To seek vindication
from the
accuser
To protect
property and
reputation
This is called common sense
To be surrounded
by the lovers
and the lovely
To present a
reasonable
list of offenses
To master
the art of
self-defense
This is called shrewdness
To build a high wall
and fire down upon
unknown comers
To wage violent war
against those
who seek your head
To plot
against those who
plot your downfall
This is called wisdom
Love them?
Do good to them?
Pray for them?
Foolishness
It is difficult enough
to love those who love
Even
family and friends
deliver
bone-crushing
heartache
that an enemy
could never
dream up
This is beyond
the visualization
of World Peace
This is beyond
tolerance
This is beyond
any help the self
could ever muster
And
this
is
why
the
true
enemy
is
always
much
much
closer
than
we’d
care
to
admit
19 responses so far ↓
1 jancartier | 4 Feb 2008
Painfully true, alas. So fine a balance, so fine a line…between the darkness and the light…those who hold our hearts in their hands…can squeeze or cradle it with equal might.
2 WPS | 4 Feb 2008
To quote that great 20th century mind, Pogo, “We have met the enemy and they are us.”
3 potterspoet | 4 Feb 2008
it’s always those that are close that hurt the most, isn’t it? in love, vulnerability.
4 julie | 4 Feb 2008
wow. the truth hurts.
5 Zak | 4 Feb 2008
You know, you have a great knack for explaining the sins of america bluntly enough for americans to understand. This might be just what suburbia needs. You might be getting the widespread fame and fortune that inevitably comes with a sermon reference by the Great and Mighty Charlemagne.
6 Jecklin | 5 Feb 2008
Nothing hurt like the time I made my wife cry.
Zak, we love you.
7 Andrew Eglinton | 5 Feb 2008
To build a high wall
and fire down upon
unknown comers
I find myself in these lines. The wall. The root of all evil? I remember reading a book called Ishmael back in high school. I want to say that it spoke of the themes you address here Robert. My memory is blunt. Thunder clap! A storm has just tapped me on the shoulder. Time to flee. Thanks Robert.
@Jecklin: if only the statement ‘Zak, we love you’ were meant in earnest.
8 Jecklin | 5 Feb 2008
Andrew: Why?
9 Kris | 7 Feb 2008
Hey Mr. Bruce …
Thought you might be interested in this. Seems your talents have made their way over to neice #1. See what you think …
I AM FROM
I am from
Hot desert summers,
Beautiful cool falls,
Wonderfully white winters,
And colorful, bright springs.
I am from
Butterfly, Eskimo, and Tinker kisses,
Prayers at bedtime,
And before meals,
Horsey-rides on Daddy’s back,
And being all-girl with Mom.
I am
The author of every Prince Charming
There ever was,
And the creator of the Princess inside myself.
I am a romantic at heart,
And free to be,
Because I am always loved by my Creator.
I am from
Manicures and shopping sprees,
Soda pops and candy shops,
Roaring laughter and whispered secrets,
Slumber parties and best friends forever!
I have a loving family,
My mom, dad, sister, etc.
They all enjoy me,
As I enjoy them.
They are so great at,
Being there when I need them,
Loving me,
Protecting me,
And making me laugh.
I am like a mouse,
Small, yet tough,
Being able to survive where I am,
Having a close family,
And a good life.
This is me,
My life,
In a nut-shell.
Take it or leave it.
I’m going to take it,
And run with it,
Because it’s the only life I have.
Author: M. Claire
2/3/2008
10 Magnus | 7 Feb 2008
thanks.
11 Robert Bruce | 10 Feb 2008
Thanks y’all. Sorry, out for one more week.
12 Robert Bruce | 10 Feb 2008
Kris - Thanks for posting M’s poem. I knew she had it in her and was wondering when she’d write again. I love it.
I’ll never forget, standing in a little apartment in Hollywood when I heard you guys were pregnant with her. And now this. What a thing.
I’m going to take it,
And run with it,
Because it’s the only life I have.
M, you use more punctuation than I do, but then, you’re smarter about these things. I love you baby.
13 l | 11 Feb 2008
good work expressing great thoughts!
14 Robert Bruce | 11 Feb 2008
Thanks l, good to hear from you again my friend.
15 Brian S | 11 Feb 2008
I enjoyed the poem, but may I quibble on a side point of yours? Moral fuzziness, after all, is unhelpful, particularly in the arts. Simply, we wage war down on the heads of enemies due to our love for each other. Protecting loved ones (not myself) from enemies, is part of my obligation of love. For what its worth. . .
16 Robert Bruce | 11 Feb 2008
Brian- Yes, you may. Anytime. I’m glad you brought it up.
This is definitely something I don’t want to be ambiguous about. If someone enters my house at midnight, I’m going to load my shotgun and take their head off. No hesitation, out of love for my wife.
Agreed?
Maybe an edit is in order here…
17 Luz | 30 Mar 2008
Brilliant! the real enemy is within reach.
18 calyb | 22 Apr 2008
i heart this poem.
19 The Macer | 18 May 2008
Well thank you! I didn’t even know Kris posted that. Love ya too!
Have Your Say...