Popular opinion?
—we need a death penalty to deter individuals who would otherwise harm or kill people—
Tell me, is it working?
Tookie is dead.
Has the killing stopped?
Are your obituaries void of violent death?
Are your children no longer
Dying in the streets?
Did the gangs dissolve?
Have your dead returned to life?
Where is this deterrent?
Where is your proof?
You killed him while calling him a murderer.
You killed him for his crimes.
What is the lesson in that?
You basque in your invisible line
Of justification
While applauding your own sin.
Tell me,
What have you done, Joeblow American,
To stop the violence
To stop the hunger
To fill the empty promises
Of children who wander and
Die in the neighborhoods
You are blessed to live outside of.
Can you even spare a kind word or a smile?
You can't afford to build a
Poor man's house,
But you have all the money in the world to
Build a prison.
Out of sight,
Out of mind-
Your morbid philosophy.
You condemn those with no heart
While yours can barely beat inside
The stone you have built around it.
Tell me, are the victims of his crimes
Healed now?
You are a respecter of life!
Yes, you are,
As long as it fits into your tiny minded
Vision of hypocrisy
Damn you America,
For forcing me to take part
In your death rituals,
For forcing responsibility of blood
Onto my hands.
Because I am your citizen
I am guilty of your murder.
You killed him while he
Spoke against the very violence
That locked him in your prisons,
Yet you refuse to accept
Your own responsibility
Of murder.
One more time
You told all those who hate and kill
The solution is in killing those you hate.
Do you care who dies
Outside your own little gangs
You call family and friend?
Religious rightest, can you love your enemy?
Yet you demanded that of him.
Gangsta on the street,
You win when you shed no blood.
Killing is what they want you to do.
It is why they build the steel beds
Encased in concrete
Softer than their hearts.
When you
Bury your anger at them in bullets,
When you seek your revenge,
When you try to fill your empty stomach
With opiates, or blood money, or death
They win.
Freedom is found in standing as you are
And insisting on peace.
Speaking your mind in the face of death
Without taking life.
Proper society hates as much as you.
Have no doubt.
Don't justify their hate,
Diffuse it.
Stand up, like Martin Luther King
Or sit, like Rosa Parks.
You are a child of God
You can make the difference in this world
Filled with hateful small people.
And if you die as a result of standing above
The pits of violence
What of it?
Man judges only by his own pettiness.
Better to face a creator
Who knows the facts,
Who softens the human heart,
Who welcomes you into his kingdom.
Damn the archaic laws of eye for eye-
Tooth for tooth.
If we all paid up
Even the most righteous among us
Would be blind men
Gumming our food.
Don't buy the lie they sell you
STOP THE KILLING
From the highest courts of the world
STOP THE KILLING
From the lowest gutter in the street
STOP THE KILLING
STOP THE KILLING
STOP THE KILLING
period
Author notes
Written December 21st, 2005
In a list
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1 - 41 of 41
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Interesting point of view.
You know what is sad the killing will not stop even if the death penalty is revoked. I believe in the death penalty for those murderors like the Harvey murders in Richmond. I believe in mercy for someone that truly feels remorse for their crime. I won't be rude to those of a different opinion because that is what makes this country great. -
well done
It's really good and well thought out. It also brings up a good point, killing someone because they killed someone else doesnt solve problems. It's based off of the old thought 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' the only thing you get from that is a bunch of people without teeth. -
Have your dead returned to life?
This line really caught my attention. I was reading through the first stanza, and that already made me wonder, and I felt such power in these words...Such anger!
It is why they build the steel beds encased in concrete
Softer than their hearts.
Such great impact on the reader...Spoken with the truest words. It is great somebody can stand up and say this with such force, and such clarity.
Great work.
Lots of love
Kelly. -
This is amazing.
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An interesting poem and a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately. "Tell me, are the victims of his crimes healed now??" We can ask that of any crime and any punishment. I agree with STOP THE KILLING, STOP THE KILLING, STOP THE KILLING...and still that one horrible word "BUT..."
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Very Powerful
That is a very very very powerful poem. You have such deep insights that are so interesting to read. This is excellent! It expresses your feelings and your mood to the reader very successfully. My favorite stanza was:
Damn you America, for forcing me to take part
In your death rituals,
For forcing responsibility of blood
Onto my hands.
Because I am your citizen
I am guilty of your murder.
I can feel it all in this little paragraph... I can feel it all in just a matter of 6 short lines! This is amazing! I just love this paragraph because it says so much, and seems extremely meaningful. Because you are a citizen of America, you feel guilty, something I would definitely feel if I were! Your words as excellent and bring across the point in a most definite way and causes an impact on the reader. I could look at each and every paragraph and tell you how brilliant each one is, but that would take me the rest of my life time, which I plan to do many more things with. I chose this paragraph because it stands out to me the most: the simplest yet most meaningful one! Which one is most meaningful to you? As I have already mentioned, your writing is excellent and extremely powerful. You have incredible insights and thoughtful views. Keep on writing!
