Carolyn Devonshire Poet Quatrain

For Survival Or Greed? (Co-Written With James Fraser)

Note:  Following a rash of local breakins, thieves murdered two people who happened to be 
at home when they entered.  This event produced a lot of anxiety for me and James was 
kind enough to help divert my attention by joining in this write.  Many thanks to James, Tim 
and Dane Ann for their support during this difficult time. -- Carolyn




     A hungry gray feline sees a mouse; quickly does she pounce
     Instincts come into play as jungle creatures eye their prey
     Natural selection rules the vast animal kingdom
     By striking fast they earn the right to live another day 
 
We read in the papers and we watch on the news
As I look out my window, and ponder man's thoughts
What do we see, through our eyes as we view
Our ability to kill and leave one's life nought
 
     Complicated survival games play out each strenuous day
     From the frigid Arctic tundra to torrid dark jungles
     Beasts on the prowl are trekking nature's intended path
     Another victim falls as distant thunder rumbles 
 
Opportunists linger as the perpetrators dare
Man stalking down dark alleys and dimly-lit streets
Confronted, accosted in criminal stare 
Where the innocents in danger, generally meet
 
     Other members of the animal kingdom have no choice
     They slay only to keep themselves and their families alive
     But it's man who plays the most dangerous of games
     Killing for thrill, politics or greed; how can man survive?
 
It's the evil of man who takes what he wants
With the blade of a knife, with his terror taunts
His escalation from flint to gun
This most wonderful world in masculine haunt
 
     If man continues to develop harsh weapons
     The skies may explode in carnivorous fashion
     Consuming not just one animal species, but all
     Leaving angels to mourn the death of God's creations

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Unseeking Seeker December 20, 2022 at 8:27 PM Happy to see this poem featured on the PS homepage ~ man still languishes at the animal level in terms of behaviour and instinct. Until we become love enabled, I’m afraid crime, war, strife will continue to persist.

C.C Bloomsfield February 9, 2011 at 11:15 AM a great poem. .and there's nothin more entertaining then ready 2 of my fav. Poets and friends in collab. .hugs.

Andrea Dietrich February 2, 2010 at 2:37 PM YOur poem here, with James, is right on the money, CArolyn. What a messed up world it is thanks to these ghastly beats!! My husband is getting really paranoid right now about even our nice little community getting a bit dangerous. A frightening thing! REgarding the home maker poem, yes, those women who fulfill their duty so well like that are truly admirable. (too bad I am not one of them.hahaha) LUv, Andrea

Mary Meade Stephenson December 8, 2009 at 4:01 AM Carolyn, you and James have written a power packed poem here and so very true. There is still the hope that as humans we can change and lead by example. Great write!! Thanks so much for sharing~Mary

Derrick Burton December 5, 2009 at 5:52 AM Great poetry about such a human need for peace, love your writing because they make me think about so much and I always come out with a lesson. Enjoyed your day. :)

Juliane Thomas December 3, 2009 at 6:58 AM SO true. We've had some horrible crimes locally too, and I just don't understand the people that commit them. Wonderful quatrain, and very expressive. ~Juliane

Elaine George December 3, 2009 at 12:01 AM Sadly true! Man' the greatest predator of all. Love, Lainie

John Patrick Robbins Aka Gonzo November 30, 2009 at 6:09 AM A good write to understand both sides of the fence few ever truley will. But no matter the reasons people will always fall into two groups the aggressor and the victem lion and the lamb sos to speak. this world is such a cruel place thisis a great write my friend great job done by the both of you

John Loving Iii November 23, 2009 at 10:36 AM God has a plan in the book of Revelation and evil will be dealt with on Judgement Day. but until then learn how to defend your self. don't give a lion a lamb give him a tiger with claws. jhl

Yoni Dvorkis November 22, 2009 at 8:24 PM So sad what happened in your town Carolyn. I'm glad this work helped take your mind off it. I like drawing parallels between man and nature but ultimately I think man has quite a lot of predatory animal instincts in him as well and these can translate to power grabs and territoriality. Even the alpha male of the pack will strike when his pride is threatened, so too our alpha males strike when they feel their power is threatened. The instinct runs very deep. Thanks for sharing this co-write.

