Ripples

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.- Mahatma Gandhi

Seal your very own lips first
if you wish for another’s silence
Drop your own smoking gun
If you look to end the violence

Dont you know of the wee drop
that bit by bit makes up the sea
Of each tiny bee in a legion
that sweetens a pot of honey

There are those now lamenting
how inequity pains their heart
Yet turn up their noses on streets
Tearing the fabric further apart

If you yearn for a lush forest
No point in fitful dreams about it
Go plant a sapling in your yard
and others will also do their bit

For the smallest of stones cast
does trigger ripples in the pond
And to the faintest vibe transmitted
The cosmos does amply respond

So, if you long to paint the sky
Be the first rainbow unfurled
Be the change that you want to see
So desperately in the world !

Reviews

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Now don't I just love this! Why talk of far things? Look around you. You'll find many racist a******s on www.Writers Cafe.org itself. Talking great big things about the Floyd killings and how racism pains them and then go around blocking/ignoring/turning up their noses at people not from their ethnic groups. I doubt you can change them. They're deep up their own arses! Sans toilet paper too. These are the worst kind of trash. Good work P.

[AJNJ]

Wow! Someone is miffed here. Those words cut deeper than an angry red cat scratch. Frankly, I hardly notice all that here. Just read and review friends, Ms. Kat. The rest can take care of itself. I love your spirit though I'm glad I'm not your human :) Thanks a ton and more for such a blazing review.

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

You're welcome P. But what do you mean you're pleased you're not my human? Didn't quite get that. Do I smell hypocrisy there? You used to sound different a couple of months ago. If so, I'm glad you're not my human. Carry on with your day.

[AJNJ]

What I mean is I understand perfectly where you're coming from Ms. Kat. Nothing ever misses me. I can sound off worse than you, believe me but for now I'll just let my words speak. If at all they've the power. Not here for too long.Just time passing. Just mailed you. Are you there?

[barleygirl]

This is one of the most well-expressed messages about one of the biggest problems in our world these days -- people tearing each other down with hate & critical commentary. I love how you use well-crafted examples that you express in minimal words, but which paint a fulsome picture of what you're getting at. Normally I don't like to see a piece written using the pronoun "you" becuz it sounds preachy -- telling people you should do this & you should do that -- nobody likes being told what to do. I think this could be improved if it were stated in a more encouraging, inclusive way, like: "let's do this or that" instead of "you need to do this or that". But as far as it goes in the nasty business of telling people how they should act, this definitely makes it into a palatable message overall (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[AJNJ]

Absolutely right! I hate being told anything myself so totally totally get you and I'll look to edit this poem soon. Thanks a ton for your feedback and appreciation, Ms. Barley!

[Jimmy Yetts]

Words of wisdom.
Ultimately, humans can only control their own personal universes. But if we do right, there,
the resulting, ever-spreading, positive influence can surpass our fondest dreams.
Inspiring, poet!

[Robert Trakofler]

I do love ripples and waves... mr Pest! The second I read a title about waves I jump in and splash:) Seems this set of ripples is a tidal wave and it makes my heart soar my friend I cant help but feel so proud of all of the souls making this wave it is so very reaffirming and hopeful to this old Bunny. Nicely penned my friend

[AJNJ]

Indeed sir! So of us together can make the ripple a huge wave of change! So let’s take that leap of faith! Always a delight to have you visit. Thanks a ton and more my dear friend!

[Paul Bell]

Do black lives count, not to some police it seems. Will things change after this, got a feeling they might this time. Wouldn't it be great if the national guard stormed the Whitehouse and dragged that halfwit president out of his bunker. That would be fitting.

[AJNJ]

Lol. I'm just breaking up trying to imagine that scene! He's so funny sometimes.

Thanks a ton for looking in on this poem sir.

[Neville]

filled with both philosophical and practical universal truths.... if these lessons you have pointed out could only reach more ears, the world would be a much better place and I for one could have skipped the last few years of school....

