My poem for Day Twelve of Paul Brookes’ Special January Ekphrastic Challenge. I wrote it, and Ithought I had sent it to him, but somehow it ended up in my mail drafts folder. Yesterday was definitely one of those days! I’ve responded to two works for this one. This one seems appropriate for MLK Day.
-Marcel Herms “In hetzelfde schuitje” 
-Kerfe Roig “intermediary”
For Visionary Leaders, First Responders, Resisters, and All the Helpers, Everywhere
We’re in the same boat—
Death swims all around us, floats
with crocodile grin in skeletal face,
glides, sometimes without a trace–
a certain-skater,
a shadow-waiter
for color to flee. Let him be–
if there’s no hope–to do what he must,
when blood flows out and cold winds gust.
Beware the fakes and winter witches
who line their pockets with others’ riches–
but—call the intermediaries, if you can
the ones who stop the flow and span
the distance between wish and despair–
the bringers of light, the helpers who care–
those who take us from frozen tombs
to whisk in spring’s incipient blooms.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Beautifully written … and thanks for the dedication of this poem because it sets the stage and aids in delivering the power of your words.
Thank you very much, Frank. I’m pleased you enjoyed it. I didn’t actually write it for MLK Day, but it fits.
Beautiful, Merril. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jill.
Wow. Again and again you find words (and rhymes!) for what we are thinking and feeling. I especially like “Beware the fakes and winter witches/who line their pockets with others’ riches.” G-d only knows what their karmic retribution might be…
Thank you so much, Will! That is so very kind. Yes, I can’t imagine. I don’t know how they live with themselves in this life.
Well said, Will!
Oustanding, Merril.
The last two stanzas really bring it home.
Thank you so much, Dale!
Loved it!
😀
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you, Paul.
We seem to be permanently transitioning. And yet we’re still afloat. Yes, thanks and thanks and thanks. (K)
Yes, and you’re welcome.
This poem gave me goosebumps.The two images are so disturbing, and yet you were able to bring them to a poetic reconciliation.
That is a lovely comment. Thank you so much, Liz.
You’re most welcome, Merril. 🙂
I can only echo Liz. An amazing achievement
Thank you so much, Derrick.