Fighting darkness

Tyranny acquaints us with the deepest despair
deranged despots continue repeating their mistakes
trying to subjugate everyone to rank capitulation
using brute power and the machinery of state.

Hubris struts around, brazenly fear mongering
reason and righteousness seem to have lost their vision
in such a gloomy scenario they quietly retire
for the victory of the oppressor is taken as a given

In the darkest of darkness when nothing is visible
in the coldest of winter when frigid winds rejoice
in the furthest corner where ultimatum pushes
the timorous soul sings in a tremulous voice.

Gathering frail courage from note to note
then hesitant other voices join in, haltingly first
the song becomes a rallying cry for the oppressed
soaring up high and beating down walls with fists.

But the obstinate tyrant refuses to retreat
for drunk on absolute power, he is blind absolutely
bully pulpit misused by bumbling bedlamite
never expecting a fight back as a repercussion of tyranny.

Sharing it at OLN dVerse.

99 thoughts on “Fighting darkness

  1. It is such therapy for me when people write verse condemning tyrants and oppression, especially as fluently as here…well done Punam, and thank uou..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Jane, do you really think he would bother! The so called poets like me are there at every blogging site. He is so drunk on his power, we are like insignificant flies he can swat with the flick of his wrist!
      This is more for self. It works like therapy to channel helpless anger. And maybe a few decades down the line, when my frail mind would be unable to recall the horrors of now, this will work as a reminder.

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      1. No, I couldn’t imagine him reading any of this. I’d hope he wouldn’t have the time! But, yes, you’re right about the therapy. It helps to let out some of the anguish and frustration.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. I love how you see the unity: “the song becomes a rallying cry for the oppressed
    soaring up high and beating down walls with fists.”

    Punam, you’re right, bullies like him don’t ever expect their targets to fight back.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. “Tyranny acquaints us with the deepest despair
    deranged despots continue repeating their mistakes”
    Absolutely perfectly said. Just beginning with these lines I felt like I have entered a comforting and empowering container for expressing what peace loving hearts in our world want to – your poetry is truly giving way and words to all that we are feeling.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pragalbha, sometimes it is best to allow words to articulate coherently the agitated mind’s anguish and anger. Your words make me feel it is not a futile exercise. I appreciate this resonated with you.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Punam, a brilliantly-written poem about predatory dictators willing to do anything to seize territory. I think Putin has made an error of judgment in attacking Ukraine and will live to regret it.

    Today I saw on TV groups of unarmed Ukrainian civilians, men, women, and children, standing in front of tanks. Babies are being born in hospital basements. I saw a young boy practicing his marksmanship and a young girl berating a soldier to his face. I saw old people making and stockpiling Molotov cocktails. There were businessmen making roadblocks of welded metal and women making camouflage nets to hide tanks. As much as I abhor violence, I applaud their courage and patriotism.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sadly tyrants and their oppressive ways continue even today. Was this even needed as we are just coming out of the viral warfare.
    You are truly a wordsmith weaving your words with the right emotions. Powerful!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. In the darkest of darkness when nothing is visible
    in the coldest of winter when frigid winds rejoice
    in the furthest corner where ultimatum pushes
    the timorous soul sings in a tremulous voice.
    So deep. May the peace prevail. Amen
    Sigh.. 😞✌🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  7. “drunk on absolute power, he is blind absolutely..” So sad, and so true. Willfully blind, I might add, all while thinking he knows exactly what he’s doing. Well-said.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Stunning verse, Punam. I love the brave image you painted, and the rallying cry, but especially this stanza:

    “In the darkest of darkness when nothing is visible
    in the coldest of winter when frigid winds rejoice
    in the furthest corner where ultimatum pushes
    the timorous soul sings in a tremulous voice.”

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Oh my goodness, dear Punam; what a gorgeous write.❤️ You’ve captured here how a lot of us feel. I love the ending, it is amazing. Prayers and love to the people of Ukraine.💙💛

    Liked by 1 person

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