Thoughts from dust

My first public performance of this poem was at an Auckland University writer's meeting as a member of PEN. My heart at that time had begun to give me trouble and I was nervous wondering what kind of reception my poetry item might receive. I should have given myself a moment or two to explain that I was new to writing, but I didn't; so in that atmosphere, appearing before 'recognised New Zealand writers' I read my poem. Needless to say I was grateful and a little surprised that the response was warm and with applause and smiles all round.

* 

I dare to stand and speak forth what I have written here,

that which from my innermost being I have felt,

which like a spring from deepest earth has risen,

things which are dear to me or move me much, my friend.

 *

Watching, you see only the outwardness of this, my being;

enquire, and you’ll learn the facts describing me;

listen, and you will find I have similar aspirations,

the secret inner things you deeply feel, I feel them too.

*

Just as within your breast your heartbeat tells you,

you are a living, breathing and thinking thing;

just as your mind confirms that you are existing,

with feelings human and warmly intimate, my friend.

 *

Just as you see the beauty in a rose bud,

admire the soaring flight of bird on wing;

just as you love or hate some things around you,

so do I too, sharing humanity with you, my friend.

 *

Why then, whatever sign I’m born with,

whether I be Christian, Jew, Buddhist or what else,

why think that I must be shunned because I’m different,

why does so much of what I am offend you, friend?

 *

My life, like yours, was given with no explanation;

I come with no agenda to kill, maim or destroy.

Like you, I was not consulted as to my colour, creed or nation,

only when born, like you, do I discover who and what I am.

 *

Since then so much from us is hidden,

through a glass darkly as the way we see;

let’s journey through this life together,

learn to enjoy the richness each one brings.

 *

Dennis Crompton © 1996

(first published www.denniscrompton.wordpress.com 2013)