Her words rasp at his flesh
and tear his manhood;
splintered,
he picks up the pieces and goes to his
dead-end job
to be passed over for the next promotion,
dignity flayed.
His progeny
taunt his mannerisms behind his back,
and chip away at his character
with teeth drilled to
fine points.
When the financial storm hits,
and his trunk shatters,
who will hear one more tree
falling in the forest?
Meanwhile, Melody Muses... 
Let’s see, there’s a verse somewhere that says, “for truly I say unto you, this doth kick ass!”
Robert 2:6??? 🙂
Man, do you ever know your bible. That was impressive.
Well, I don’t like to brag…
Except for then…well, and now. And, now…oh never mind.
*Dang* He’s on to me! 😦
I, like you, love boasting of my humility. It’s my best quality. I hardly ever mention it. Once I finish my 1200 word post on the subject you’ll not hear from me again.
Not to brag or anything, but I can read REALLY fast. I’ll make that 1200 word post my breakfast appetizer. 🙂
Gimme a few days to read this comment and I’ll get right back to ya.
If you have any trouble, I have experience in reading instruction. You too could be hooked on phonics! 🙂
This is a great poem with it’s mix of nature references and social commentary relevant to our time. Wonderful!
Thanks so much!
Oh WOW, Melody! What a lesson, taught with such sharp imagery, yet gracious style. Beautiful–going into the keepsake file! God bless you–love, sis Caddo
Rather a melancholy subject – but once in a while, it’s good to explore different avenues, right?
There’s a lot to think about here. You’ve captured emotions and thoughts that most aren’t aware of. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you – rather melancholy, but I can picture ‘him’ falling without support – a good reminder to be aware of those around us and encourage them when it is in our power.
Powerful words.
Thank you Lyle!
We are so much like that tree.
Who will notice if we fall amongst the population?
Rather along the lines of ‘it takes a village’, right? We have the opportunity to stand in that gap for someone who is slipping today – will we notice it? I have to ask myself that question…Thanks for joining this dialogue, Rosy!
This is a powerful poem! It is a tear maker. May we all stand by our men, so that this remains fiction!
~ Wendy
True! I was thinking about all of those who fall through the cracks in our system – and we have the chance to encourage ‘as long as it is called today’!
Oh, this tears at my heart. Perhaps because I deal with jobless males (and females) everyday. It ripples though the family and community. What powerful words you’ve written.
Thank you! There are so many that will fall through the cracks and there seems to be no one to pick them up – may WE be that one who provides encouragement at a timely hour!
What a good poem and lesson too, today, to care and not tear down. Thank you, Melody, for encouraging us to be there for others.
Thank you Debbie – how many lessons I still need to learn. Pondering these things does remind us that what we do and say has value.
The power of words and actions, beyond our everyday thought; thank you for sharing yours!!
Thanks Kathleen!