The Articulation of Spirit
Expressed through your deeds
And transgressions,
Resounds clearly over the clamoring
Verbiage of intent
Seeping inertly from
A toxic and
Manipulative mind.
Tell me not what you will do,
But in its stead, show me,
In humbled silence,
With honorable purpose,
An altruistic heart
Driven by desire
To become a beacon
On this vexed planet.
Words in their entire splendor
Flounder hopelessly
In a musty basement,
Where good and evil
Lay side by side;
Indistinguishable,
Until manifested
By your demonstrated purpose
Self serving
Hidden agendas
Lurk perniciously
Beneath skinny veneers
That would be the
Benevolent platform
Of platitude attitudes,
Going no where fast.
The emperor’s new clothes
Have nothing on you,
Nothing
You re-define paltry
In a world
Where currencies are
Lies and half truths.
Predicated on greed
The salient advantage of
Speaking your candor
Is that it’s the only story
You’ll ever need to
Remember
The bonus would be
A clear mind and
An unclouded conscience
Speak your piece,
In your untainted voice
Galvanize your intent
To make a difference
Manifest your movement,
Reach deep into your heart
Where there exists
Only one way
Be authentic
Copyright © Henri Ferguson 2005
Author notes
The seed for this first came to me while I was reading about a government scandal, and I just wanted to rant. Quite frankly it doesn’t matter which scandal, because essentially they’re all about the same issues of deceit, dishonesty and whatever else lays in this bottomless cesspool we call politics. This does not infer that I believe there aren’t any honest politicians, although the word oxymoron does spring to mind…
While fine tuning these words it occurred to me that this isn’t just about politicians, it’s about people in general who are not honest with the world and their respective relationships. I am sure all of us can relate to folks in our lives who have created a web of deceit with little white lies, and some not so little nor so white, misrepresenting themselves and thus creating havoc not only in their lives but ours as well. And for what? It all comes home to roost eventually, so spare us all and just be authentic.
Written May 17th, 2005
What did you think
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
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Oh this is a very thought provoking write here! I love your message about being authentic, and you have written it in a very creative way.
"Tell me not what you will do,
But in its stead, show me,
In humbled silence,
With honorable purpose,
An altruistic heart
Driven by desire
To become a beacon
On this vexed planet." I especially love this stanza. It drives me crazy when people don't "put their money where their mouth is" Nice write! Patty
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It's amazing how complicated the ego can make a simple truth. Knowledge of complex orworldly words does not equal ascension.
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Uber awesome!!!
D'Jah. What an awesome way to hprase this idea. Some people might yell, and other people might whine, and some other people might just pleead. But the way you lay it down just makes it seem so 'duh' in a nice, smiling way. Like, dude, just try, huh? What an awesome idea, and poem to put it in. -
I like your intended idea, for it’s true that “actions do speak louder than words.” Many, however, rarely say what they mean; or mean what they say. And just as there are “player can use a pawn to topple the lot,” so too are “hidden jewels” who channel love's power to turn the tide for light and transformation! This is quite an interesting muse, thanks Henri-!
~Milly
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This is not a rant, rather a Zen-like teaching. It is stunning! For me to carry on about how wonderful it is, would only embarrass you and make me appear patronzing. Therefore, I shall not tell you.
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Excellent
Dearest Henri
We are society -- and we form the values and the norms. Yet, an Almighty God created beacons of Light to guide us in a progressively darkening world: that you are. Furthermore, He bestowed upon us His Holy Spirit, to strengthen us in our striving.
Your poem is powerful, as always; reasonable and fair. Truth and Beauty go hand in hand.
Love
Myra -
Actions speak louder than words, Practice what you preach, Do as I say and not as I do -- these are all coin phrases that came to mind when reading this poem and I think all are applicable to the message you present to the reader. This is a very fine poem and good insight into the corruption and deceit that plagues politicians and (regrettably) humanity. Very nicely done Henri and I especially like the photo. Thank you - Helen
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The famous French philosopher Albert Camus once said, "Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future."
I thought you did well to hold your voice throughout the work. It's a difficult task when the mind sees red and needs to release.
Excellent Work Henri.
Peace, Brian
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Brilliant message conveyed Henri. Too much pretentious bullshit soiling the atmosphere. An essential and worthwhile journey you describe :-). Loved that penultimate stanza. Hit dead centre.
~ Sonia ~ X
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I've seen minds more evil than Hitler, Stalin and Mao put together. They wear long black garments and flawless three piece designer suits. Good and evil are indistinguishable indeed until they manifest. Entire armies are created to conceal the manifestations of evil. Its warriors look like you and me. Since most are blind to the manifestation of good this world is a dangerous place to be. But we're all here and now and should all become aware of what you write about. I thank you for expressing truth in a clear and profound way. Take care, my friend
Chris -
beautiful
would be nirvana, indeed.
A kind soul you have my dear Cowboy...always it is beautiful to behold.
LLL
T
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A wonderful piece...methinks it should be at the banner page of AP for certain...thanks
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Great message. I think the best personal motto I ever heard was, "I'll know. That's who!" Too many seem more interested in the appearance of virtue than the actual possession of it. It's true of me sometimes in some ways, too. It's a battle we all must fight, I suppose.
Very thought-provoking work. Thanks.
Mark -
Bravo
Very good message, be true to yourself, portray who and what you are, not just with words, but with deeds. This is a good advisory poem, and it gets the point across that the author intends, I believe. It is not a really emotive poem, so expressing the emotions of the author is not the goal. I normally say that the import of the writing of poetry is creating a link between the poet and the reader, emotionally, but some poems are silly or informative, not emotive, and this is an excellent example of that type. Bravo -
this is good
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Whereas I understand comepletely your words and your intent, I almost find myself having to play the devils advocate here if only for a moment.
I wholeheartedly agree with this in political terms and especially in the general workplace, but when it comes to the intrinsic truth of self...being authentic, is not always as easy as it sounds. Or maybe time tends to bend our perceptions, until we can see the lies within our own past. Thus we recognize that even though we strove to be authentic, to listen to our own voice, we played a slight smoke and mirror game with our own life.
Maybe it's just me...
Once again your poetry has slipped into my thoughts and wrinkled the grey.
Excellent my friend!
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excellent
Your writing is extremely rich and the message is clear, so clear that I find the last two words superfluous -
Loved the poem as well as the picture and I understand how you feel... Great write all the way.
Later
RomeoTheVamp -
You did a beautiful job expressing this my friend. I feel the frustrations myself yet feel voiceless to change anything. This world is a scarey place these days. Wonderful thought provoking write.
Red -
I like this. too many people hide behind their web of lies; their facade, but what for? They are lying to others and antagonizing themselves. I agree with you that the world needs to "be authentic". wouldn't the world be so much better if everyone was able to be themselves? I think so. anyways, great idea and good write.
luve,
sweethart
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