Can you not see the sorrow, in someone's tearful eyes,
Or see the dread, in someone's weary frown.
Can you not see the fear, when someone's telling lies,
Or feel the sadness, in the laughter of a clown.
Can you not see disappointment, in someone's shoulder stoop,
Or the hand of doubt, when someone drags their feet.
Their whole being, giving signs, with a sagging body droop,
That their life, in this world, isn't quite complete.
Can you not see that each poor soul, has a heavy cross to bear,
One which we hope, will never come our way,
Perhaps the onus, is on us, to show them that we care,
And lift their spirits, and take away dismay.
Then we could see the smile, in someone's brightening eyes,
And the serenity, in someone's lifting frown.
The openness, when someone speaks, they'll have no need for lies,
And there will be a healing, in the laughter of a clown.
© Ernestine Northover
Ernestine-this is a wonderful poem. Very well crafted plus-TRUE. In twelve step groups you see the sad new people blossom in the presence of love and care (including their own new found care of themselves) . Thanks for sharing this-and happy cheer for the 'class' of 1943 Blessings from Ray
Well............I can see this is how you live this one Ernestine. You have lifted my spirits and taken away my dismay quite a bit! This is wonderful. Sincerely, Mary
Your poetry is always so uplifting, Ernestine, and a pleasure to read. This is another example. Thank you for making me feel uplifted today. Warmest regards and respect, CJ
A thought provoking piece indeed that sends out a great message to us all. Andrew x
A purposeful and thoughtful write, Ernestine... beautifully stated! Brian
Dear Ernestine, you have shown so much wisdom in this.We must not walk around blind of our own choice.Thankyou for this one.Love Duncan
I think there is nothing that I can say that has'nt been, except that within this beautiful poem, your warmth and love for others just shines through with every line, well done Ernistine.Your friend Graham.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Beautiful poem, both in content & form. A good example of how art may lead us in subtle ways, through beauty & delight, to notice, observe, realize aspects of life which we sometimes do not see. The suffering of others, the sad gaps in other people's hearts reflected on their faces, posture, stance, the look in their eyes. This is a poem of compassion, of agape-brotherly love-& the realization of those things which unite us all-our human condition, all beautifully expressed in rhymed quatrains. The regularity of stanzas, the ABAB rhyme schemes, help to emphasize the regularity of suffering in the human world, & touch our hearts with their soft, empathetic rhythms & textures. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poetry, infused with beautiful feelings.