Julia -
Amazing write ... not a rant but well thought conviction.
There is merit in this poem ... but we all are different.
... and our politicians believe only sound of silence!
Well written.
Best wishes,
manoj -
i think torturing a person for the rest of their life is more punishment than the peaceful death penalty...oh but wait...you can't torture people yet we have the death penalty...America is pretty screwed up in some aspects
great write -
good piece
Nice, you illustrate the hypocrisy of the death penalty quite well. -
Amazingly written, totally amazing. Im speechless.
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Hi Jai h2, I am really glad you asked that question. I practice what I preach even when it isnt easy. Even when it hurts and even when it affects me personally. One more dead man does not ease my pain, or make my losses easier to take. If you brought me that kind of harm, I would prefer to feed you than kill you. I don't think you would find prison to be quite the Hilton or even Motel 6. And no, I would not like for you to go commit any violent demented crime against any person on the planet. I would prefer you live in a way that doesn't allow you to be caught up in the legal justice system. I think if you reread the second half of the poem, you might see that.
Now, go read something happy, and find a smile for yourself in spite of it all. I can almost feel the anger gnawing in your gut through the monitor. No point in that.
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I like it but I want to ask you something...If I were to go and kill your mother father or who ever is most importent to you what would you do? Just let me enjoy the establishment known as jail. so I can get on the net and chat with three meals a day and maybe a love buddy in the libary? Would you like me to rape some innocet child and brutally harm them so that they are forever reminded of my sickness? And with indiechick ... OF COURSE BUSH HIDES THINGS FROM US. There is such a thing called media if terriorst get ahold of the media they can use it against us. If you would grow up for a minute and go out and fight war you wouldnt want to know some of the tings that bush knows. You would like to see the women next to you get her head blown off? Bush hids things from us to protect us just like a mother forbids her 12 year old daughter from having sex. TO PROTECT...Grow up and quit complaining about things you know so little about
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Awsome write.
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Excellent. Truly amazing. I'll leave it at that.
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an amazing poem, that showed your views amazingly. it's a very good poem that leaves the reader (well me anyway) with a very clear image of what Bush doesn't want us to know about his country. its very very awsome, i really like the way it stands up for you think about your country.
xclox -
Lengthy but it was a very powerful poem. I loved it, sad, but so honest, very true to life. Your stanza:
"Out of sight,
Out of mind-
Your morbid philosophy.
You condemn those with no heart
While yours can barely beat inside
The stone you have built around it.
Tell me, are the victims of his crimes healed now?"
was surely the most powerful of them all. Keep it up.
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This was truly powerful, emotional and spoke in such a way.
I agree with what you are saying, and I believe it should be upheld. Why should we kill those who have killed? What kind of justification is that, when our laws clearly are stating that killing is not allowed.
Though one no person can do all of what you ask; what you say. One person could start it all. So in a way, that was right as well as wrong. This made alot of people think, and think hard I did. This was truly a great write!
"Stand up like Martin Luther King
Or sit, like Rosa Parks"
That was really powerful.
Definatly keep it up!
Best wishes,
Nikki -
Stand up, like Martin Luther King
Or sit, like Rosa Parks.
I love that set of lines.
I hear your strong emotion in this piece...and respect it.
This reads really well out loud. -
Very emotional piece.
I'm not sure whether I agree with the death penalty or not: these 'people' should not be allowed the walk the earth, breath the air, have the right to live... but killing them is stooping to their level, we're commiting what they're being killed for... but imprisoning them costs money, hard-earned money from decent law-abiders, good citizens, like most people... what do you do? I'm not entirely sure whether I agree with it or not.
Great work though, you really get your message across well. -
A Powerful voice
Wow, this is well said especially the part about being blind and gumming our food (love that)...I am torn, but do not like to feel a party to executing someone either, I do not think we should take it into our hands. As a poem there is not a completely steady flow, mostly in the longer stanzas, but as a spoken word it is fantastic. -
hmmm..we need death to have birth
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this is a very good write. one of the best ive read on a topic such as this. even the simple explanation that a human life is not mans to take. god gives it and god takes it away, despite any crimes committed we cannot kill. eye for an eye tooth for a tooth is not a principle that makes sense when it comes to lives. on one level to kill someone for murdering another is also letting them take the easy way out. very good write. i appreciate you for writing it. thanks and happy christmas
heart of clay xx -
Very good
I frankly can't say whether I agree or not. If I had to make up my mind, I would have to disagree though. The only reason for this is that I think that there is no way to stop the violence ourselves. Whichever we choose, death and murder and rape will still all happen. I believe the death penalty is right because it can discourage those who would only do it if they think they can get away with it easy. It will at least make some think twice, which is all some need to decide it's not worth it. Anyway, poetry wise, I think you did a very good job, the emotion is intense, you almost feel a voice screaming at you. God is the only one who can help us. -
thistle, woe now girl you're at it again... lol love your passion and views of the world and your tiraids often give me pause to think about your convictions. Like, you your work is always based in your beliefs. I may not always agree with you, but love ya none the same. God loves us all. image and Visions
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CountryCousin, you know I love you
. I certainly don't demand that anyone agree with my stance and I quite understand things from a vicitims standpoint. There have been times that I have been a victim and have had to make a decision to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. It isn't easy.
