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Rites of Choice


 


Must respect, courtesy, consideration
give way to contempt and derogation?
It's not the 'words' but the intention
that counts in all contention
If you cannot comprehend
the difference in the end
All it proves, in short,
is sheer recalcitrance for sport
Hardly indicative of a mature mind
Yet 'freedom' is the catchword you will find
Spouted loudly with insistence
the 'right' to offend without resistance
Their double standard to be 'free'
denies others choice of what to see 



Author notes

Familiarity does not breed contempt, lack of respect does
(and it cuts both ways)
Written March 15th, 2005

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    I plan to revise this poem: please leave constructive criticism!
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Comments

1 - 87 of 87

  • Kari gold member
    March 24, 2007

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    Yeah...woah..umm yes I think you're right it does really cut both ways...and wow on how you ended this...


  • Lyndon gold member
    November 29, 2006
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    Well, you have got yourself a fine theme and thoughts here. You have rhyming pairs that spin the verse along. I enjoyed this. Thank you for being a part of this contest. Lyndon.

  • Lyndon gold member
    November 10, 2006
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    I am here to tell you I visited. Not being sure of what has been said before this entry, I shall not presume I have something fresh to add.
    However, this poem attacking self-righteous humbug proves true at personal, national and international levels. The writing is succinct; phrasing balanced and the rhyme either reinforces or contrasts and is definitely unforced.
    I suppose that you are simply following the Pauline gifts of the Spirit: love, respect, grace, courtesy and the freedom to be responsible for one's own maturity. We are no longer looking through a glass darkly.
    Thank you for this sophistication in penmanship and in human conduct. Antithesis is an essential element in making this literature pointed.
    Lyndon.


  • MargaretG
    November 3, 2006
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    Good luck in the contest! (Two comments are enough.)


  • Maatkara gold member
    June 9, 2006
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    LOL, thank you, Scribbles You reminded me of that joke about a gravestone that read, 'Here lies John Grey, a good man and a lawyer' - everyone assumed there must be two people buried there


  • Scripts
    June 9, 2006
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    I agree with your words completely. I think the "do-gooders" have a lot to answer in today's society, and laywers - LOL.
    Thanks you for sharing.
    Scribbles

  • Maatkara gold member
    January 14, 2006
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    Thank you for your wonderful comment, PF! Those who thirst for and seek knowledge with their whole heart always find it. I have no doubt you will

    ~Gen


  • PoeticFlame
    January 14, 2006
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    I can honestly say this is a beautiful poem. You have such a beautiful mind, words, and heart. Your knowledge is your strength. I wish I was more like you in writing. I thirst for the knowledge of the heart.


  • Presence
    June 29, 2005
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    I see what you mean. Most wonderful! Those who would tell you to "shut up" because a statement made is not "all inclusive" in regards to gender, race, religion etc. are the first to cry "freedom!" if you try to stifle their profanity.

    I understand wanting to do whatever you want, and wanting to do things just because you were told not to. I went through all that in highschool, and was about as bad as they come.

    I'm no longer in highschool.

  • Silenced poet
    June 17, 2005
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    great write

    I feel the word behind this have more meaning than what you intended when you first started writing this. I am glad to read this as I hope it inspires me to futher my aspects of my right to chose.


  • Maatkara gold member
    April 4, 2005
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    Indeed, you have a point there! I do love a cynic.. that's just a disappointed idealist, right?

    ~G


  • Windworder gold member
    April 4, 2005
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    If it were not for derogation, would we not be a nation where peace and love ruled the day and all would enjoy delighted wonderment. Such is the dream of fanciful utopia, but for the poet, a nightmare of missing muse.


  • Maatkara gold member
    April 3, 2005
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    Hehe! You must like this one, this is your second comment on it

  • Eric Nunnally
    April 3, 2005
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    I am concerned... such passion... such fire... what happened to those lovely paintings of serenity in haiku I so loved? (wink)

    Are you disguising your soap box in poetry, or is your poetry disguised as a soap box? (mischievous smile)

    Of course you are correct... to those who vibrate on your level (smile)

    But I do sense some projection here (don't you hate it?)


  • Maatkara gold member
    April 2, 2005
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    Oh, right I know that feeling


  • M.A.King
    April 2, 2005
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    "familiarity breeds contempt" that is the saying that confuses me not the one in your author's box, which makes perfect sense. Your line made me wonder why and how the original old saying came about in the first place. It's early and I have worded things wrong.

