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Tuesday's March ~ OpenLinkNight 32


Midnight…now Tuesday morning
And still…we wait
no words to still the rapidly beating

hearts that need to hear.
Anxiety ridden, as each siren sounds.
Each rolling bauble of red

That dances across the yellowed stippled ceiling
Usually ignored, unnoticed
Rages like the red of the bands

That decorate our upper arms
As we cower in the darkness
Of this abandoned complex.

They know...but still don't see
their minds manipulated
shoot first, question later

Still we stand
against the madness, though
consensus among the supporters

of this great regime
is staggering.
Our mission is misunderstood. 

Marked now,
As we form the resistance
Against a mad man

Six has become five but
We know there are others.
We will unite

then we will pay tribute to the fallen.
Lives sacrificed for the freedom of those
Too foolish to know they’re not.

Free, that is…systemized, categorized
And put to rest in alphabetized order...
thinking we are the deserters.

Tuesday…morning light
And still no word…
Too long gone now to switch direction

We move forward,
One man down
Against an army of thousands.

Happy OpenLinkNight Poets! I've got a stage to set and glasses to polish before we open the doors, but I'm really hoping we'll see you at dVerse at 3EST....afterall...it's what Tuesday's are really known for...right?
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Comments

Pat Hatt said…
Take the lap
From midnight to dawn without a nap
Can be a task in and of itself
Making one a tad crazy at their shelf
But putting it into alphabetical order works for me
So nice to me ocd

Also thought you were getting rid of this WV crap? Needs to take a nap!
February 21, 2012 at 10:46 AM
hedgewitch said…
O can feel the sense of determination, the burn of ideals, and the need to fight for them just roll off the page here. Excellent writing, full of heavy lines...six becomes five, but nine can become ten.
February 21, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Hot Rod Pics said…
I love this. As an Army veteran, I have spent much time in consideration of:
"Lives sacrificed for the freedom of those
Too foolish to know they’re not."

I also love that you're continuing to explore the triad form--it's my favorite, underutilized form.
»^.,.^«
February 21, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Uneven Stephen said…
An excellent statement, wonderfully weaved. My favorite bit:

"Free, that is…systemized, categorized
And put to rest in alphabetized order...
thinking we are the deserters."

I like the triplet form you use here - great flow!
February 21, 2012 at 1:32 PM
Claudia said…
this sounds like an underground movement against a regime that's ruining the world as we know it...if you ever go into politics tash...be sure you get my vote...
and happy hosting tonight!!
February 21, 2012 at 2:10 PM
Brian Miller said…
what was that quote by margaret mead...it only takes a few...so go after it poet...there will be those that fall along the way so press on in their memory...
February 21, 2012 at 3:13 PM
zongrik said…
lots of number in this piece. gives it a rhythm.
February 21, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Wolfsrosebud said…
go grasp of the tenseness of the moment... no turning back... in more ways than one
February 21, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Ruth said…
Tash, so much to love here, to think about... the colours that (for me) open up the scene; the heaviness of waiting, knowing what we know; the madness of a "shoot first, question later" mentality; the sense of futility in

Lives sacrificed for the freedom of those
Too foolish to know they’re not.

Free, that is...

Well done!
February 21, 2012 at 4:13 PM
The Silver Fox said…
Once again, you give us something that makes me want more of the same, extrapolation, information, background...
February 21, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Unknown said…
Powerful write Tash, high on sentiment and high on artistic voice. Great job. Thanks again for hosting OLN, it really has become what Tuesday's known for now, hasn't it?
February 21, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Dulçe ♥ said…
*...we will pay tribute to the fallen.
Lives sacrificed for the freedom of those
Too foolish to know they’re not.*

I especially like these ones, saying it all ... absurd games we play, which become wars and then it hurts but life goes on... as it has over the many years passed...
But it seems there is a time (high) when there is no credit for that foolishness any more.

Deep and harsh.
February 21, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Marbles in My Pocket said…
Awesome write, Natasha. So full of emotion and power, which makes it seem real.
http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/i-go/
February 21, 2012 at 4:33 PM
Laurie Kolp said…
Powerful, Tash... you put me right there.
February 21, 2012 at 4:40 PM
Chasing Tao said…
Well, Natasha, you certainly said it all...

"Still we stand against the madness, though consensus among the supporters of this great regime is staggering."

"As we form the resistance Against a mad man"

"We move forward, One man down Against an army of thousands."

The Light against the Dark, as it has been over and over and over again, and will be again through the various cycles on Earth! The Kali Yuga has about run its course.

I really enjoyed this, and was nice to visit your parlour once again...Let your Light so shine...

Roger ☺
February 21, 2012 at 4:41 PM
Linda Kruschke said…
This is quite intense, in a hushed sort of way. The tension in the air was palpable as I read, and re-read. I truly felt like I was part of the resistance to some evil regime. Peace, Linda
February 21, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Joanne Young Elliott said…
You take us into this intense moment and make us want to join the movement, too.

These are great images and so well blended into the moment:
"Anxiety ridden, as each siren sounds.
Each rolling bauble of red


That dances across the yellowed stippled ceiling
Usually ignored, unnoticed
Rages like the red of the bands


That decorate our upper arms
As we cower in the darkness
Of this abandoned complex."