Neville

[AJNJ]

Hhahaha...I've written it down sir but I'm a long way from implementing these truths myself. If Its a case of practice what thou preacheth then I'm just a beginner myself.
Thanks a ton sir N. Each of your visits is very treasured.

[Neville]

you are most and above all, always welcome :)

[AJNJ]

Many many thanks :)

[Chris Shaw]

I love your posted image and have spent many times by the marina lake watching the ripple effect that one fish can make when it comes to the surface. I have watched mesmerised by how long it can take for the peaceful water to be restored. I can't help thinking about current situations in our world. Violence begets violence and the whole thing leads to chaos. I prefer that change comes through peaceful means. Your poem Pestonjee is so relevant to current news. Very meaningful and well conveyed. Kudos.

Chris

[AJNJ]

Thanks a ton and more Ms. Chris. Some poems just escape the quill without much thought put into thme. That's the time the inner voice truly speaks. I treasure your visits always.

[Dave Brown]

your tiny 'ripple' is a very powerful image as the issues seem to continually spread
Eventually ripples fade and hopefully realistic solutions will help our current issues disappear

[AJNJ]

Indeed, they fade gradually but hopefully something should've come of them. Thanks a ton for the review.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Pestonjee... your poetry is a soliloquy of heartbeats that create a way of change with road signs that guide our attitudes for a better day. A poem that plants flowers that bloom with a fragrance of serenity. gently, Pat

[AJNJ]

Thank you very much Ms. Pat! Thanks a ton for reading and reviewing this poem!

[Patricia Wedel]

You are very welcome... we always love a challenge and it begins with a smile and a pure heart to realize we all have a Spirit of divine intervention and devotion. truly, Pat

[AJNJ]

Thanks...Have a beautiful day, Ms. Pat...

[.]

Reads like ripples of hypocrisy also here, dear P! While the world is reeling from current events, it is very easy to get caught up in the hyperbole and lose sight of the correct objective. When has violent protest ever achieved anything other than more spilled blood? Mahatma Gandhi had the right idea about bringing about change; through words, peaceful actions, peaceful protests and by leading by example. Its the problem with this current predicament; civilised behaviour and the proper quest for justice has given way to left leaning vigilantism, riot and violent insurrection. It makes the kneeling knee pale in comparison now. One man's error, intended or otherwise, has resulted in chaos. As your poem has stated, it takes one ripple to become a wave and bring about change, but that ripple must be one of peace and civilised behaviour. Any neanderthal can loot and burn. That will not make change occur, and we are seeing that now. By all means, be angry and protest for justice but do it in a peaceful manner and uphold what one believes at all times, not just when it is convenient. This is a well written poem, dear P. Your lines hold great internal morals for us all and are very relevant to our current world. Its an important write. Much enjoyed!

[AJNJ]

You're very very right Madame. Two wrongs never made a right. When such unfortunate incidents happen in my own land and believe me casteism runs rampant here with more downtrodden people butchered then anywhere in the world. Yet, the aftermath is deadlier and pointless. Inflammatory words and speeches just fan te flames. Change should begin with us, from wiithin. W

[AJNJ]

Our words should spring from a place of peace is what I meant to say. We can surely do our bit,

[AJNJ]

I forgot to thank you but you know I'm eternally grateful :) Thanks...

[JMichael]

One ripple in the pond will make a flowing human bond....of change. Extremely well conveyed, Pestonjee. It's especially relevant in light of the chaos occurring in the US at present. They are not ripples of change, just destructive forces of chaos.Your Gandhi quote is rather appropriate, from a man that knew the value of peaceful protest and action to bring about worthwhile change. I enjoyed the message here in its flow like dripping honey. I am quite taken by Dhara's angle on your poem as well. It seems things do need to change here as well!

[AJNJ]

Dripping honey! I love that description sir Picasso. Delighted and thrilled and more. Sending you a ton of thanks. Have a great day sir!