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Poetry Sunday: November 6 by Chelan Harkin

This week's featured poem was written by the poet as she watched returns from  November 5's election. I came across it this past week and it spoke to me. When I found it, it did not actually have a title and so I've given it a temporary one. The poet herself may wish to give it a different name. It seems to be the call to arms that we need for "now is not the time to be afraid of the dark."

November 6

by Chelan Harkin

It’s when the earth shakes
And foundations crumble
That our light is called
To rise up.

It’s when everything falls away
And shakes us to the core
And awakens all
Of our hidden ghosts
That we dig deeper to find
Once inaccessible strength.

It’s in times when division is fierce
That we must reach for each other
And hold each other much
Much tighter.

Do not fall away now.
This is the time to rise.
Your light is being summoned.
Your integrity is being tested
That it may stand more tall.

When everything collapses
We must find within us
That which is indomitable.

Rise, and find the strength in your heart.
Rise, and find the strength in each other

Burn through your devastation,
Make it your fuel.

Bring forth your light.
Now is not the time
To be afraid of the dark.
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Comments

  1. jabblogDecember 8, 2024 at 3:57 AM

    This is applicable in so many situations, personal, private, national, international, spiritual, political. 'Now is not the time To be afraid of the dark.'

    ReplyDelete
  2. David M. Gascoigne,December 8, 2024 at 5:48 AM

    The sentiment is true, but these platitudes make me feel a little uneasy. I wonder what the words might have meant to a Jew being marched off to the gas chambers, or a victim of the Inquisition as the flames were lit around her feet. I have little doubt they were very afraid of the dark, and so would we have been. With justification.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM

      I don't see them as platitudes at all. Are we to wallow in despair? Or try to inspire each other with messages of hope, and support?

      Delete
  3. Lark December 8, 2024 at 10:58 AM

    I like the idea of finding strength in each other.

    ReplyDelete

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