Great work!
February 21, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Timoteo said…
Solidarity, me brave lass.
February 21, 2012 at 5:07 PM
stu mcp (hate & hope) said…
Tash- Some fiercely political words here, not nay political- but detailing the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity. With everything going on in the world right now this is so apt...loved some of the descriptions here- blood rolling like baubles...powerful. I just got visions of 6 people in a dusty room that had just been rocked from a shell ...one of them left deaf on the floor- them not knowing what was happening next- apart from they have to push on and keep fighting. And I know- at some point - humanity must prevail
February 21, 2012 at 5:13 PM
Aaron Kent said…
This is a sensational piece of work. It is extremely powerful in every way.

http://twoinformalfeet.blogspot.com/2012/02/salvatore-e-elena.html
February 21, 2012 at 5:22 PM
Unknown said…
you're an ace with that beautiful empowering voice that swims through your poetry...I feel like I should go protest something... :)
February 21, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Beachanny said…
yoA piece filled with subtle messages, and discoursing many needs and frustrations. I liked all of it and agree that your exploration of numbers gave it strength. Well done.
February 21, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Steve King said…
All great movements consist of equally great moments. You've done a great job of capturing this. Resonates perfectly with what's going on in many places around the world. Fine poem.
February 21, 2012 at 6:32 PM
Daydreamertoo said…
Freedom always comes... at a price. And as ex-armed services, I can say that those who serve in whatever job they do, be it cook to General, each and every single one of them are every day heros.
Utmost respect for those who serve and keep our freedom to be able to say and do as we wish, in peace.
Great, powerful piece of writing from you.
February 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Joel B. said…
Oh Tash, another great piece. Reminds NWCU cause, the bringing of awareness and the fight for something better. Good Lord its good.
February 21, 2012 at 7:56 PM
Nara Malone said…
I feel the tension, determination, fierce ideals at work here. Wonder if there will ever come a time when we stop paying for freedom with lives.
February 21, 2012 at 8:09 PM
Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger said…
Six has become five but
We know there are others.
We will unite

There is a hopeful sense of right in this piece for me--very powerful piece---
February 21, 2012 at 9:34 PM
RD said…
I hear a belief system screaming with pride here....and many other things.....

Peace
February 21, 2012 at 9:57 PM
Scarlet said…
My fav lines:

Free, that is…systemized, categorized
And put to rest in alphabetized order...
thinking we are the deserters.

Your voice is clear and strong here Tash ~ Great job on hosting ~
February 21, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Unknown said…
Where do I sign up, or have I already done so by allowing younto engage my imagination thevway you have in this poem? That's a very sophisticated technique to use, to motivate others by inviting them to be co-creators of this piece, filling out the picture from the clues you provide. No doubt, this is at least partially an insurrection of those withnenough spirit to know that they're being bamboozled. Excellent poem.
February 21, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Jenne' R. Andrews said…
A powerful antiwar poem, in my view-- it makes me think of all the footage on Syria I saw tonight, of a dead child. I've been tempted to get out my old Bob Dylan and try to reignite some of the old fervor we had back in the 70's but it feels as though many have gone numb. Intense, strong poem. xxxj
February 21, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Buddah Moskowitz said…
I liked the action and the timeline of this, gave the piece the real heft of authenticity.
February 21, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Maude Lynn said…
"Lives sacrificed for the freedom of those
Too foolish to know they’re not."

Outstanding.
February 21, 2012 at 10:37 PM
wayside word garden said…
Wow, powerful... in history there have been those who have stood up against the formidable; this piece reminds me of a picture I saw recently during WWII of one person amidst many who did not salute to Hitler... what courage... just like I see in your poem; strong write, friend!
February 21, 2012 at 11:43 PM
Anonymous said…
thank you for hosting this evening, as always great respect for ya.
February 22, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Susie Clevenger said…
Lives sacrificed for the freedom of those Too foolish to know they’re not... Such a powerful truth in that line. Freedom has a price and too few are required to pay for it.. A marvelous piece!
February 22, 2012 at 2:15 AM
Jinksy said…
And what price freedom?
February 22, 2012 at 7:17 AM
Unknown said…
Powerful and so atmospheric ...thanks for a wonderful write ...x x
February 22, 2012 at 9:59 AM
Anonymous said…
I can hear the drum march as I read your powerful words and feel their foward movement out into the streets and into the heads of your readers. "They know, but still don't see" sums up so many obstacles that march against as thinkers, writers, painters, feelers or whatever. Followed by the "Still we stand against the madness" is it's perfect counter cry and your poem dramatically with precise and heartfelt rythms marches to and from this dramatic crux. March on!
February 22, 2012 at 10:48 AM
~L said…
"They know...but still don't see
their minds manipulated
shoot first, question later"

I'm not sure fully why these words hit me as deep as they did - they are powerful and oh, so true.

Your poem was chilling and beautiful...

~L
February 22, 2012 at 12:48 PM
Anonymous said…
This travels well, Tash. Could be applicable to many countries around the globe... immediacy clear, purpose urgent. Felt.
February 22, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Mark Butkus said…
I'll join this revolution. Where do I sign up? This is a powerful piece.

Cheers,

Mark Butkus
February 22, 2012 at 7:53 PM
ayala said…
Excellent and powerful piece.
February 22, 2012 at 7:56 PM
Anonymous said…
Wow, so powerful! Wonderful storytelling through poetry. Loved...six become five...

Beautiful-
Eva
February 22, 2012 at 9:08 PM
LA Botchar said…
emotionally powerful. I love that there is such intensity, yet all seems very quiet and still. moments of uncertainty blended with a spirit of resolve. wonderful!
February 22, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Unknown said…
enjoyed this dance :)
February 24, 2012 at 5:46 AM
Unknown said…
enjoyed this dance
February 24, 2012 at 5:46 AM
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