Silent No More

I walk the city streets with heavy feet,
drawn in grave thoughts of all I dare not ask
of kings watching on high with hearts concrete, 
and sons who taunt from eyes through steely masks.

Their laws are not the laws of decent men.
These tyrants rule steadfast with ill-intent.
Like Herod’s bloody rule in Bethlehem,
the massacred are fallen innocent.

And when shall I awaken with my voice,
to speak for those who have no voice to tell
of brutal acts and minds without the choice,
to think of life above the depths of hell?

Still, heavy are my feet with soul and heart
as lips in protest slowly start to part.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Merryman Avatar
November 25, 2015 at 6:05 PM
A powerful write, Rhonda! Congrats on your win! Love, Kim
A  Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 2:51 AM
Rhonda, Congratulations on your wonderful win. Love SKAT
Haight Avatar
November 21, 2015 at 7:44 PM
So happy to see you are back, Rhonda! Congratulations on your fine win for the powerful and timely message conveyed in your striking Sonnet. Hugs, Sandra
Lindley Avatar
November 21, 2015 at 6:22 PM
A brilliant sonnet my friend, Congrats on your fine win! " And when shall I awaken with my voice, to speak for those who have no voice to tell of brutal acts and minds without the choice, to think of life above the depths of hell?" LOVE THIS STANZA..
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM
Oh Rhonda, the emotion felt in reading this heartfelt piece touches the soul of those who care about others. This is certainly a deserving first place winner! Congratulations my friend!
Lamoureux Avatar
January 10, 2015 at 10:20 AM
I enjoyed rereading this piece.
Lindley Avatar
December 12, 2014 at 7:59 PM
An excellent sonnet. Another solid 7 from me... Speak out, speak bravely Life demands we so care , if love is sought to ever share..
Onclaud Avatar
December 10, 2014 at 2:14 PM
I like the way you stand your ground and express such with amazing poetic appeal, Rhonda... inspired!.. huggs
Lamoureux Avatar
December 10, 2014 at 9:38 AM
I like how you used the historical figure of Herod to express yourself here.
Meade Avatar
December 10, 2014 at 8:02 AM
A very high calling -- social justice, standing up again evil and protecting/servicing the marginalized in our world. Nicely done and a call to everyone.
Thornton Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 11:28 PM
Very good.. a def. 7
Vaso Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 11:23 PM
Very very powerful and beautiful!!
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