National Poetry Month's Feature: Poet Neil M. Noble

Poet’s Bio: Neil M. Noble is a Washington, D. C. native whose newest creation is Moods of a Lake and Selected Poems, a collection of 45 poems that covers more than half a century of his thoughts, observations, feelings and emotions about the world. His book includes a series of visual art images designed specifically for each poem that brings a wonderful synergy of poetry and art. Neil is also an adjunct professor who teaches construction related courses in the Baltimore area.  He and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time with family, friends and their dog.  To learn more about his work, go to www.neilnoble.net

DL: What are some of your reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic?

NMN: My feelings about this virus are mostly sad. The reaction to this threat was not fast nor thorough enough. We will never know how many lives might have been spared had we come together sooner. 

DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month (April), can you share with us a few of your poems?

NMN: Sure, I would like to share these two poems:

An Even Measure

Custom alas doth partially prove nor gives us an even measure
To maids it is a pain to love but tis to men a pleasure
They freely can their thoughts explain whilst ours must burn within
We have got eyes and tongues in vain and truth from us is sin

Men to new joys and conquests fly and yet no hazards run

Poor we are left if we deny or if we yield undone
The hunter within knows the games afoot; what’s not free is stole
While we pray they be gentle with us, our body and our soul

The dawn is slowly coming at last more so do we speak our mind

The truth, men, from us today could be of our own design
No longer must we shyly smile nor sit idly by and wait our turn
No longer can we be suppressed nor will we be taciturn

Then equal laws let custom find nor either sex oppress

More freedom give to womankind or give to mankind less
Thus by equal laws must all comply and neither sex oppress
No longer is it a pain to love but til for all desirous
(NMN ©1978)

HIS WORDS

I heard a man speak in D.C. today
I heard him say you cannot delay
His words seemed meant just for me
So far ahead of his time was he.
His words came from his prophet’s soul
We’re almost to our Promised Land goal
Simple, straightforward and very clear
They clung so fiercely to my ear.
Behind him sat the one who set the path
His words created so much wrath
I know his words and am compelled
And yet that division must be quelled.
Over half a million lives was the cost
For four long years were state lines crossed
Until, at last, the Generals words did agree
All of our nation needed to be free.
Their words were indeed very fine
But actual change must now be defined
We need to figure out what needs doing right now
There’s still more work to do somehow.
Any solution will be far too rare
Making it work would be a nightmare
Plus another generation to have any effect
Someone’s words will argue a hurtful defect.
(NMN 5/1/19)

DL: Where can folks learn more about you and your poetry?

NMN: They can learn more information about me and my work here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.noble.79
Website: www.neilnoble.net
Book buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084NXY67H?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860&pldnSite=1