I know where you’re coming from, Beth. In the 60s we really thought we could change the world but every decade brought new battles to fight - the 80s were awful but I honestly can’t remember a time when toxicity was as rampant as it is now. But we keep going and sometimes the most modest thing is an assertion of who we are - a small act of kindness, calling out the brutish, the mean spirited, the horrific, or writing something down. And what we write is valid, is important in all sorts of ways - a chance to reflect, a chance to breathe, a chance to rant. You’ve achieved such a lot and that feeling of solidarity you experienced at Greenham will never leave you even if sometimes it seems a bit evasive. We were hopelessly naive in thinking we could change the world but I’m proud we thought we could. Once that flame is lit, it doesn’t go out - just sometimes we have to shelter it when it flickers.
Uncompromising and understandable Beth. I am going through an 'interesting' time at home. It happens, but on this occasion, like you, I have been able to use it; to strike out with enough venom to assuage the internal emotion that sometimes has nowhere to go - just for a while.
For #PoemsAbout, the theme is whatever way you would like to take it. I took it darkly about the spectacle that hides behind doors, the one that others do not see, and more importantly, cannot easily be described. This is where poetry works. Keep doing it. It's like a cigarette; a brief moment of peace in all the noise and turmoil of things you can't face or do anything about.
Totally empathise with this. Sometimes you have to find words when there appear to be none, so congratulations on that, Beth. It does all feel,so hopeless sometimes and needs to be said.
I understand your feelings. The felon in charge here has called out the National Guard in LA. With massive protests planned all over the country for next Saturday when he's throwing himself a huge military birthday parade, I'm anxious. I can't give up hope though.
I know where you’re coming from, Beth. In the 60s we really thought we could change the world but every decade brought new battles to fight - the 80s were awful but I honestly can’t remember a time when toxicity was as rampant as it is now. But we keep going and sometimes the most modest thing is an assertion of who we are - a small act of kindness, calling out the brutish, the mean spirited, the horrific, or writing something down. And what we write is valid, is important in all sorts of ways - a chance to reflect, a chance to breathe, a chance to rant. You’ve achieved such a lot and that feeling of solidarity you experienced at Greenham will never leave you even if sometimes it seems a bit evasive. We were hopelessly naive in thinking we could change the world but I’m proud we thought we could. Once that flame is lit, it doesn’t go out - just sometimes we have to shelter it when it flickers.
Yes, take a deep breath and keep going. Hard sometimes though.
Oh yes! Really hard - but we’re miraculously resilient 😊
Uncompromising and understandable Beth. I am going through an 'interesting' time at home. It happens, but on this occasion, like you, I have been able to use it; to strike out with enough venom to assuage the internal emotion that sometimes has nowhere to go - just for a while.
For #PoemsAbout, the theme is whatever way you would like to take it. I took it darkly about the spectacle that hides behind doors, the one that others do not see, and more importantly, cannot easily be described. This is where poetry works. Keep doing it. It's like a cigarette; a brief moment of peace in all the noise and turmoil of things you can't face or do anything about.
P.S. I don't smoke.
I am so glad that you have been able to use it. It is very tough at times. I really appreciate your thoughts and considered responses you know
Totally empathise with this. Sometimes you have to find words when there appear to be none, so congratulations on that, Beth. It does all feel,so hopeless sometimes and needs to be said.
🙏🏻
I understand your feelings. The felon in charge here has called out the National Guard in LA. With massive protests planned all over the country for next Saturday when he's throwing himself a huge military birthday parade, I'm anxious. I can't give up hope though.
I read about that in the news this morning. It’s exhausting.
It is.