“The argument of the broken window pane is the most valuable argument in modern politics.” Emmeline Pankhurst
It started as soon as the window was replaced,
like a vein pulsing in the corner of the pane.
The frame was warped, it was a botch job,
and nobody wanted to take the blame.
More cracks appeared, like a frosty morning,
and the window was no longer clear,
the jagged rip of glass was marring
the view, collecting dust and smears.
A rock, a tangible, stone-cold argument,
shattered the glass and cleared the vista,
but that one small act of violence
let in a winter of bad weather, sister.
Kim M. Russell, 2018
My response to dVerse Poets Pub Poetics: Bold Tributes, also shared on Imaginary Garden with Real Toads Tuesday Platform
Amaya would like us, in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., who was born on 15th January, to write an epigraph poem (not an official form) in which a quote about global peace, social justice, or human rights is embedded. She says that we may choose to go formal, acrostic/telestich style, where the first or last words of each line write the message. Or not. We should just bold-face each word of the quote, and make sure it’s read at least chronologically. Amaya has shared some quotes we may use, if we don’t have quotes of our own.
Love what you did here… there are the two side of it, seeing the outside vs letting the cold in.. the image is excellent and adds so much to the poem
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bjorn. I’m afraid I got the wrong end of the stick and did not write an epigraph poem.
LikeLike
Clever use of the quote as image. The price for seeing clearly here is that ‘bad weather’ sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Paul.
LikeLike
A complete surprise how you approached this prompt. I really like this a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Misky!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is always two sides to any breaking… Love how you presented it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susie.
LikeLike
A taste of bad weather indeed Kim~ Enjoyed your perspective of that cracked window and how the world suddenly looks dusty and unclear ~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Grace.
LikeLike
Brava.. 🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dorna!
LikeLike
Loving this:
“A rock, a tangible, stone-cold argument”
YES.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, De!
LikeLike
With as many intangibles as it has tangibles, this poem is a really satisfying read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
This is absolutely brilliant! There are so many dimensions to this poem 😊 and as Bjorn said there are two sides of it. Beautifully executed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sanaa! I was afraid I’d got it completely wrong.
LikeLike
I’m with bjorn and Sanaa on this one! Great presentation of multiple perspectives, with the quote serving as the root!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Frank!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice last two lines.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Frank!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the quote about the broken window. I’ve heard it used too many times when neighborhoods start going down. Wonderful use of the quote.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Toni!
LikeLike
This really spoke to me metaphorically…”More cracks appeared, like a frosty morning,
and the window was no longer clear”….like the pebble that hits your windshield bringing potential for further damage. Perfect image to pair with your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mish!
LikeLike
Great poem with subtle hints of current politics all the way through.
Dwight
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got it, Dwight! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How telling both poem and illustration are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I like how the use of the last word makes the whole poem seem like storytelling, a teaching moment. (And on a very practical level, you’ve reminded me just how badly I need to replace my car’s windshield.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anaya. Pleas remember to sort out your windshield; I’ve been in a car when a random stone hit the windshield and it completely shattered but didn’t fall out. I couldn’t see and had to stop to smash it out. It was a freezing cold day and it took ages to find someone to help.
LikeLike
Oh my gosh! So you literally have experienced the cold weather you mention in the poem. Yes, I will do that, thank you, Kim!
LikeLike
Wasn’t expecting that smug surprise ending.
Nice poem
much love…
LikeLike
I loved this piece…cracks and all.
LikeLike
although there is no wrong in poetry – you definitely got this right. A lesson for the ages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Candy. 😊
LikeLike
Powerfully metaphoric write, Kim. It reminded me of a book I read ages past called The Tipping Point in which the author claimed that the downfall of a neighborhood can begin with a little piece of litter and, on the other hand, its revival can begin when people begin picking up that litter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Victoria. People who drop litter are so infuriating. I would love a litter-free world. I have to say, though, our little village is. The people here are a lovely bunch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know at least one who is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kim, this is so real. The patch was cast, DACA suffers but perhaps lives. Then the rock was cast and all went to H*ll. The rock thrower will go free. Or will he?
..
LikeLiked by 1 person
kaykuala
but that one small act of violence
let in a winter of bad weather, sister.
One foolish encounter and many would have to suffer the inconveniences!
Hank
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent use of the quote, with a powerful ending, the photo was a good pairing with the poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sara!
LikeLike
Such an atmospheric poem – I loved the sense of story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jae.
LikeLike