The I of We
(Inspired by Anthem, Ayn Rand)
Black future-
World without love
To shed the plural skin,
taste forbidden fruit
in barren dystopia
where no one dare
stand alone
Hunger grows in lands
scorched by the consuming
flames of the great “we”.
The dying of self
stands without shadow
extinguished by
iniquitous skies,
ashen without a
heaven.
(For deverse sci-fi poetry 11/16/13) .
That is a very pessimistic view upon the future. I believe it will be the other way around: The "we" will become temporal, and the "I" will be basic as we perceive The Trinity. Nation states, for instance, I believe will disappear.
ReplyDeleteI have read a few books by Ayn Rand. A hypnotic, but frightening writer. I don't really know what to think of her....and I don't seek further (for many reasons).
ReplyDeleteThe only book I have read by Ayn Rand is Anthem and I found the concept of a world without individuality very frightening and I do see a loss of self in a lot of people especially in this time. This theme also played a major part in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 which is one of my favorite books. The reason I love poetry so much is because it is sharing of feelings where our individual expression unites us.
DeleteTo shed the plural skin, the I remaining would be brave amidst the consuming of the great "we" ~ A black future you have painted but recognizable to us all living in this time & age ~
ReplyDeleteI believe this is why I was intrigued by this book. It definitely painted a bleak future but I too see a lot of similarities in the present time.
DeleteGreat stuff, Lisa... especially the ending.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laurie.
Deletei think that it is only in the coming together that we will be free of any such future...in laying down our self interest for the greater good...
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DeleteThat's what I found so disheartening about this story. No one would join this man and fight for love, family, knowledge etc. They just accepted injustice.
DeleteThe threat of a we.. is often a higher I... never read Ayn Rand..but I can definitely see science fiction and dystopic speculation in many other authors... love how you condensed this down.. it works very well for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bjorn.
DeleteI like the last line... it resonates. it's so easy so see a black future.
ReplyDeleteThank you Natasa.
Deletethis all consuming flame of negative 'we' can't be doused unless a valiant 'i' appears (history of the world tells us society will create one if need be) and makes followers to become positive 'we'......cycle of 'we' is a never ending one.....nice write up :)
ReplyDeletethank you Sumana.
DeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteI liked this rather dark poem for two reasons...One, that in a bleakness worse than that of Brave New World, a dystopian coldness will bring such self-centered survival...Also Lisa, I saw another world in your poem...That of the loss of identity. The loss of simply being ,'I, me.'...Love your poetic words!!
Eileen
Thank you Eileen. I think the loss of self is a devastating concept.
DeleteSo very dark and so very good...well written and finely composed.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThe title is consuming and the dwelling even more laudable!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Deletehaunting!
ReplyDeletethis poem reminds me of rumi.
the last stanza is breath-taking!
stacy lynn mar
http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/
Thank you. I will visit your blog as soon as I can.
Delete"Hunger grows in lands
ReplyDeletescorched by the consuming
flames of the great “we”."
...what a fantastic line that I think really illustrates a "World without love" Great piece Lisa!
Thank you Jennifer. Can't wait to read some more of your work.
DeleteYou bring out the desolation very well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzy.
DeleteI started Atlas Shrugged some time ago her writing is gorgeous no doubt and she definitely does give you food for thought, very heavy and very dark this poem brilliantly embodies that
ReplyDeleteI just picked up a copy of Atlas Shrugged, haven't had a chance to read it yet. Thank you.
Deletethe poem paints a bleak and soulless world. it's a great take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed the read.
Thank you.
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