Special Feature: “Faith on the Wind” by John Reinhart, Frequent Contributor and Poet of the Week

Songs of Eretz Poetry Review is pleased to present “Faith on the Wind” by John Reinhart, a Songs of Eretz Frequent Contributor and this week’s Poet of the Week.  Mr. Reinhart’s biography may be found in the “About Our Editor & Frequent Contributors” section.

Faith on the Wind

John Reinhart

 

Animosity cannot grow here

among the shaded groves

and dandelions roaring yellow faith.

Let sunlight burst from fertile earth

between the broken vines;

animosity cannot grow here

when twilight comes and blossoms close

from bright heads to brimming hearts

and dandelions roaring yellow faith.

Children mourn the passing scene

of selfless beauty and of love –

animosity cannot grow here;

their gentle hearts echo the light

from a thousand little suns:

dandelions roaring yellow faith.

In old age, when the world has worn away

the sight of simple gifts,

animosity cannot grow where

dandelions roar their yellow faith.

Poet’s Notes:  My deep-seated sympathy for villains extends to villanelles, loves grown from youthful balladry. Repetition and rhythm more often stand for what rhyme and meter accomplished in previous ages. Dandelions are the ultimate in flower and villain, as ubiquitous and useful as baking soda. My neighbors might scowl at the thought, but I work to cultivate the dandelion, spread the good word, and let it flourish until our neighborhood can be seen from space. No other element from nature features so prominently in my poetry, and I hope my children will plant dandelions when I am left only to enjoy their roots.