Day: April 15, 2023

“We all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun.”
John Lennon

John Lennon by: Shen

I’ll not listen
not be shackled
not be handled
not be ruled

I’ll not be managed
nor be played
manipulated
or be fooled

you sure as hell
will not tell me
who
what
where
when
how
or why

what you offer
I’m not taking
your extended hand
I am not shaking
the world I walk
is of my making

and

I will not have it
any other way

your iron fist
I destroyed it
your sage advice
I avoid it

you can
rant
rave
condemn
and preach

your approval
I do not beseech
I seek only
my good counsel

I’ll not succumb
to might
or muscle
not be swayed
by your slick hustle

I’m calling out for peace
you’re sending in police
how much gotta burn
before fools eva’ learn

I am a man
of my own mind
and I will live
as my own man

this is all
I want to be
well-heard
loved
and free

*
rob kistner © 2023

Poetry at: The Sunday Muse

Below here is considered the very first on-air report of John Lennon’s murder.
click on: * LISTEN IN BROWSER *

Your clarity
blazed bright
a flame of logic
a vivid light
pierced the darkness
of ignorance
its radiance
sparked inquiry

your blazing light
turned to ember
then fell to ashen
but you still ignite
those who remember
your philosopher’s passion
we stir to fire
your dark wisdom’s desire

you’re moved on now
but you’re not gone now
you’ve taken manhattan
you’re no longer
the bird on the wire
but your true soul
was not extinguished
on your funeral pyre

those who heard you
we now bear you on
you’ll never be gone

*
rob kistner © 2023

Poetry at: The Sunday Muse

 
L ady blue is musical magic
her songs possess timeless wisdom
illuminating those who truly listen
they are truth — even when tragic

a poet deeply in touch with her soul
keenly aware of her frail humanity
pursues honesty and societal sanity
paints herself in a story teller’s role

she shares valuable lessons of life
yet reflects moments of indecision
but her self awareness and vision
offers hope midst the daily strife

“Drive your bargains,
push your papers,
win your medals,
fuck your strangers,
don’t it leave you on the empty side?”
Joni Mitchell

*
rob kistner © 2023

Poetry at: The Sunday Muse

Day 22 at: NaPoWriMo 2023