  • Maatkara gold member
    April 2, 2005
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    Thank you, Mary! I appreciate your thoughtful comment very much. That line in my author's box is my extrapolation of the old saying, "familiarity breeds contempt", which I felt wasn't accurate in implication.
    ~G

  • M.A.King
    April 2, 2005
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    I can add no more than already has been said but I had to leave a word that I do agree and the poem is wisely expressed. The line in your author's box is one you have said before and since the time that I first saw it it has stuck in my mind. It is very true. It has made me contemplate why such a saying came about in the first place...doesn't familiarity breed whatever is nurtured most in a relationship? Anyway, a wonderful piece.
    Edited on Apr 02, 9:28 because ''.

  • pozo
    March 25, 2005
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    Great write, this was so true and gave us a lot to ponder It kind of reminds me of what is on the site sometimes, but also in the wider world Keep writing, this was a beautiful write which I liked a lot- excellently written and so powerful
    All the best,
    Pozo


  • Yemassee gold member
    March 22, 2005
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    Wow, look at all the comments...well I'll just make you forget all of those, lol.

    Familiarity does not breed contempt, lack of respect does

    Of course that is what the saying implies; that familiarity brings about a lack of respect...to some degree I've found the statement to be true, of course its just a trite generality anyway. It doesn't have to be that way but it seems that historically it seems to have some truth. Of course I do see what you are implying, and of course you're right.

    Man I can take this poem in a lot of directions though they'll end up in the same place--You're making a speech for the ages not just to modern man, and whether we apply it locally to how people give comments on this site, or to a political view, or bigger yet to mankind, it all ends up with that one word, "intent." The scary thing about literature is that it can be bent both ways to fit which ever side (s) choose to pin themselves with it. Liberals see one thing in your words and conservatives see another. Look at WWII and how Germany and Italy attached themselves to certain writers who they thought spoke for them. At the same time resistence leaders also thought these writers were speaking for them. Truth can't be twisted, but opinion can and remembering one of the playwrights who was courted by Moussolini, much of luigi Pirandello's work was dedicated to the idea that truth is dependent on individual perspective and cannot be known.

    Just some odd musings from a mad young man (I'm done calling myself old, lol.)

    Well you made me think...and now I need to go lie down. I'm only allowed to think for 20 minutes a day.
    Edited on Mar 22, 12:49 because ''.


  • Sharon Corr gold member
    March 20, 2005
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    Brilliance TRUE GOLD.

    ~My Beloved Genelle~
    Your wisdom and timeless grace is enduring. We can all lean from the heart and soul of you.
    A brilliant song/poem and to combine your words with an eternal candle is pure brilliance.
    “The golden rule is endorsed by all the great world religions; Jesus, Hillel, and Confucius used it to summarize their ethical teachings. And for many centuries, the idea has been influential among people of very diverse cultures. These facts suggest that the golden rule may be an important moral truth. The golden rule is the biblical teaching that one should behave toward others, as one would have others behave toward oneself. Do unto others as you have them do unto you.” ~Namaste Blessed Be to you and yours eternally, Sharron~
    Edited on Mar 20, 11:58 p.m. because ''.


  • tearrsofthemoon
    March 19, 2005
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    Excellent

    Very well written! Great poem!

  • MargaretG
    March 19, 2005
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    I have removed most of the offensive material from my AP experience by choosing to disregard everything rated "Adult". If I am regarded as a fool or a child, so be it, we each make our own judgments.
    Your point of intent is one that I commented on before, and I do so again. Those who intend to offend are pleased by doing it. The response that works for me is a studied silence. If they are making a true expression of their reality and I don't like it, my opinion is not that important.
    The first couplet says everything. I like your poem, and I agree with it, here's more applause.

  • Maatkara gold member
    March 19, 2005
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    There is a gaping chasm between "opinion" and knowledge. Comprehension and true knowledge are only gained without projection, presumption, or prejudice.

    "You will know them by their fruits." Matt. 7:16


  • poetryality silver member
    March 19, 2005
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    It is very easy for readers to "miss the real point" as you say. Poetry is subjective, particular to a given person, introspective... it is not always received as given. In light of present circumstances on this site is is easy to discern why you were inspired to write these words. Disagreement is an individual response to something. I do not believe that any of us, especially on a poetry site have the authority to tell another that there is "nothing to disagree with", being that disagreements are simple differing opinions. Again, I disaffirm these lines:

    Yet 'freedom' is the catchword you will find

    Their double standard to be 'free'
    denies others choice of what to see

    I do however, agree that respect is necessary, and my comment is rendered in that fashion.

