Times of conflict
By Cecily Bryant
I think such hard times tend to
draw the succor from the breadth of souls
Spread from those with everything
to those with nothing
For what human being can not imagine the
bleeding of a child?
Or the grief of a mother?
Or the helplessness of a father in
war-torn places?
Discussions take place between politicians
about strategy and political appropriateness
while a father holds his mangled son
amidst the rubble
Who defends what for how long?
Everyday people of unthreatened
circumstance voice loudly and
make banners and
send money to pockets of hopeful help
But I say to you sister .. why does it always
persist?
It is all about inequality in the end
Every human deserves the sanctity of a home
every baby born to be held sacred
Times require us to bring pathroads of civility
back and to make clear the boundaries of
human decency
only then can the spirit of peace alight
Cecily Bryant was a longtime resident of West Tisbury, where she raised her son and operated a small, rural school. Her poems have been included in several publications.
Poets with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard are encouraged to submit poems to community@mvtimes.com.
