Pause For Poetry:
Michael Hawkes /92

Deadful Days

April 28, 2025

A poem by Michael Hawkes

How does a man absorb the shame?
How does one manage the disgrace?
Is everyone on Earth to blame?
Is hate inherent in our race?
Beneath our skins are we the same,
Between the lines on every face?

How now will neighbours ever meet?
How will we know which ones are mad?
How will we tell the good from bad
And who is safe to warmly greet?
Though one may try to be discreet
The mutual fear seems iron-clad.

While perpetrators stand aloof,
Maintaining their inhuman stance,
Their victims ’neath a shattered roof
Share one dim hope, an only chance,
That children’s souls are damage-proof
And will survive the remonstrance.

There at a distant future date
Their spirits will reincarnate
Into a realm devoid of hate
To live in love and joyful dance.

7/01/24 – Hawkes

Feature image: Ahmed Akacha –Pexels

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Michael Hawkes - WestmountMag.ca

Michael Hawkes was a cherished poet and contributor whose work enriched the pages of WestmountMag.ca with its sensitivity and depth. Over the years, he entrusted us with a rich body of poems, of which only a portion has yet been published. His passing leaves a profound void, but the poems still to come will continue inspire all who were moved by his voice.