HOW IMPORTANT IS QUARREL

 HOW IMPORTANT IS QUARREL!

How about Mr Joshua

Who tapped the daughter's back glory

And she took it so mean

I'll never fail to mention Sir Ken

Who asked a sister,

“Do well to drop it on my bed” you know what that means

Not to talk of Sir Duke, a Reverend!

Who knows about her underwear

And where it tears.

You desire that I say more?

In the cause of protecting their images

Mr. & Mrs. Ben have bent their daughter's womb

My boy!

Never tame the untame

Tame that which can tame it, “the mind.”

They should...that I die with this little swamp

Of secrets.

At which, if no fellow hits, it dies in me.

Peter Simon!

Begone with your sword

For him who the sword so cliff, death comes

This, they all know.

Him who teaches and they who hear

The same can relate.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

This poem emerges from a profound reflection on the hidden realities within society, realities often concealed beneath silence, fear, and the desire to maintain a public image. It considers how wrongdoing can be widely known and yet rarely confronted.

At its core lies the weight of awareness, the tension between revealing truth and remaining silent. Rather than presenting a direct accusation, the poem reflects a burden that many carry quietly: knowing, seeing, and yet being unable or unwilling to speak.

 THEME(S)

The poem explores moral hypocrisy, abuse of power, silence, and inner conflict. It draws attention to the disturbing reality that individuals placed in positions of respect and authority can act contrary to those expectations, while society often chooses silence over confrontation.

Another central concern is the burden of the hidden truth. Silence is presented not as a neutral choice, but as something that can weigh heavily on the conscience. At the same time, the poem introduces the idea that while external situations may be beyond control, the mind remains a space where discipline and awareness are still possible.

SUMMARY

The poem presents a series of examples involving respected individuals whose actions suggest moral failure and abuse of trust. These examples gradually reveal a pattern: wrongdoing exists within spaces that are expected to uphold integrity.

As the poem progresses, it shifts from exposure to reflection. Questions begin to emerge about whether more should be said, hinting at deeper truths that remain unspoken. The mention of families protecting their image further emphasizes how society often prioritizes reputation over justice.

A turning point occurs when attention moves inward, focusing on the emotional and psychological weight of carrying such knowledge. The idea of secrets “dying within” suggests that silence can lead to internal decay.

The poem concludes with a powerful realization: awareness is not limited to one individual. Both those who teach and those who listen share this knowledge, yet silence persists as a collective choice.

LITERARY DEVICES

Metaphor: “little swamp of secrets” represents secrets as something heavy, murky, and suffocating, emphasizing their emotional burden.

Symbolism: “the mind” symbolizes self-control, discipline, and inner awareness.

“The sword” represents confrontation, truth, and the potential consequences of action.

Imagery: Phrases like “where it tears” create vivid and unsettling mental pictures, reinforcing the seriousness of the subject matter.

Irony: A contrast exists between societal expectations of these individuals and their hidden actions, deepening the poem’s critique.

TONE & MOOD

Tone:

Reflective, critical, and cautionary. The voice shifts between exposure and contemplation without becoming overly personal.

Mood:

Unsettling and thought-provoking. The poem creates a sense of discomfort that encourages deeper reflection on societal realities.

STRUCTURE

The poem is written in free verse, allowing ideas to flow naturally without the constraints of rhyme or strict rhythm. This choice reflects the seriousness and rawness of the subject.

The structure follows a clear progression:

Presentation of specific examples

Movement into questioning and reflection

Introduction of guidance centered on the mind

A concluding realization about shared awareness and silence

This layered structure mirrors a journey from observation to deeper understanding.

KEY LINES EXPLAINED

“bent their daughter's womb”

A strong metaphor suggesting deep harm and the distortion of innocence, whether physical, emotional, or moral.

“Never tame the untame… ‘the mind.’"

Suggests that while external circumstances may be uncontrollable, inner discipline remains essential.

“little swamp of secrets”

Highlights the suffocating nature of hidden truths and the emotional toll they carry.

“If no fellow hits, it dies in me” 

Implies that the unspoken truth fades away internally, reinforcing the danger of silence.

“This, they all know.” 

Emphasizes collective awareness, pointing to silence as a shared societal condition rather than an individual failure.

CONCLUSION / REFLECTION

This poem serves as a reflection on a society where truth is often suppressed and silence becomes a common response to wrongdoing. It raises important questions about responsibility, not only of those who act wrongly, but also of those who witness and remain silent.

Rather than offering direct solutions, the poem leaves space for reflection. It suggests that silence may protect appearances, but it also carries deeper consequences. In the end, the emphasis on the mind points toward awareness and personal responsibility as starting points for change.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT/CONTRIBUTION.

Why does silence persist even when the truth is widely known?

Is protecting reputation ever more important than confronting wrongdoing?

What does this poem mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments..

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