The Stirring (villanelle)

[dwells]

The Stirring (villanelle)



They said that it was “this” – but it was not
We changed but do not know what we become
The unseen hands that stir the melting pot

The struggles fought were just an afterthought
No sacrifice was great enough for some
They said that it was “this” – but it was not

The stain upon our name became a blot
We searched our hearts until our minds were numb
The unseen hands that stir the melting pot

The enemies without, devised a plot
For hopeless souls; those scratching for a crumb
They said that it was “this” – but it was not

Each generation’s burden – freshly taught
No healing can exist while heart strings hum
The unseen hands that stir the melting pot

The flow of blood is not allowed to clot
The “Stirred”, serve their new master, yet to come
They said that it was “this” – but it was not
The unseen hands that stir the melting pot

[Jerryk]

Dan,
I just now looked at the date of your posting and am surprised at myself for not having seen it till now. I think I'll need new glasses before long. Anyhow, this is another great villanelle with a warning of things to come; lots to think about. Indeed, always beware of those unseen hands that stir the melting pot. Excellent lines to ponder.
Jerry

[Alan]

really deep stuff and the images are rather vivid (my favourite, though it's not my style, is "flow of blood is not allowed to clot")

the repetition was superb in the dark and depressing circular repetitive nature of the stirring, both visually as well as temporally.

[dwells]

Many thanks both Jerry and Alan. The general theme of this was the "given reason" and the "real reason". There is so much subterfuge and politics at play nowadays that it can be hard to divine the truth. Cheers! - Dan

[wsparks]

we are headed for "kakistrocracy" well done!

ws

[jaievieenrose]

Great imagery, wonderfully executed

[dwells]

Many thanks both Walter and Jai. Guessing that might be a "khakistocracy" too where the new brown shirts can work-off their student loans. Cheers! - Dan

[riversidepoet]

I really liked this, one of my favorites, the flow and rhyme were perfect and message right on, don't you long for the day when a man meant what he said and a handshake was the truth

[Windsend]

Congratz on the spotlight. Rest assured, the underdogs will survive the story of Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jive running rampant! <---I was literally listening to this song as I was reading your poem. Makes perfect sense. The Best Of Men At Work! Songs or poems, you should have been their stand in member for this one. Always a pleasure.
Brad -

[Windsend]

By the way, if you have tried Spotify yet dwells, its a free great app for music. Just about everything is on there, although they use advertising for money.

[dwells]

Thanks for the insightful comment, and the info Brad but sadly, I have accepted my fate as just another scribbler of rhymes. The killer question is always this: "When was the last time you bought a book of poetry?" (or perhaps CD??) - cheers! - Dan

[Windsend]

The killer question is always this: "When was the last time you bought a book of poetry?" (or perhaps CD??) - cheers! - Dan

Jack Kerouac was the last book from 2015, but I did accumulate a few instructional books. No CD, but it sounds like a great idea in my thoughts. Didn't realize there was such a thing. I know about books on tape, but audio books with rhyme and meter were beyond me until just a few moments ago. Always a pleasure.
Brad -

P.S. Any suggestions?