    Renee


  • Maatkara gold member
    March 19, 2005
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    Sorry if you missed my real point, Renee, but this is only about double standards and hypocrisy. Viewed without projection, presumption or prejudice there is really nothing with which to disagree.

  • poetryality silver member
    March 19, 2005
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    This poem is written very well, the message is strong as are the sentiments, although this line haunts me, and I am sure others from my heritage vantage point:

    "Yet 'freedom' is the catchword you will find"

    I am sure this word is tossed about and often furled to the wind. Yet there is no greater request of mankind. This is a poetry site and we should respect the thoughts and renderings of each poet, no matter age, gender, creed, ethnic background, and/or poltical stance, as should be our attitudes world-wide.

    There appears to be a censorship issue in some areas with no respect for other areas that also offend. I agree that it is best to turn away from a thing if it grieves the spirit. I would like to offer a few quotes that I have collected on freedom, free speech as it were. Thank you for provoking thought. Even if I disagree, this is a grand forum for dialouge.

    "If God lived on earth, people would break his windows." --Jewish Proverb

    "The more restrictions and prohibitions in the world, the poorer people get." -- Lao Tzu

    "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws." - Tacitus, Roman historian

  • prayingmantis
    March 19, 2005
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    excellent

    This poem has been superbly done with a contionous flow of words and phrases. you have got talent dear and keep it up and this is an honest opinion

  • NeferMaatNetjer silver member
    March 17, 2005
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    as a recovering liberal, I have to praise this piece.
    all too often I hear people on both sides shout the most obscene abuses at those who disagree with their point of view, while calling for respect and consideration when they themselves are subjected to the same treatment. and that is called hypocrisy. you cannot expect respect from others unless you are prepared to give it yourself. treat others as you expect to be treated, whether you agree with them or not.


  • March 17, 2005
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    Okay..just want to add this one thing, simply because a page offends does not mean the author intends to offend you with it.

    I was told my author page was an embarassment and a waste of my talent, I believe because someone made an assumption of why it was the way it was, when in fact, I really was proud of it. I subsequently removed the page, because well, someone intentionally offended me because they were offended by my page.

  • Maatkara gold member
    March 17, 2005
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    Actually, my point is about respect: mutual consideration. Yes, to be offended is also a choice. It only makes it more difficult when the intention is to offend - and that is revealing in itself. Mens rea.
    I am thankful that at least movies (and other material) are required to have ratings and listings for content so one can decide beforehand what one wishes to see (a majority apparently insisted on that).

    Quite frankly, the only thing that offends me is intellectual dishonesty... 'Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining'

    ~ Ma'at


  • March 17, 2005
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    your comment confuses me somewhat.
    If I were to want to have freedom 'from' impositions... I wouldnt be able to step out my door.
    Everyday we have to close a door in our mind somewhere...

    I have to agree that with some new freedom comes a bit of craziness but in time it will settle. Everything does.

    I know some religious people bother me big time but when I click on them and not realize its some poem about praying ect.... eh... I look for the good points of it and comment there, or If I am just not able due to my mood I dont comment at all - but I certainly dont think less of them nor am I offended by them.

    I guess language has never been something that I would choose that would 'offend' me in a personal way. Sure there are words if said a certain way that hurt...no doubt about that.. but to be like... OHH my stuff... eh... I guess its just not my nature.

    It is my choice to continue to pay attention to things that irritate me. It is also my choice to avoid them and/or become involved in them. I dont think anyone has my head bound up and fingers glued to the 'yesssss see this key' lol...
    but, I get your point and see your side of the coin.

    I dont think I am a crappy, stupid person. I use the f word in my poem 'a fork in the road' and I dont think it made it less of a poem. If anything I think it brought to the poem the dirtyness I wanted felt of raw loving sex in the poem.... as subtle as it was.. dunno..
    now I am rambling and will shut up... cus i am sure you dont want to read any further


  • March 17, 2005
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    Personally, if I come across something I don't really want to see, I just click off the page and go elsewhere, nothing I see for two seconds is going to permanently scar me.

