Changing Times

Virtues of reverent past no longer rhyme
With sense of now rushing through time
As troubled voice shudders in forlorn sigh
While remnants of yore earnestly decry
Vigor of life passing by, smiles gone awry,
Powerless to console tribulations of outcry.

Bankrupt of morality, of goodwill sublime,
Arresting freedoms, restricting path of life,
Streets and communities riddled in crime,
Echo bawl of grief, wailing indignance rife,
Imposed on tranquility perturbed in strife,
Since bells, benevolent, ceased to chime.

Sadness and anguish relentlessly bemoan
In solitude of feelings ~ impassive, all alone,
Dwelling in remorse, as memories replay
Friendships and kinships now gone astray;
Searching explanation, struggling to cope,
Saying a prayer, longing blessings of hope.

February 10, 2023
Placed 1st: Acquaintance and Neighborhood Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Buehler Avatar
August 5, 2023 at 9:03 PM
Timely and masterfully crafted, this verse is poignant, yet also hopeful. Nice work, Vijay.
Maverick Avatar
May 18, 2023 at 3:10 PM
Quite expressive of the so called progress To date Vijay, much to consider here.'
Horsman Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 8:41 PM
This is how it is, Vijay. and the powers to be, are still asking the same question as in the 1970's. Harry
Poet Avatar
February 20, 2023 at 11:48 AM
Heartfelt congratulations on your contest win with this incredible poem, dear Vijay. With my best wishes to you.
Sands Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 4:18 PM
Vijay this is superbly written. I can feel this deeply and I am sure many will relate to your words. I love your positive, faithful ending. We must hold onto faith and hope. Blessings. Thank you for sharing :)
Pandit Avatar
February 12, 2023 at 11:23 AM
So nice to hear that from you my friend. Much appreciate your visit and supportive comments, as always, Heidi. Many thanks.
Kendrick Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 11:37 AM
I especially like the second stanza because it fits in with today's news. Reads like a good contender for the contest. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
Pandit Avatar
February 12, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Much appreciate, Sara. Many thanks.
Canerdy Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Vividly descriptive commentary on the world some people live in, Vijay! Janice
Pandit Avatar
February 12, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Thank you Janice--much appreciate your visit and kind feedback.
DiMino Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:18 AM
It does seem that the world, all around us, is going to hell in a hand-basket. Not just for you alone -- most of us feel it. Well said. Blessings my friend.
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:29 AM
Yes we feel it--when we hear and see of dreadful things-- affecting humanity. Much appreciate your thoughts my friend. Many thanks for your visit, Joe. Blessings!
Buhagiar Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 2:44 AM
Bacon, the essayist, said God created a perfect garden but man destroyed it. Your poem is a wonderful exposition of humanity in modern times. Deserves the top placing. Well written.
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:26 AM
So nice to hear that from you, Victor. Much appreciate your comments and your vote of confidence. Many thanks, as always.
Daniel Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 11:48 PM
Very aptly written for the contest, Vijay, sad times we live in...
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:25 AM
So true, Jo. So glad you stopped by with your kind feedback. Many thanks.
Tor Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 10:54 PM
Your last six lines Vijay brought tears to my eyes. Just reflecting on my personal life. You have capture the dark side of life currently felt by many during these dark days. We must have hope, and prayer and reach out to the lonely, the lost, the hurt, and those in need. Your words reached deep into my heart, they resonated so well with my inner being, bringing fourth deep emotion. Reflecting on my life. This is a favorite, for it broke through to my heart my friend...
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:24 AM
You are right, Michael--there is so much pain and suffering in this world. I am humbled that in some ways this poem reached out to you. I hear you my friend. Stay strong. Sending my goodwill wishes your way. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful remarks. And thank you for your FAVE.
George Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 10:08 PM
Indeed times have changed. These are harsh truths. This cry rises from the heart of most of the older generation. We are bankrupt not monetarily but in all the human values. Friendships and kinships are only in name. Both of us have similar thoughts in this subject. A great entry, Vijay ! All the Best!
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:16 AM
Your comments enhance the theme of this poem. You always take the time to leave detailed remarks, Valsa. Much appreciate. Many thanks.
Nicole Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 6:29 PM
Yes, times have changed, yet there's nothing new under the sun- as stated in Eccl 1 verse 9. This is tender, powerful and emotional, all at the same time. Your thoughts caress softly around my heart. I'm always "saying a prayer," for things to change for the better. My best to you, Vijay. Hugs, Brandy
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:14 AM
Yes, indeed! It is comforting to say a prayer when the world turns unfriendly. Much appreciate your visit and comments, Brandy. Many thanks.
M  Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 4:38 PM
Vijay you always write so beautifully! Your poem speaks volumes of truth about our changing world. Wonderful words! Debx
Pandit Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 6:12 AM
How delightful to read your kind thoughts, Deb. Much appreciate your visit and comments. Many thanks.
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