For Them That Be Wild Things – Cafe Philos Poetry Prompt
This prompt began recently at Cafe Philos – Paul Sunstone’s Blog, have a look please.
The defiance of August Landmesser who refused to give the salute at a Nazi rally at his work place.
“Civil disobedience is not the problem, our problem is obedience.” Howard Zinn
No
The dogmatics
that straight lines are the only way
is mere moralism
that suffocates
a humanity
content to be obedient
to the subjectivity
of those who laugh over us
in waves of contempt,
marching under the flag
devoid of anything
other than self-indulgence
and the murder of minds
for better worlds
that are still-born
of wombs imprisoned
inside tiny thoughts.
But to stand,
to stick it to the dogma man
is to
walk to Dandi for a lick of salt,
be chained to railings for a vote,
to ride a bus and insult,
march the mall,
go to prison,
burn a flag
and bare the breast,
equality, liberty, community,
the tripartite
way to say no.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
Awesome poem.Thanks a lot Sir.
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The courage to stand up what you believe in. Wonderful poem, Paul.
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Was he the Kaepernick of his day? Standing up to Hitler–hurray, standing up to Trump depends upon your politics. Refusing to stand up for the flag–generally unacceptable.
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Powerful and beautifully written, Paul!
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Wonderful poem, Paul! Brilliant!👏👏
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Well said!!
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Such a strong poem. Braving the naysayers have never been easy and standing up for your beliefs is what makes you a real person.
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It sure does, and in spite of the cost, which is sometimes the ultimate cost. Thank you Megha.
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Wonderful poem Paul. One needs to take stand.
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We do indeed Rupali, and thank you:)
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extremely well written … when is the revolution starting?
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Wherever you are now 🙂
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in the library, done!
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😉
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great rhythm and pace. congrats Paul.
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Many thanks Libby 🙂
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Some amazing lines, “and the murder of minds
for better worlds
that are still-born
of wombs imprisoned
inside tiny thoughts. Powerful message! We can certainly do better, at no!
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Heather thank you for your encouraging words
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My pleasure.
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Yes, I yearn for the day, thanks so much for reflecting back on this.
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My pleasure.
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Powerful write, Paul and such apt historical references.
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Thank you Punam, I’m always glad when someone notices these things, thank you.
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You are welcome, Paul. These things make your work richer.
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Applause! We must ask questions, dare to challenge…not just conform from complacency.
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That’s the spirit, and so agree, thank you VJ
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So welcome, Paul!
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Sheer power…and this is my favorite part: the murder of minds
for better worlds
that are still-born
of wombs imprisoned
inside tiny thoughts
The thought occurs to me just now: what if poets ran the world?
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Yes, such a narrow world some live in, sad. If poets ran the world we would be expansive, which reminds me of John 12.1 – 8
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“Expansive” is such a wonderful word! I read it and immediately the visual of open arms comes to me–what a blessing this is to my day, thank you!! And thanks for the passage in John–blessings to you, dear poet friend ❤
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This is very powerful and a great message against the brainwashing and the blind beliefs! Thank you so much for sharing!
“Equality, liberty, community,
the tripartite
way to say no.”
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I live in hope – and I see that you do too, thank you so much for your thoughtful response.
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Yes I certainly do! My pleasure, it was a great read
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You make my heart sing, Paul. Now August Landmesser was brave. I think often of the bravery of those people who seek to draw attention to human rights abuses within their own countries, only to have moralistic outsiders tar everyone from those countries with the same brush.
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Yes, the mindless masses, often lead by opportunistic mindless media and politicians. Gasp. Thanks so much Tracey.
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Great poem, Paul! Very motivating, even if in the past only a few german people had the courage standing up. Best wishes, Michael
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If only we all did, I know it is daunting though, thank you Michael
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I never heard of August Landmesser. Now I know.
At those times it was extremely difficult to take stand. You could get into prison for some wrong words. The pressure was terribly strong, I think.
I remember: In Schwerin a young woman said: “Thank god, the war is over!” and was hanged immediately ba SS-men.
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Yes, it was never simple, always a risk to life. Sadly, Landmesser died in a labour camp.
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Many many others.
I talked to a friend a few days before: He told me that usually only the third generation is able talk about those times. Sadly.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you 🙂
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Wow great powerful poem
>
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Thank you so much for that.
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