social commentary
There's a rich history of poetry serving as social commentary, intended to inspire calls to action.
We All Pay
When our time does come We all say we will not pay But we know we will Author's Note: Welcome to day twenty-eight on my path down the fifty-day song/lyric-inspired senryū challenge! Today's poem is inspired by "Don't Pay the Ferryman" by Chris de Burgh, which you can listen to below.
By Stephanie Hoogstadabout a month ago in Poets
Man Up
This mamby, pamby age we live This culture of “skim milk” We love to take, but seldom give It’s selfish, that’s our ilk We take offense at what we choose Why give a “crook” a gun Before another ego bruise Just walk away, it’s done Your feeling’s hurt by something said Your continence is sour You toss and turn within your bed Why give someone such power You’re often triggered, often cry Today worse than before So sensitive, no reason why Don’t ever go to war Today you heard a joke or two It’s almost like you died If people keep “offending” you Why even go outside Our different views are closing doors Emotions, all aloft All viewpoints suck if not like yours When did we get so soft I can’t believe it’s come to this Our culture all butt-hurt Is everything today a “dis” One Nation, in a skirt We’re being told how we’re to speak But many won’t comply Another “safe space” you now seek Don’t take offense, “Goodbye”
By Earl W. Pearlabout a month ago in Poets
Taking Them On
In the heart of dusk, where shadows weave, Whispers thread through the city’s veins— Take them on, the dreamers who believe, With eyes like lanterns in silvered rains. A symphony of footsteps hums along, Concrete echoes cradle every sigh, We are the pulse in this urban song, Each heartbeat a challenge to the sky. Lifted by hopes that dance on twilight's breath, Rising as flames from embers long grown cold; We chase horizons painted near to death, Our stories inked in courage bold and old. Take them on—those fears that grip so tight, Like vines entwined around an aching heart; Unravel them beneath a star-strewn night, Let starlight pierce the dark with daring art. The streetlamps flicker like dreams half-awake, Illuminating paths we dare to tread; Onward we move for our own future’s sake— Take them on! The words still swirl unsaid. So gather close those souls who yearn and seek— Their laughter laced with echoes of your name; In unity find strength against the bleak— Together rising through unyielding flame.
By Forest Greenabout a month ago in Poets
Faint Echoes
In whispers soft, he claims his heart is bold, A lion’s roar beneath a shroud of fear, He paints the world with colors bright and gold, Yet hides in shadows, never drawing near. With every boast, the bravest tales unfold— He speaks of mountains climbed and seas embraced, But when the storm rolls in and tempests scold, His courage falters; hope is laid to waste. The mirror shows a man with steel resolve, While deep within lies doubt's relentless tide; For what is strength if truth cannot evolve? A gilded mask that only fools abide. So here’s to those who stride with heads held high— Their silent screams betray the truth they deny.
By Forest Greenabout a month ago in Poets
The War Sirens and the shelter
The War Sirens and the shelter The air raid shelter was crowded tonight, we could hear the sirens blowing loud, people were frightened, children were crying, as more and more joined the crowd. We shuffled together beneath the ground, with hardly enough room to move along, and above our heads in the darkness, came the frightening war siren song.
By ♿ V+ Marie381Uk about a month ago in Poets
What do you love?. Top Story - September 2026.
What is it that you love in others, in the world? Go do and be that! This is how we replenish the planet with more of what we love about it. Do you love those who are patient with you? Go be patient with someone who tests you. Do you admire those who do charity work? Be charitable. Give your jacket to a homeless man, bum him a cig, too. Do you love mountains and clear lakes? Go and fucking see them! Do what you can in your own personal life to keep the place clean, pick up trash and try to make less waste, clean up a random park nearby, it may not be mountains, but it's all part of the same thing, our dirt roads and our homes live on the same rock flying through the vacuum of space and that is a mighty magical thing. Do you love whimsy and philosophy and writing and painting and dancing like an absolute idiot? Do it!! Be it!!! This is the only time you'll ever have as yourself, we make the most of it by living as what we love to experience, that is one's mark on the world, what they bring into it.
By Lolly Vieiraabout a month ago in Poets
