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Silent Sins

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The three wise monkeys are a Japanese pictorial maxim, embodying the proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil".

The three monkeys are Mizaru, who sees no evil, covering his eyes; Kikazaru, who hears no evil, covering his ears; and Iwazaru, who speaks no evil, covering his mouth.

Lafcadio Hearn refers to them as the three mystic apes. (Wikpedia)

There is a proverbial hypocrisy to 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' when sinister perversions, lurk behind closed doors, contained inside four walls. What is a sin and what is not, is in the eye of perception, but within the pretense of immorality and deception, so much is lost in silence yet it is the tormented who suffer, when innocence is aborted. Tongues are timid with trepidation, afraid of the resulting violence. Daily thoughts contorted, they walk among us - abused, broken, forgotten, misguided. Like elevators moving up and down, until you push the wrong buttons - then all passengers are refused. In silent sins, evil shame grins, at those with bandaged hearts, slowly ageing into stone, as sadistic oppression wins. Faces that I have seen, strangers in their own homes, struggling to belong in society, a rejected and dejected priority. We all seek flourishing green pastures, a place some have never been. Some try to run away further than before, but each trap leads to another trapdoor. There is an art to suffering, in darkness you can't see hope - too much is lost in secret silent sins. Mizaru open your eyes. Kikazaru, open your ears. Iwazaru, open your mouth. The Silent One 30 October 2020

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S. Wesley Mcgranor

Date: 11/11/2022 8:03:00 PM

She likes it like that?

Kathy Anderson

Date: 11/23/2020 10:10:00 AM

Somehow I can relate only too well to this write, nicely done btw! That last stanza hit home.

John Castellenas

Date: 11/2/2020 12:00:00 PM

I loved the poem. "There is an art to suffering, in darkness you can't see hope - too much is lost in secret silent sins." I liked the above lines a lot. One of my favorite books, "The picture of Dorian Gray." He wrote raw and honest. These are the greatest books and writers.

Silent One
Date: 11/3/2020 7:29:00 AM

I have not read Dorian Gray, but have heard about him.. Im not a big reader. Thanks John.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/1/2020 9:26:00 AM

Too many silent sins in life, husbands abuse wives, fathers sexually abuse daughters, teachers abuse their their pupils and worst of all some priests silently take advantage of young boys or girls from Sunday school or choirs. all are too afraid to talk for fear of being shamed and so the predators continue in silence to pursue their perverted ways. Your poems speaks volumes, and am sure has touched the hearts of many SO. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Silent One
Date: 11/2/2020 7:26:00 AM

You are right and so much is lost in silence.. thank you Jennifer..

Michael Tor

Date: 10/31/2020 5:02:00 PM

Silent One not so Silent in this Favorite for me. Your words are heard clearly and loudly my friend. I applaud your magnificent truth and expression. Cleverly you have put it all together but the ending is where your magic is realized. Stay well my friend and I should stop by more often miss your creativity.

Silent One
Date: 11/1/2020 3:15:00 AM

Thank you Michael..

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/31/2020 3:54:00 PM

We must all speak up so sadistic Oppression cannot win. This poem inspires me.

Silent One
Date: 11/1/2020 3:15:00 AM

Thank you Caren..

Mike Gentile

Date: 10/31/2020 7:15:00 AM

And though it takes courage to risk one's own security and position in this world, I do so agree that silence is a sin. So very articulate ,Silent One. The spark that you possess is brighter than ever ! Hope you have been well! Happy Saturday!!

Silent One
Date: 11/1/2020 3:15:00 AM

Thank you Mike, I think it depends on the silence... Sadly, we live in an ignorant and judgmental world that prevents justice..

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/31/2020 12:23:00 AM

One cannot see no evil and yet hear and speak evil. A righteous person should shun evil in everything. ~~

Silent One
Date: 10/31/2020 3:15:00 AM

Sadly there are some who are not righteous and some who pretend to be righteous, but they are the ones who commit such sins.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 10/30/2020 8:59:00 PM

The nightmare of abuse is well depicted in this exceptional and haunting verse. Best wishes, Evelyn

Silent One
Date: 10/31/2020 3:16:00 AM

Thank you Evelyn..

