Quarantunes #7
They say, no matter how multilingual one is, in times of stress, we return to our native language. There was much that was lost during COVID-19; but there was also much that was gained. I found freedom of expression in a return to my creative languages. I have learned to share again through music and words via technology. There has been time for reflection on my past – and time to ponder how much of that past I want to take into my future. Welcome to May, 2020! As we begin to come out of our isolation cocoons and venture back into our new normal; this week instead of a piano snippet; I present you an original reading, “I Saw My Hero Fall.”
I SAW MY HERO FALL
I saw my hero fall before my eyes
Gut-wrenched I was because for moment’s pause
I thought utopia had finally come
He was so handsome – understanding – wise
I saw my hero lying on the bed,
his arms entwined; with those of someone else
And though he never ceased to lavish me,
I could not acquiesce – be one of three,
To me, who once treasured his hero heart;
Dead. He is only a man after all.
I found my hero slow to act when back
To back with hardship shared, he shut me out
And I was left in cold and stone, to make
A home for me alone, from sticks and straw
That I myself had faithfully gathered
From the common man, I expect failure,
Not from men to whom I swear my fealty
From the riff raff, I endure rejection
But not from those entrusted with my heart.
I saw my hero fall, beside the desk
A massive falsehood swirling in his head
He had forgotten who he was, who I
Sideswiped by multitude mutinous lies,
Karma of ruthlessness returned to haunt,
And that is why I’m shy of any man,
who trumps my hand at brains, brawn, heart or lust;
I saw my hero fall, and I can trust
In mere men, no more, when gods are needed
I saw my hero fall before my eyes
Gut-wrenched I was because for moment’s pause
I thought utopia had finally come
He was so handsome – understanding – wise
©Cherry Odelberg April 29, 2020