A Fruity
Couple of Years..;)
LikeLike
🍊🍎
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥥..:)
LikeLike
I have the same fear.
LikeLike
😟
LikeLike
I hate what is happening to your country, sadly. I pray that change is coming fast. From your friendly neighbor, Canada.
LikeLike
Thanks Grace. I do hope our countries remain friendly.
LikeLike