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Poetry Friday -Live Stupid, Die Dumb


Sometimes a poet feels the need to raise a voice, make a statement, or a stand. Sometimes the events of the world prompt and provoke a response.

In 2016, the world has experienced a lot of social and political uncertainty. Think about the US election of Donald Trump as President, the Brexit movement in the United Kingdom, the growth of fake news stories and the emboldened stance of xenophobes and racists in many countries. 

It is with such matters in mind that I am writing today. In a world where shallow news reporting is increasingly relied upon, it is important to be an educated consumer of information. Social media displays both positive and negative attributes.We must afford it due diligence, use it wisely.  We must be willing to learn, grow and reflect. We must learn to filter information and question sources. Blind acceptance is dangerous.

Is my poem a rant?  Am I taking a stance? You decide, dear reader. We write for different purposes. 

Live Stupid,
 Die Dumb


I hold no desire
To live stupid
To die dumb.
I choose to move in the opposite direction to those feckless folk
Who cling to ignorance ferociously.
Stupid is easy
You can get there in a flash
Just put up the vacant sign in your brain
Let weeds flourish around your thoughts
Pull up the drawbridge on fresh ideas
Just turn away.
Turn away from reading
Consider it unnecessary
Banish books from your life
Let them gather dust
Just as your mind will surely gather dust.
Never ask questions
Refuse to listen
Refuse to try
Pack up your dreams
Lock them away in a cupboard
And forget about them.
Cover your ears to new ideas
Plant yourself in the dark
Never leave.
Ignore the world out there
Never travel beyond the city limits
Never lose sight of the shore, what’s more
Embrace your shackles
Avoid raking risks
Dangerous thing, risk.
Yes, stupid is yours for the taking
Giving up is easy, so easy.
But remember.
Remember, if you can
To live stupid
To die dumb
Is a dead set choice.
Alan j Wright

Comments

  1. Unknown9 December 2016 at 18:54

    "Stupid is easy
    You can get there in a flash"

    - thank you so much for this.
    As an educator who specializes in high ability and gifted/talented education, my heart breaks at the celebration of mediocrity I see on a daily basis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright10 December 2016 at 08:54

      My pleasure Myra. I do feel better for getting it of my chest and like you I find the acceptance of mediocrity disquieting.

      Delete
  2. mbhmaine9 December 2016 at 20:23

    This is a timely poem with great imagery. I particulary like these lines:
    "Let weeds flourish around your thoughts
    Pull up the drawbridge on fresh ideas
    Just turn away."
    It's frightening how much momentum turning away generates. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright10 December 2016 at 08:57

      Thanks for the feedback Molly. Always appreciated.

      Delete
  3. Brenda at FriendlyFairyTales10 December 2016 at 01:14

    Unfortunately, both sides of the political spectrum accuse the other side of ignorance. It's baffling to true to recognize truth among all the lies, the "spin", the conspiracy theories and the misinformation. The truth is just so much less interesting than conflict. I love your poem, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright10 December 2016 at 08:59

      It is indeed a continuing challenge to unravel the spin from the truth Brenda. All the more reason to stay well read and informed. Thanks for the feedback.

      Delete
  4. Donna Smith10 December 2016 at 07:28

    I am going to have to skip commenting on this. I could start a rant. And I'm trying to be nice this month - well, maybe longer - but at least until Christmas! I've seen too much stupid lately. And it most likely isn't anything people are assuming. So that said... Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna Smith10 December 2016 at 07:29

      Oh, great. I commented. That was stupid.

      Delete
    2. Alan j Wright10 December 2016 at 09:01

      Donna, they say if you have a voice, you should use it. You have done just that. Merry Christmas to you too. May you be surrounded by 'nice.'

      Delete
  5. Alan j Wright10 December 2016 at 08:52

    Great to have you on side Alice.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tara10 December 2016 at 10:49

    Well, you've written the poem many of us are thinking...we are still in shock that stupid was chosen this election, and now we must fight back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 December 2016 at 09:06

      It's always gratifying to hear about noble intentions Tara.

      Delete
  7. Linda Mitchell11 December 2016 at 15:23

    I love losing sight of the shore! Well done Allen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 December 2016 at 09:08

      May you continue to be driven by a desire to move in that direction Linda.

      Delete
  8. Jone17 December 2016 at 03:06

    As a teacher librarian, may this never happen:
    "Turn away from reading
    Consider it unnecessary
    Banish books from your life
    Let them gather dust"
    Just as your mind will surely gather dust.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Alan j Wright17 December 2016 at 09:43

    It is an anathema to any committed book lover Jone. A life without books is not something I would wish to consider.

    ReplyDelete

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