From the Book of Blake

In all honesty, I have only ever written about eight poems before. (Kind of ridiculous for someone who fancies herself a writer, and most of them were written for school projects.) Guess what? I actually followed through with my New Years resolution. (applause) Not only that, I even made one for last week... when I made my resolution but didn't keep it.  

In the Style of William Blake, I wrote two poems on the same subject. With VERY different tones. 

Song of Innocence 
Humble Home
A home filled with laughter of children where 
The family tree is nourished with care.
Child's tender words express pleasure and love.
Words sweet and pleasant as the coos of a dove.
At some length sleep closes the child's eyes, fair.
Work-hardened hands caress the child's soft hair.
A Father, rocking gently, cradles her close.
 Her presence reminds him what matters most. 
Home is at peace, love permeates the air.

Why? Because there are children there.
-Alayna Een

Song of Experience
 Once Humble Home
Again we visit the once humble home.
How are the seeds of love that once were sewn?
Children are older, grown independent.
The family tree now is broken and bent.

We fight, bring out the worst of each other,
Turning against each sister and brother.

Careless jokes leave gashes, deep in the soul
Words cut like knives bleeding out of control.

Harbored harm and secret grudges exist
Care-free facade but behind backs, clenched fist. 

The biting words and teasings choke 

The spirits of the gentle folk.

Disagreements out of proportion blown,

Making a house of what once was our home.

Why does our love quickly turn to despair?

Why? Because there are people there.
-Alayna Een