I’ve never heard
such a lusterless,
and apocalyptic word
as ‘post-truth’.
This word will never get
capital letters from my end.
Yet Aleppo is happening,
lips are stitched with uncanny silence,
and power lies in the hands of liars.
No wonder such words should surface
from darkness now.
Just to think of the year 2016
has been characterized
with this shadowy word
makes me cringe.
It was the international word of the year 2016.
The word is a marker
of ‘What man has made of man*’
Nevertheless I like to dream:
Truth is never dead.
Facts are never passé.
*From William Wordsworth’s poem Written In Early Spring
Posted for Elizabeth’s Creativity Challenge 24 and the word for today is ‘Shadow’
&
shared with Poetry Pantry @ Poets United
sumanar/lekha 
2016 is definitely the culmination of “what man has made of man”. I feel the same way, Sumana, and am wondering where the humanity is in a world that allows 100,000 innocent civilians be trapped in war, with no one going to help. I am thinking of the seven year old who has been tweeting her thoughts in the midst of bombs dropping, whose voice has gone silent. It is a mad, mad world.
I have turned away from the word “post-truth” as well. It has no place in my world. It sends a chill down my spine. Your honesty and truth shine through this poem. Thank you,
Elizabeth
http://1sojournal.wordpress.com
Just to think of the fact that how a single word can mould all the goodness, wisdom, and prudence in a way that definitely makes someone else cringe, makes me sad. You’ve touched the right chord here….
Even in Wordsworth’s day, eh? In a strange way, that gives me some hope that now, too, we may find our way out of the dire circumstances.
Again, you speak for me, dear Poet, and that is the job of poets–to make the invisible visible. I will share this poem about the lack-luster and–to my mind, inhumane–term “post-truth.”
Yes, to think that this is the word for 2016 doesn’t speak very well at all for this year as a whole. But unfortunately I think the word characterizes the year very well. I do wish that this world (and the word of the year) contained more hope and light.
Annus horribulus is something I think of, and the concept of post-truth and filter-bubbles unsettle me too, though sometimes I wonder if our community is not another bubble… I hope that enlightenment and truth will win again.
To define truth as anything other than fact, than what it is… is an offense to the concept. The idea deserves no respect. None at all.
Sadly we continue to vote in governments who just don’t care and we are powerless to change the world while we are ruled by such vested interests.
I wanted to forget 2016 but I realized there are still positive lessons I learned this year. I hope 2017 will be a brighter year to all of us.
Cheers and enjoy your holiday, Sumana
It has been a difficult year..shouting from the shadows.. we can only hope for truth and brighter days next year – wishing you a peaceful holiday time Sumana
A sad reflection of the history in the making.
Great poem and so timely! It’s been a very difficult year to distinguish between truth and facts. I do hope that that truth will win, and that corruption will be exposed.
Happy Holidays, dear Sumana.
Yes my dear Sumana – many thanks for your brave and bold offering, attempting as I did to – to find something defiant to say about 2016 – Jae is right we kindred spirits must stay hopeful and bright… With Best Wishes Scott
The year 2016 will indeed be remembered as a pivotal turning point in truth and lies. A very powerful write and words to ponder.
And so we must keep sending positive thoughts to those far,far less fortunate.
A beautiful piece.
The truth will never die regardless of how the darkness tries to conceal it. I see the truth in your words Sumana. Thank you Sumana.
I hear the phrase “post-truth” and it is difficult not to rage against the stupidity we have enmeshed ourselves in.
Your argument is spot on.
Thank you again for this clear and concise statement of reality. I so agree,
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com
Indeed, that word “post-truth” is awful: sad and creepy, all at once … kind of makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up while bringing a lump to your throat. A powerful piece, Sumana.
kaykuala
Yet Aleppo is happening,
lips are stitched with uncanny silence,
and power lies in the hands of liars.
No wonder such words should surface
There are reasons that others can only voice but can’t do much about!
Hank
Truth is unfortunately passe .. and greed is destroying our world. Sombre musings Sumana.
I appreciate this poetic pondering on the shift of the world, back to being flat, I suppose.