There is much power generated in the double connotation of 'plate' - plate
glass, tectonic plates of the earth's crust. 'a land' rather than 'the land'
has a distancing effect and a dizzying effect too with its often
nationalistic use eg 'the land of my fathers' and 'back to the land', 'the
land of my birth' etc. 'FURNISHED TOMBS' is a strong image. 'Hope is a
helping hand' has a philosophical and moral truth ringing through it.
My one difficulty was with how the implied images (of development,
earthquake and war) hold together in the poem. 'stumbles' for 'buckles'
perhaps? I'm looking to link with 'boots march'. Overall, the scope of the
poem is massive and strikes a chord with me. This is a theme that only a
poet can hope to explore, so well done. Perhaps war is an earthquake of the
soul of man.
>From: "D.C Bursey" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Pennine Poetry Works <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Talk is hope
>Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 01:06:44 -0230
>
>Shifting crust,
>................... plates of glass,
>a land seems docile weak,
>years build peace.
>
>When the earth buckles
>houses are furnished tombs
>walls and lives crumble.
>Hope is a helping hand.
>
>..............Shift power,
>infection of conflict.
>years build peace
>
>When boots march,
>laces tied with hate,
>families flee life hurts.
>Hope is a helping hand.
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