It is
my turn now
to face “What sticks?”
“What questions
do you
have?” "What suggestions?”
I cannot help sitting
still as
a judge capturing pluses in one hand
and negatives in the other to see whether
I might tip one way or the other but But BUT
I am not Lady Justice who weighs issues,
tests arguments blindly, impartially,
and then lifts her righteous sword.
Neither are my readers who
sense whether they can
grow in my world
how my world
grows along-
side theirs.
 |
| Themis or Lady Justice, armed with sword and balance scales (Legislative Council Building, Central, Hong Kong), the personification of justice balancing the scales of truth and fairness. |
Posted at Poets United Pantry. I wrote this poem when it was my turn to have my manuscript of two chapters discussed in my writing group. No doubt it needs some help. I have to say that it is a joy to have a group of trusted peers and not ominous as my poem suggests. I only shake before the trial.
Copyright © 2014 S.L.Chast
for every justice, there is another who will decry injury...especially when you mix in fairness...life isnt fair...its a concept we cling to as if it were a truth...but there is no basis for it beyond our wants...we are human after all...and we fail far too often...if justice ruled, we would have all been dead a long time ago
ReplyDeleteAh, the thing about justice is there is often disagreement about exactly what is just and what isn't...
ReplyDeleteIf only justice was impartial and fair........great topic, well wrought.
ReplyDeleteyes... justice is a big word and what a task to accomplish... i think we will never really manage
ReplyDeleteHard to balance one from the other, and lift our righteous sword ~ Hard to be fair and impartial but we do know which way we are leaning to ~
ReplyDeleteLove the shaping too Susan ~ Happy week dear ~
I CHANGED A FEW WORDS SINCE ORIGINALLY POSTING. Apologies to first readers who might think differently now--but OH how your comments fed me! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes, a judge is only human. Yet, even in democratic countries where the law is clearly set out and the judges free from pressure, rulings may differ from one person to the next.
ReplyDeleteWe are all biased. Nothing wrong with that.
ReplyDeletewe all weigh the balance whether we realise or not
ReplyDeleteTruth always wins!
ReplyDeleteSo true..Justice is such a big thing..:)
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the way you have it culminate in the idea of growing.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think this poem was about Justice and much as it was about facing and accepting criticism (or not) and the feelings it evokes when it's happening.
ReplyDeletefinding true balance can be difficult in life..
ReplyDeleteI love your words, and how even the shape they create is symmetrical and balanced.
ReplyDeleteThe openess to judge the world & be judged by the world is something we must learn well to manage, yet many only favor the first thought. smiles.
ReplyDeleteWe are a diverse lot who differ in ideas and opinions of what is right or wrong or neither!
ReplyDeleteSuch truth. I love the balanced format of the poem as well.
ReplyDeletein a world where the concept of 'judging' another is so frowned upon, i feel the ladies scales have been tampered with.
ReplyDeleteDon't we all? thanks for writing about that dreaded moment in every discussion or classroom.
ReplyDeleteYou are fortunate to have that group, Susan. It is the one thing I really miss from Tofino, and is why my online friends rally saved me and my writing. I love the format of this poem, and , especially, its closing lines about our worlds growing alongside each others'.....
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed to have to confess that I googled 'what sticks' and I am none the wiser, unless this is a marketing poem, which I very much doubt. Colour me dim.
ReplyDeleteJustice carries a morality aspect, nice poem, have a lovely Sunday
ReplyDeleteMuch love...
Ah.. to have something really brought up to justice.. will it be fair?... I always wonder.. this is what trust is all about isn't it?
ReplyDelete