Douglas Ace November 22, 2009 at 8:06 PM Carolyn, such an engrossing write. Hats off to you and James on this one. You two have truly put your finger on the plight of man. Been super busy will write you a.s.a.p. Or, if you get a chance........ Your writing companion, Lightwalker

Linda-Marie Sweetheart November 22, 2009 at 10:59 AM Hi Carolyn, I was thinking all us "sports gals" should get together and write a rousing tribute to the men in tight pants on the football field... idea? I know Karen would be on board.. she is glued to the Vikings game and I am like u... watching two games at once while typing too... great to multi task... luv... Linda-Marie, P.E.P.S. "Sweetheart"

Daver Austin November 22, 2009 at 7:46 AM Peace. Love, daver

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen November 22, 2009 at 3:34 AM Carolyn and James, You two did it again! This poem shows man's plight as they try to survive death and gain eternal life. MAN MUST CHOOSE right over wrong in order to truly survive... the eternities. I think that animals already have... and choice is not a factor for them. The more you write together, two writers become one. A poetic melody with social ills harnessed by your words. Very nice. Lovingly, Dane

James Peranteau November 21, 2009 at 6:56 PM Ouch,...this struck mine bones with much dispare my poetic friends. How I fret for you dear Carolyn and pray for your safety daily ! And James,..ty for being there for our dear poetess !!!! Love Always,......james

Tim Ryerson November 21, 2009 at 6:03 PM Wow, Carolyn...Wow! God bless you and James both...you get better and better! Love the comparisons of nature / survival of the fittest to the 'top of the food chain' world of we humans who seem to have gotten it all so very wrong...God will soon get disgusted and replace us if we don't get it right soon! - Tim

Doris Culverhouse November 21, 2009 at 5:47 PM Hope you are better! Did the crooks get caught? fine work indeed!

James Marshall Goff November 21, 2009 at 5:14 PM fine work from you and James! Carolyn! jimbo

Linda-Marie Sweetheart November 21, 2009 at 4:28 PM Excellent poetry, Carolyn, bravo to u and James as well.. stirring depiction of the crime sprees in this world today.. u both have captured it so eloquently in these words.. hope all is well now.. and u are safe again... blessings ... luv ... thankxxx for loving comments on my poetry today.. very much appreciated... Linda-Marie, P.E.P.S. "Sweetheart"

Sara Kendrick November 21, 2009 at 3:27 PM We hear of these incidences all the time but when it comes close to home we sit up and take notice. As time goes on I fear that this will get worse until Jesus comes again. Nicely done on a topic that effects us all in some way or another. Keep the creative pen flowing. Sara

Joyce Johnson November 21, 2009 at 2:23 PM None of us can escape these horrors, except to turn away with poetry as you have done. Thanks for your comments on my chair. poem It just could be that it was my conscience checking on my work ethics rather than the innocent chair. Love, Joyce

Moonbee Canady November 21, 2009 at 12:53 PM Oh Carolyn ... I'm So Sorry To Hear About The Break-ins in Your Neighborhood ... Even Clear Across Town is Too Close For Me, when I hear about Crime ... but alas. its a part of the class of human indignities ... Just Keep Yourself in God's Care and All Will Be Safe one way or another ... And The Poem is Excellent Outlet for Feelings of Impotence in the tragedy of human greed and injustice... Keep Up Those Spirits ... MoonBee

Donna Golden November 21, 2009 at 12:23 PM We live in dangerous times, Carolyn. All we can do is love those around us with all of our hearts, look to God for peace, and pray that the hearts of our enemies be soften and turned in His direction. Big hugs, Donna

Ronald Bingham November 21, 2009 at 11:51 AM Carolyn the sad part is the weapons we have now are capable of exterminating every creature on earth, and there has never been a weapon made that man has not some day used. God Bless and pray that man opens his eyes before that day happens. Ron

John Freeman November 21, 2009 at 11:37 AM Carolyn and James, this is an excellent Poem in it's own right, I enjoyed reading immensely, thanks for sharing, Happy thanksgiving to you both, Sincere, Love, Moses

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