I have chosen to respect all human life no matter what. One of the things that the late Pope John Paul II said that ripped into my heart and stayed there was --You must speak out and you must not take human life.--
I, in my sinful human state, have no room to condemn anyone to death. If I harbor anger in my heart, I am as guilty of murder as any man.
Thanks so much, though for speaking from the other side of the coin. It is important to be considered in the full scope of things. When there is violence, everyone loses.
In case I havent told you or forget before the 25th, a big MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours.
Love
Thistle -
Amen! Killing is indeed very-wrong. You have said everything perfectly in this poem. I like it, it shows you have your opionions and you stand up for what you believe in. Great job
love my darling and Merry Christmas
angie
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While reading this work, I was struck by the lines "You can't afford to build a poor man's house, But you have all the money in the world to Build a prison." I think this clearly demonstrates an opinions of the piece towards the chiasmic gaps between socioeconomic classes and how those citizens holding the purse straps decide on the priorities for our society.
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Very good
THis is a very powerful write. I agree with everything that your saying but no one person can help save all the hungrey and all the poor that don't have a roof over their heads. And stop the killing, in todays world that could take forever. People are going to Prison today that are innocent and the real criminal is running around free. I try my best to help poeple out when then need it and I do pray for the worlds hatred and anger come to an end. But that's the best that I can do for now. I still liked the write. It makes people really think, or it did me. Keep up the good work. This was a great poem.
Casey -
good
Likewise, I think killing is wrong and breeds further killing. -
A very powerful poem. again i can see that you feel very strongly about this subject and i think u've got ur point across to a lot of people. great write
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very powerful political statement you have made with this poem, Thistle and though you will find those that agree and disagree, this poem does exactly what a poem should do in stirring the thoughts and controversy. you did a good job in this.
Jo
P.S.: I don't know if you're into the AP contest thing, but when I recently scanned through myself I believe there's a contest still open which is run by Pinhead requesting poems very much of this type and theme. you may want to check it out, OK? -
Wonderful
Definately a good choice to make this on 'Featured'. It's an amazing write, and you brought your opinion to life. This was captivating to read, I read it three times through with the same reaction each time. It's great, you are a talented writer. I completely agree. I can't think of any changes that you could possibly need to make. Great work. -
A different view.
This is powerful but what about his victims were there people writing poems for them? I think you voiced your opinion well even if I disagree with it. Tookie Williams will not ever kill another person. There are those that do deserve the death penalty and those that are reformed. But we should all think about all the factors and not just one. Most of America disagrees with you but that can be done in a constructive way because this is your right to say it and mine to disagree but still find the piece a good piece of work. -
Your emotions come through on this piece really well! I enjoyed reading it.
Some people want to see 'justice' done. Faire enough, the killing doesn't stop but it keeps their minds at rest - that the killer/rapiest whatever isn't out on the streets. I'm not saying i agree with it but i can see the weird twisted 'logic' behind it. I mean, some people are completely sick - planning an attack to an area where it will cause the most deaths. Maybe people who believe that don't deserve to live...
It's an interesting topic...
Jess
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This is so powerful....filled with rage and perhaps a bit of saddness. You did a wonderful job on this. It gives an outlook on those opposed to the death penalty. Wether I agree or disagree with your point, really doesn't matter. This is amazing. Great Write!
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I liked it. I like how you managed to rag on poeple, and still get your point across. You are one of those poeple that needs to be heard, and will do everything to be heard.
great write -
Thanks melphleg. Call to action is certainly a good road as long as it is done in a spirit of peace rather than perpetuating the violence When the anger takes on the form of retaliatory violence, it becomes part of the problem it is retaliating towards.
Thanks so much for your feedback
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Thanks for the comments, sweethart. I am hoping to get suggestions that will make the poem a more significant read for more people so if you have any ideas that, in your mind would make it better, feel free to elaborate . I will certainly take them into consideration whether I use them or not. I am going to wait till I get an overall reaction to the piece to make any changes, but I would so love to have some changes to consider
Thanks again
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Wow.....very powerful words indeed.I have you give you major props for this one.I think that mire people should hear this poem.It explains your feelings torward the issues today that need to be fixed.I love this poem.Great work and continue to express yourself lyk this!
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Any angry rant for sure, but the end is a call to action to take a stand (or sit). I like the call to action.
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this was very powerful, and i see that you have very strong views on this topic. i like it very much because I also agree with everything that you're saying...although, it is a bit sluggish reading it, because it doesn't exactly flow like a poem...i know it's freestyle, but it just doesn't have a flow to it..i think that with some finetuning, this poem will be simply amazing...keep up the good work....
luve,
sweethart xoxo
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