Poetry: The Lonely Sentinel

This particular piece speaks to man's need to be standing in places where he does not belong, and it is about the biggest enemy of mankind, and that is greed.

Afghan soldier in the Pesh Valley, near the Pakistan border. Salem-News.com photo by Tim King

(HARRISVILLE, N.H.) - Salem-News.com began carrying poetry several weeks ago for a number of reasons. First, we love writing and expressing thoughts and this is a beautiful medium for any type of story telling, for all of history.

Through the work of Nahida Izzat and Luke Easter, we have captivated many already with this unusual approach.

Some of our writers, like Dave Bedford, and Robert Collingsworth in this case, also write poetry, and this particular piece was written by Robert in October, 2008.

Poetry can be used simply as a format to convey any type of information, sometimes we publish poems that relate to very current events, and sometimes they are simply tributes, deep thoughts, that are structure and only serving a purpose in this world if they are published and read.

This particular piece speaks to man's need to be standing in places where he does not belong, and it is about the biggest enemy of mankind, and that is greed.

________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

The Lonely Sentinel

The Lonely sentinel stands by the fence

As if to say, “I’m here in defense

Of man’s intrusion into my space

Of my right to be here in this quiet place”

Its many brethren, legion and tough,

once massed around it . . .

once more than enough.

Who could have known . . . who could have foreseen?

That man with his axes would tear down the green.

““Take what you need to have shelter and heat.”

“Take what you need to build bed frame and seat.”

Their offer was generous . . . their offer was wise,

but they failed to see the greed in man’s eyes.

====================================================

Writer Robert Collingsworth is an American who isn't hesitant to talk about the good side of his country, and that is a welcome thing in this day and age. Salem-News.com admittedly, is very critical of both American politics, as well as those of other nations that we perceive is being wrong in their motives and actions. At the same time, within these structures we criticize, are many outstanding people who make each day a better place for all those around them. They embody and personify the American spirit that is sometimes fleeting, but always present. These are some of the things Robert takes into account when writing commentary that is designed reach people, to "get them thinking" in his words, and indeed it does. Salem-News.com's goal is for all people to be on the same page, we appreciate Bob's more conservative approach toward that same goal."

You can write to Bob Collingsworth at this email address: colli2@webryders.net