I thought of war and peace
not the one of Tolstoy
but self-limiting beliefs
shying away from light, when already
a black dot swimming in a white sea.
To what lengths one would go;
shrink to fit a predesigned frame?
I thought of war ―
I thought of peace.
For Poets United
Tolstoy was the first thing that came to mind with this prompt:) Your poem is far more creative. I like your image of fitting into a pre – designed frame.We are supposed to do that you know. If we don’t they make us pay.
Thank you, Rall. And yes, tell me about it “we are supposed to…”
Peace alone can germinate the seeds of goodness. A nice poem, Khaya!
We can only hope, Panchali. Thank you for reading!
“To what lengths one would go; shrink to fit a pre-designed frame? I thought of war―I thought of peace.” This is soo incredibly evocative, Khaya!
It starts with self…the war, and the peace. Many thanks dear Sanaa!
Whew! Your poem made me think of Frost’s “Fire and Ice”–inverted and turned to a world beginning rather than ending. The sea will not remain white, and expansion will crash through or generate new frames. With prayer and activism and kind-ness, the scale will tilt toward peace. So may it be. I’m so blown away by your poem, I am sharing it!
…and so may it be. Thank you for sharing this poem, Susan. I’m humbled and honored! ??
Self limited beliefs can cause quit a war Well put
They can, indeed. Thanks Marja!
Interesting idea, that war of self-limiting beliefs!
Isn’t it just interesting, Sherry!
Yes. Those self limiting beliefs do keep us away from the light of peace. Good poem!
I guess, it’s time to embrace one’s potential, and stop playing small.
Shying away from light…At present the whole world is just immersed in this. Ugh. Hope peace is the final word. A wonderful take on the form Khaya.
I too, hope peace will be the final word. Thanks Sumana!
Sadly we are controlled in everything we do, once we were called called cannon fodder now the expendables.
It’s sad truth.
Luv the micro view germination into a macro something. Hopefully something creative enough to benefit goodness and reap the wisdom of peace and understanding. Thanks for this crunch Khaya
Much love…
Many thanks, Gillena!
A wonderful poem of self reflection
It’s always good to think about our own beliefs, before trying to solve world’s problems. Thanks Jae!
Wow, this is such a thought provoking poem, Khaya. I love how well you describe the collective…”what lengths one would go; shrink to fit a pre-designed frame?” Maybe there are many brave ones arising and breaking that mold…..be it quietly and peacefully!
Thank you, Ally! We all ought to be brave and break the mold.
This is a very evocative poem. Many of our limitations are self-imposed.
They are, indeed. Thanks Bev!
I am thinking of peace… with you.
Thanks Maga!
Love the “pre-designed frame” line. This is exactly what living a life of inauthenticity (is this a word) feels like.
I totally agree. Thanks Kathy!
Beautiful, Khaya. I’m hoping for peace though war seems to flash endlessly across the news of the day.
Thanks my friend!
Beautiful!! Powerful words! Don’t shrink! Stand tall and shine your light! Big Hugs!
When pressures mount, we should always remember not to shrink. Thank you dear Stacy!