    I do realize that words are very powerful, and there are many things I would rather not read, but I also realize that I take that risk just by opening my eyes. Do I solve the problem by closing my eyes forever in case I see something I don't like? Do I solve the problem by telling another person that I don't like THEIR thoughts and they make me uncomfortable so they can't have them anywhere near me? I don't think so, I think that is morally incorrect and unfair to a lot of people who just wish to know they have some basic freedoms.

    I am sorry, as it is obvious that it upsets you this new freedom that is being offered, but I think you will find with time, as with anything else, it will calm down, but it will calm down much slower if those who want this freedom are continuously reminded how morally wrong they are for using the freedom...


  • Touchof1der silver member
    March 17, 2005
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    Terry told me you have written a very well worded poem on this issue and I had to come check it out. I can't help but wonder just how ugly someone has to be to another, before people see that "freedom" in the way that some people say they wish it to be, can actually build prison walls around another. The golden rule wasn't called "GOLDEN" for nothing was it? I dunno... I agree with what most have said here, you have spoken very eloquently about a very touchy subject.
    ♥ Kimberly

  • Maatkara gold member
    March 17, 2005
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    No, that was not the intention, but the misuse of so-called 'free speech' specifically, and double standards generally. It's about not abusing your idea of 'freedom' to impinge on someone else's right to have freedom from such impositions. The obligations of personal responsibility. The Golden Rule.

    ~G


  • g r e y i s m
    March 17, 2005
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    I really like this. It's a great message and it's written so well. I don't know if you meant for this element, but for me it related to the abortion issue as well. I read a pro-life message into it, but maybe that was just me. I don't know. But aside from reading it that way, it can be read many ways, and again it's a great message.

    well done.

  • NeferMaatNetjer silver member
    March 16, 2005
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    take THAT, you politically-correct jerkoffs! In your FACE!

  • Windworder gold member
    March 16, 2005
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    Hehehe, who put the burr under your saddle? Whoever or whatever it was, your point is well made, for whoever learns to control the tongue, controls his world. Alas, I have failed to gain much headway in that most selective mastery. A most eloquent write, and I say that freely.


  • Sau
    March 16, 2005
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    Dear Gennelle,
    I am late, but somehow it seems a better time for understanding. In all your poems, the idea comes out a striking revelation, like a streak of lightening. Thanks for sharing the precious message, in elegant poetry.
    Regards,
    Saurabh.


  • rufina caraid gold member
    March 16, 2005
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    You words echo my own thoughts (as per my IM to you) and I will applaud not only your poem but your right to say it! lol

    Well said, well intentioned and very articulate. the candle is just perfect.
    Von~


  • ColinSJones
    March 15, 2005
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    very well said G and well written


  • Alahmorah
    March 15, 2005
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    Great job, Maatkara!! To the point and true....Bravo!
    Love and Blessings, Ashlee


  • March 15, 2005
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    you hit the nail on the head with "mature"
    there are many on this site that certaihnly lack that. that i find i can trust the teens more than i can the adults.
    and you are very right... it cuts both ways.
    im glad you sent me this.
    thk you so much.


  • Mari Goes gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    Happy to see a new post on your page Ge!
    As usual you write with elegange even when you talk about arrogance and rudeness. I think that in many cases people just want to shock others, they don't even care for freedom, iF they know the meaning of that word is a question as well.

    Kisses and love,
    Mari


  • suseann
    March 15, 2005
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    This says it as I have never been able to. Every line,right on point. What ever the bone of contention,you nailed it with this.I can't say enough to compliment you and this piece. I have not the words.You most certainly do.You are so wise.Love it to pieces.Thank you for what must be said.-suseann


  • Wildequill
    March 15, 2005
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    Freedom is the ability of the river to flow through valley and plain - over rapid and falls, guided by the gravity of life, content to run, unguided, through the delta, in search of the inevitable sea..
    Edited on Mar 15, 12:43 because ''.


  • HeavenScent4U
    March 15, 2005
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    Mattkara, this for me is definitely a poen worth pondering. You first two lines in this are something we see all the time. And freedome comes at such a cost so, I wonder, why do they call it freedom at all? Very deep think piece here. I think I shall go away, ponder and then make my way back again to further comment. As always, great penning my friend. Be Well and Be Blessed.


