.
Another day ripped off the calendar and tossed into the can
As many saw the day as pointless and void of meaning,
Just another sunrise followed by the night...
And they stagger home through a hopeless world.
Within their walls, windows are powered up-
And with feet up and hind end well cushioned
They settle in with full belly and cold beverage
to hear the day's atrocities on the evening news...
So many people died today at the hands of others.
Everyone wants what their neighbor has got-
Taking things that they cannot afford
From those who worked hard to bring it home.
Children do not listen to the wisdom
That only comes from the experience of living a life.
Parents want to be liked by their children,
More than they want to raise decent disciplined adults.
Families worship their material possessions
And cannot find time to lend a hand to those that need it,
“Oprah’s on at 4:00, there are Golden Calves to see-
Let us hear how to get through life, from the latest celebrity.”
Days of worship are set aside for shoutin’ and cheering,
As long as there is a game on, or we just got a bite on the line.
“And why should we bother to change our vocabulary
When words are just letters formed to make sounds?”
Commitment to one love is seen as old fashioned,
And broken homes and broken lives fall to the wayside.
Heaven forbid if anyone actually “admits” they are responsible,
In a society that seeks to dodge accountability for personal actions.
Self help books fly off the shelves
Touting the latest “Keys to This...”
Or “Secrets for That...”
Are the rules of life so hard to see?
A blond woman smiles and nods her head goodbye,
And the White House disappears from the screen…
Tonight’s smiling anchor wishes all a wonderful night,
As the remote is clicked and the window is closed.
A mother and father turn out the lights.
And with a quiet slow shuffle down the hall-
They peek into a room... our future is there...
Breathing softly, and dreaming deep.
Above the little bed
in crayon strokes
Upon white paper-
Ten little lines...
That guide and direct
And strengthen this family-
By setting the plan of how to live
As the calendar unfolds in the morn...
Author notes
Written June 6th, 2006
A contest entry
- Ten Commandments Contest by Arrant Faith.
500 points, ended June 28, 2006, 17 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
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This is very a very intersting piece. I think it will reach even those who do not understand Gods laws.. and help them enter into HIS eternal kingdom. Good luck and God Bless.. Debby
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dear presence,
you have created a masterpiece of wisdom.
wisdom not spoken through abstract concepts or high-flying ideals, but wisdom incarnate, wisdom integrated in day-to-day life.
words which offer each reader the opportunity to make a check-up on his or her own present life-situation and to verify his or her values that he/she bases his/her life onto.
a treasure indeed.
for which I thank you wholeheartedly,
mariananda
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This is powerful and well crafted. The social commentary is strong and the scene you paint at the end of the poem is perfect. We need those ten little lines for the future of our precious children. Well done. Thanks so much for entering our contest. - joanne
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Social commentary, spiritual commentary, you cover all the bases here. These scenes are played out around the world, in their own level. Wondrous word usage, and a wondrous piece of literature, Presence!
peace
doug
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"They peek into a room... our future is there...Breathing softly, and dreaming deep..." An amazingly profound & gifted penning, Presence; I am most impressed by the obvious heartfelt efforts that went into the composition of this piece, my Wise Friend...This has a quiet sense of solitude & gratitude about it...it makes us pause & ponder our own existence...there are many layers that require us to unveil our own thoughts in perspective...good imagery & verbiage, grand flow...There are many intricate layers that comprise this penning, all of which are well~worth the discovery...a precise & elaborate poem, filled with the urgency of the fire that caused you to write this...Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with all of us here...Well done, Scribe...
Wanda
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Bravo!
Just another sunrise followed by the night...
On into eternity!
I no longer try to wonder why
for me it's simple do or die...
This was a big think dear Presence, I'm light-headed from it. Jane -
Is it about rules or is it about just trying to be a conscious human being.~ A being who can feel and respond.
So often, people become more confused than ever,trying to follow rules, to the point where they no longer think for themselves but just follow blindly along "because it is written".
Inside us somewhere, we do have the ability to make heart-felt descisions; To choose kindness over anger; to choose peace rather than war.
Its up to each individual to make these descisions from their own hearts regardless of their religious education and quite regarless of whether they enjoy a night at home watching TV.
Well, thats my rave, dear Presence.
It was an awesome poem. BRAVO!! Love, Tara
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I personally found this a very arresting write -You have managed to describe a typical scenario unfolding itself with all it's ingredence of everyday routine for a few ,with such skill that it grips the reader from the beginging to the end- a lot said with appealing simplicity-'Parents want to be liked by their children,More than they want to raise decent disciplined adults.'-so true -'Are the rules of life so hard to see?'- I have enjoyed this poem in totality and really appreciate the message it has
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Your indignation is well understood, and there are a great many who would and do agree. I think this country and the world, however, has far too many problems, and is uncertain how they are to be solved. I think people are looking forward to the Apocalypse, if such a thing exists. I cannot trust in too much of what is said, or what as been said. But I am rambling. YOu have written a very fine piece, dear Presence. Your light shines ever brilliantly!!
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more words of wisdom from a wise man
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Beautiful
Ahhhh, Presence, how thy name brings joy to my heart! So many to tell, yet they shy away in embrassment when words are spoken from the heart. Is it guilt or is it that mankind has become too comfortable in this world of today! Your message always makes my soul sing! 
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Excellent
With a very unique approach and excellent phrasing, you have shown the world what happens when God's Law is not front and center with our lives and those of our children. Thank you so much for entering our contest and supporting God's Law of Blessings. Best wishes!
Love and hugs, B♥nnieQ
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2 thumbs up
Poetic art is what you have writen. It beautifully writen. It's true about parents, children, and society. You have done a wonderful job with this piece. -
What a wonderful job you did on this piece! I really liked the stanza regarding parents wanting to be "liked" by their children. Struggling with a teen as they find their way in this world, its best to be a parent and guide them and teach them right from wrong rather than sugar-coat life and be their best friend! Only one can be that, and that's Jesus! Thanks for sharing this!! Best of luck to you in the contest...a sure winner! God bless you! Noble1
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I really enjoyed this piece. Its masterfully written, and though I usually don't like rhyming, its very well done. Good luck in the contest.
Always,
Chelsea
xxx
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