Brandy Nicole

Date: 10/30/2020 7:53:00 PM

In my observation, eyes are opened, ears and mouths. Silence doesn't remain silent- forever. Somehow, and in some way. Truth is found. What is sad, in my opinion, are those covering their eyes, mouths and ears- thinking they will never have to answer to the sins of silence. ~ Brandy

Silent One
Date: 10/31/2020 3:18:00 AM

Sadly, sometimes it does and people are not punished for crimes they have committed.. especially in many countries around the world, where people think it is shameful to speak up and also those who are too scared... Then there are some who speak up too late... Thank you Brandy

Angela Crabtree

Date: 10/30/2020 4:41:00 PM

This is excellent, Silent One. You shed a whole new light on the "see, hear and speak..." Another save for sure.

Silent One
Date: 10/31/2020 3:18:00 AM

Thank you Angela..

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 10/30/2020 3:10:00 PM

Wow, I got chills when I read "in darkness you can't see hope." Very profound, Silent One. I understand the feeling of wishing to hide away, especially to conceal abuse. Let's open our eyes, ears and hearts to those who suffer silently behind locked doors. Excellent writing and a "fave" for me, my friend. Hugs, Carolyn

Silent One
Date: 10/31/2020 3:19:00 AM

I agree and lets not judge those who are acting different, no one knows their story or what they have been through.. Thank you Carolyn

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 10/30/2020 10:06:00 AM

This is interesting Silent One.... especially last three lines!!! ~ Ani

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 2:31:00 PM

Thank you

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/30/2020 8:51:00 AM

Great writing, Silent one. I just love the ending here. Telling the metaphorical monkeys to wake up!!

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 10:04:00 AM

Thank you Andrea..

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/30/2020 8:03:00 AM

- I believe in that ... "they walk among us - abused, broken, forgotten, misguided. " ... a interesting and excellent poems, S.O. - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 8:40:00 AM

Thank you..

Joanna Daniel

Date: 10/30/2020 7:37:00 AM

Oh yeah, if only silence were broken, sufferings might lessen, another top notch poem, SO:)

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 8:40:00 AM

I agree, but some are too scared to speak up.. thank you

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/30/2020 5:37:00 AM

Quite an inspiration to read this poem, SO. World would be a better place if they heed you advice. Much to think about through your ending lines.

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 6:19:00 AM

Thank you Vijay, I think poetry plays an important part in educating people..

Maria Williams

Date: 10/30/2020 5:08:00 AM

If people only spoke out against the hypocritical social conditioning that has been handed over the decades - the world would be a more balanced place. To fearfully keep quiet what one sees, hears or is spoken is in itself a duplicity and apathy. Sadly people go from one trap into another. Excellent expose` Si - Maria hugs

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 6:19:00 AM

You are right, but its not always social conditioning, its a lack of education.. But, I have noticed children are being taught about it in school.. Ive heard some horrific stories in my life and have met so many who have gone through this, so I wanted to highlight it.. Thank you Maria..

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 10/30/2020 3:47:00 AM

I've heard of these three before... when I was a child. And, yes, there are many who suffer in silence. Your poem is a reflection of their pain and gives them a voice they may not have had. Thank you for always reaching out with such amazing word choices and soothing verses that stun me with their passionate whispers. Love this and it's a fave. God bless you dear friend

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 6:17:00 AM

It is sad that so much is lost, because people are too afraid to speak up, due to many reasons and so many oppressors escape any punishment.. Ive spoke to so many people who have suffered in silence... Sad, sad world we live in.. Thank you Regina..

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 10/30/2020 3:42:00 AM

There is an art to suffering, and I am sure many have mastered this art dear friend, through no fault of their own. I love the three monkeys, Mystic monkeys heh! wear can I get these three pets, lol, you always fill my days with quality, your words often linger on, into my mind and heart. Blessed by your hands , and eyes, and may God anoint, while you share more truths such as this one.

Silent One
Date: 10/30/2020 6:13:00 AM

There is an art indeed, and many do not see it in others, we should be the light for one in their darkness, try to be patient and understand... No one should judge when they have not been in anothers shows, we do not know what they are going through... Thank you Pixie