Is my march in the ranks of pharisees
who raise a fist in willful ignorance
and lift their banners so self-righteously,
while chanting mantras in a fevered trance?
A self-important strut, a focus lost,
those hallowed words in red all but ignored,
the world's derision is the shameful cost
of marching in religion's rabid horde.
"Protect me, Jesus, from Your followers!"
This is the consequence of zealotry,
of "Christians" as misguided crusaders,
who pound the Book and scourge humanity.
I'd like to weep as scales fall from my eyes;
I've held hands with the devil in disguise.
Author notes
Inspired by this quote: "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." (Sinclair Lewis)
This was by far the most difficult piece I've yet written. I am an individual of deep faith. That faith has not been shaken, but I've had to open my eyes to some hard truths.
To the contest host: I took this in a slightly different direction than what you may have intended. I hope it's still okay for the contest. That quote made me think hard.
A contest entry
- Fascism in America by ecrivain01.
650 points, ended January 3, 2008, 10 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
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Congradulation on silver this was a hard one to write. Very good
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Brilliant! The sorry truth.
This poem reminds me so of Jesus and his words: I want mercy and not sacrifice. How he used to call the Pharisees and Sadusees, hypocrites, How he hated the way they heaped rule upon rule onto the people, and yet, they were not willing to keep the smallest of laws. They were so concerned with their man-made traditions, they forgot the weightier things, like love, mercy, forgiveness. You nailed these thoughts with your words. How sad that so many 'Christians' still follow their lead, just a personal thought here. ---- My personal rational,
Our loving, just, merciful God is not, as some teach and believe, an unjust, merciless, unloving, unforgiving God. I think the teaching of eternal torment in hell is another man-made tradition the modern-day Pharisees use to keep their flocks in ignorance. Blind guides leading the blind. I'm so sorry for going on and on, but your poem brought all of these feelings out of me. Very powerful and beautiful, and TRUE sonnet. God bless you and congradulations. Please forgive me if I have over-stepped your faith ? -
Will would be proud
That his sonnets form is used for such a strong and beautiful message. Clearly the greatest strenth of the Christ is His humility. Great job Carrie
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Bob, one of my fears when I first posted this was that my message would be lost or misunderstood because of the topic. I'm very happpy to see that wasn't the case. Thank you for commenting, and for "getting" it!
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You are always so word perfect and explicit, and this is amazing both in its strength of topic, rhyme and reason. All the world have need of a flag and a cross right now and we also should take up the chant,it is harmless but effective if we want it badly and hold together as we should,
More of this please, for Him to see and hear.
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The previous two people just said everything I was thinking. I am not all in faith but I do think God means love for all people no matter who you worship. Just keep your faith and then you will find happiness.
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This is an important if not inconveniant truth for those who should have understood religions intent. Not just Christians. Those who skew the basics of all religious beliefs in efforts of self serving,self gratifying personal profit.Those who instead of finding a message of compassions wish to steal the thunder of prophetic verse as a means to powerful control unintended by the word of God. I see your ability to hold fast in your faith and belief rather than any self examination of your faith as others have stated."You go girl"!! You have maintained the essence of sanity here in the face of the unholy misguided and twisters of faith and fate.Bravo!
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Actually ...
you've done a fine job, with one exception. This line:
who'd pound the Book, than love humanity.
doesn't work for me. Those people are not Christians, although they pretend to be so they can fool the foolish into supporting them, but they definitely do NOT love humanity. They love only themselves, and despise all other human beings. Actually, they believe themselves to be the only true humans. They consider all the rest of us to be subhuman. They do pound the pulpit, but I have never seen one of them "pound" a Bible.
Other than that one line, this is very good.
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That was pretty much my point in the line, though I agree I need to reword it. "Pounding" the Bible was a reference to their well-deserved title of "Bible-thumpers", those who'd rather beat people with the words than follow the Book's teachings themselves, thinking themselves above reproach.
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how about
rather pound the book than love humanity ?
Just a thought. -
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Trapped by syllables, I am
, but I've altered it.
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Yep ...
that works.
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This is by far one of the better piece i have read recently, yes you speak to truths that many people would shy away from, but we all must be wise enough to carry on our respective faiths but recognize the difference between God and Mans aspirations, well done many Bravos for you
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Excellent Writing
Jesus said the worst about the Pharisees. Vipers, He called them. There is too much deception in the church from many who are not true Christians. God knows who they are. Wolves in sheep's clothing. One I suspect who does not seem to have a heart is the "Compassionate Conservative." http://allpoetry.com/poem/3742040
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It seems to tell the story of at least a slight shift in what you believe. Takes courage to do that.
Interesting write because of the inner conflict you must have felt. You were honest with yourself.
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I like this sonnet, very nice work in form. The beauty of the confession allows one to question oneself honestly. I agree with "those hallowed words in red all but ignored". Those red words include "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Your sonnet could help more to understand that no one can throw stones.
Best of luck!
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An impassioned and deeply self-questioning sonnet which should make all so-called Christians consider the consequences of blind fundamentalism. An exceptional piece of writing--very well done.
Bill
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