  • March 15, 2005
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    VERY WELL DONE!!! YOU DID GREAT!!! THE RHYMING AND ALL WAS RIGHT ON TARGET!!! I LOVE IT!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! HOPE TO SEE MORE OF YOUR WRITES AND AGAIN I CAN NOT WRITE LIKE THIS SO( I REALLY LOOK UP TO YOU...

  • grayview
    March 15, 2005
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    Excellent write, and focused insight. This idea is surpassed only by the well-written piece, in many ways presented more clearly than any essay.

    Sometimes you find a poem that just poleaxes you between the eyes. Touche.


  • texast
    March 15, 2005
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    nice write and
    marvelous presentation

    ...T

  • smallmonk
    March 15, 2005
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    AMEN!!! The gospel according to Maatkara...utterly briliant!! Love your insight...I will take it to heart and spread the word!!


  • Cat gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    Interesting Piece.

    m

  • zenrobes69
    March 15, 2005
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    Nice. Real good.


  • March 15, 2005
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    Good rhythm, good diction, true message. Great piece.


  • MuddyKing
    March 15, 2005
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    Great insight to our world today, the pros and cons can't sort out what our forefathers and sons and daughters of today are fighting for. Freedom is not free, it cost each of us dearly. Well that's what I got from this write, and I know that you were effective because you have provoked a variety of thoughts with this piece.
    Peace
    Muddy

  • Jade Darklinmoon
    March 15, 2005
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    this si a very true poem. straight to the point.freedom is double standard, i think it always will be. the trick is to find the fine loine of what is and what is not acceptable for children/teenagers and some adults. I belive that things of sexual bases, racisim, and contiversial issues should be spoken without young ones present. your writing provokes many thoughtd. well done

  • APimp4DaLadies
    March 15, 2005
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    nice poem

    That poem is nice. It is very creative and very straight forward. It is also true to people in the real world. So keep up the good work.


  • Ogreatbaldone gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    Wow Maatkara, this is powerful..you know.. isaid pretty much the same thing in my temptation piece but it was not received as well as this..mm..must be in how i said it this is truly a great write on a topic close to my heart. well penned, well thought out and well done...peace Terry


  • CarterTachikawa
    March 15, 2005
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    A very honest, very true, very beautiful poem. It's straight forward and I like the rhymes. Great irony, it rings through the poem. Wonderful flow. Great message. Keep on writing!

    ~CT


  • B Chandler
    March 15, 2005
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    bravo bravo encore encore

    take a huge bow for this seriously true write you have here irony comes in many forms but so does truth and that pretty much comes straight forward and to the point and thats what i like in writes like this good...no great job with this write all the best to you


  • tieed
    March 15, 2005
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    Very good. I really enjoyed this. It flows and rymes well, and the wording is very good. I think the messege you send is also very good and powerful. I loved this from start to finish. Good job!


  • -diamond tears-
    March 15, 2005
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    This was great to read To be honest, i clicked on it by accident (long story, lol) but i read it anyway instead of going and wasting your points! I did like reading this because the rhyming was excellent and i think that rhyming is what keeps a good poem flowing well great piece

  • Eric Nunnally
    March 15, 2005
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    BIG SMILE

    Sounds like some external motivation produced this piece (smile) "Freedom" is a funny word; depending on the context, it can be defined differently. Altruistically, freedom can be argued to be found in sacrifice. Egotistically, true freedom can be argued as the right to express one's truth. The difference in philosophies ultimately shapes one's perspective of the world and one's role in it. To dictate/sanction/censure behavior versus "leaving each to his own," is the ultimate argument, huh? Nice piece (smile)


  • Mystical-Gardenia
    March 15, 2005
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    Kudos well done!

    The foil comes to the front again with rapier blows becomes an eloquent strike to be apprised and savored... "All it proves, in short,
    is sheer recalcitrance for sport
    Hardly indicative of a mature mind
    Yet 'freedom' is the catchword you will find
    Spouted loudly with insistence" Excellent well done Wishing you much success in all of your future endeavors

  • sweethunni
    March 15, 2005
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    fab

    love your work, like to see some more of your good work.


  • Quill
    March 15, 2005
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    wow what to say about this poem , i thought it was just wonderful and believe you are truly a gifted writer , i don't what your career is but i would give serious thought to writing full time , thank you for sharing your wonderful poem with us all here at allpoetry .

  • lostcrow87
    March 15, 2005
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    wow it was great. Good job and i love the pic


  • CoolHandLuke
    March 15, 2005
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    Stunning. I loved the message. The double standard that society projects on to everyone. You nailed it.

