PoemsBrowse PoemsSlamsFresh DropEchoes
LearnWriting TipsPoetry TermsPoets & ArtistsBooksFor Teachers
ExplorePoetry GenomePoem MapEchoesTake ActionGroups
AboutWrite a PoemDonateSign UpLog In

Commmon Ground


Whether under a bridge or  private estate, 
golf  league or group of nations,
eighth street gang or the gang of eight        
or social media communications,
 
we interact in a certain way
without  governmental rule
where we live, where we work, where we pray
our facebook friends and at school.
 
How very fortunate we are
 living free, to plot and scheme,
uniting to reach our star
together for a common dream;
 
but, alas the rub exists
friends and family become foes
moved to shaking  clenched  fists
angrily denouncing with vulgar lows
 
that well thought out position
so often forming to a degree
a pathetically polarized coalition
on which: everything – we can’t agree.
 
Certainly a stronger education
would help us properly debate
issues with sophistication
and stem our zeal to denigrate,
 
yet one might float the notion
that argument and dissension  
keep democracy in motion
another note of contention;
 
but, know this to be true
though we meet only on this page
binding us like a great chef’s roux
is the synergy in which we engage:
 
you and you and you and you
no one knows the sum
are sharing all manner of  life’s brew
and binging ‘til  we’re overcome
 
with the power of  being right
and the momentum of our opinions
never rueful or contrite
bolstered by  spirited minions.
 
Common ground, what a concept
the veritable elusive Eldorado
a non obtainable  precept?
We need more bravado!
 
Stronger esprit de corps
brighter torch of pride
not known heretofore – 
to help unite –  not divide
 
Ha! This is nothing new
preached, proffered and parroted
by many a learned crew
beating the old unity drumhead
 
Alas, our passions lie elsewhere
politics, sport,  family first
leaving very little space to share
and we will not be coerced
 
to accept a little give and take
or even soften our position;
it shouldn’t take and earthquake
or a saintly apparition
 
to settle matters that concern us
on socio/geographic issues.
We must learn  to discuss
and properly air our views,
 
appeal to the uninvolved
respect that more is better
past affronts must be absolved
be the pacesetter!
 
Those of us that have some time
must continue to do our share
speak up in prose or make rhyme
everyone –  everyone should care.
 
community’s ills affect us all
while only an unknown few are healed
let’s bring everyone to the ball 
and dance to the new future’s yield.
 
                      -:-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©All Rights Reserved

Something wrong with this poem?

Share

Replies are closed for this poem.

Michael Oates

View all poems →

Your Poem's Voice

See what makes your poem unique — its voice, energy, themes, and the literary traditions it draws from.

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Log in to leave a comment.