  • Deciet
    March 15, 2005
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    I think that the last time I commented on something that you posted I was a little on the not so nice side. But this is well written. I like the beat and the rhyme. It is a great piece. Well done and happy writing!
    Jak


  • God Makes Miracles
    March 15, 2005
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    Brilliant. So perfect. The words you used seemed to be great for this piece. I could never use some of your words for fear that I could not make them fit right. You did an extrodinary job on this. Now that is talent. Keep up the great work Looking forward to reading morefrom you in the very near future.


  • haikumonk gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    yes meesa... I think you're right here as well... respect IS becoming extinct... and so is dignity!

    Great comment.


  • haikumonk gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    Dang.... you have nailed this perfectly! This is excellent! I'm standing with my applause!

    Don

  • Maatkara gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    Thank you for the great comments, Jenn, Barb, Melissa
    Love the quote(s). I've just recently realized what really offends me the most: intellectual dishonesty... In other words, 'Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining.'

    ~G


  • qnhoneybee
    March 15, 2005
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    This was very well written and you didn't need a lot of words to get your point across. I agree that when others think that they have the freedom and the right to offend it takes away everyone elses rights. What gets me though is that the majority of these people go around spouting their mouths off but can't take what they dish out. I think we have our opinions and be critical without having to offend another person. Respect is becoming extinct.


  • Barbara gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    Well done! Love the candle, too.
    Might I add another quote...which use to drive me crazy when my English Lit. teacher would say it. "Free speech is one thing...being rude is another...if you can't tell the difference, then it's best to keep your mouth shut." (It STILL drives me crazy, but I understand the meanging behind it now....before, I thought he was just using it to get us to shut the hell up, but that wasn't the point..it was for us to think first, because your mind is your best mechanism that you will ever have.)


  • March 15, 2005
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    Excellent...couldn't have said it better. You dont' have to be religious to agree with this....you don't have to be anything but an open minded, non-judgemental person. It makes me think of one of my favorite quotes:
    People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.
    Soren Kierkegaard

    Jenn


  • twistedsister
    March 15, 2005
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    shagedellic baby

    This is great i love it!


  • masterblaster gold member
    March 15, 2005
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    So true and put with poetic grace, well done my friend it was about time somebody said it, a lovely write and the flow is smooth, well done, lets hope it works, all the best, hugs


  • moderndayvampire
    March 15, 2005
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    brilliant piece,i love the message being sent across in this, the double rights we have as people to speak our mind,in which i am in huge support of.well done.


  • SusanL
    March 15, 2005
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    Oh yeah!!!!
    thank you thank you thank you. I am so glad one you finally wrote again and two that it obviously came from life. As I have said a number of times I would not wish to be in your shoes!
    Bravo on the statements here and you are correct it goes both ways.
    well written little mini rant... It can still be a rant if it rhymes can't it?
    Susan


  • NurseChilly gold member
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    well.. everyone has an opinion.. on everything and nothing.. so basically it's still about keeping integrity intact.. and I know mine is..
    good piece

    ~GILL~x

  • ecrivain01
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    good job

    Well, I hate to admit, but you threw me with derogation. I didn't know there was such a word. I looked it up though, and it even has 3 meanings. What a surprise. I rarely run across a word I don't know. I found this interesting in several respects, not just as your poem, but in reference to sundry encounters with bellicose writers over the last 20 some years. Good job.


  • MYownFreedom
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    great write

    Wow, Great poem..... I especially like:
    Yet 'freedom' is the catchword you will find
    Spouted loudly with insistence
    the 'right' to offend without resistance
    Their double standard to be 'free'
    denies others choice of what to see
    really leaves you to think about the "freedom" that we have
    people too offten think if they don't agree with something no one should ....great write

  • MargaretG
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Whoo hoo!

    This one has been brewing for some time, it shows in the well chosen words. (Whoot, rhymes!) I agree whole heartedly that intention is one of the strongest powers in human life, for if the intent is not kind, there is no way the action can be.

  • angeledtweety
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    i liked this poem i feel you just said all the right things here..i so agree..keep up the great work


  • Georges silver member
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Applause

    Nice of you to write so well for your friend and mine in such poetic terms. This has to be worth an applause, it is excellent in it's flow and meaning.
    Georges.


  • symitar Moderators member
    March 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Amen sister.

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