To live, we have to see ourselves as good,
So brain takes over, saying,"I am great".
Our mind's-eye feeds the ego, sets the mood
To keep it self-sustaining, full of hate.
We truly hate each person not like "me"
And think of them a lesser sort of soul
Because they have not had our pain, you see.
They're not religious, have not been made "whole".
They do not love our saviour, are not "saved".
Their skin is not the colour of bleached kale.
Look at their politics, or how they've raved,
Or got what they are wearing in a sale.
He takes hard drugs, and she is much too fat.
They give their kids away to social care.
Still hearing mirror tell us " I'm all that"
We leave our social circle almost bare.
How 'bout the alcoholics that abuse,
Or ailing pro's who die out in the night?
We turn our backs and blindly just accuse
Drug-ridden kids who cannot help their plight.
The great unwashed, the posh, the rich, the dead,
We still come up with other titles, names,
While ego still plays "sicko" in our head
And makes us think we're perfect, plays more games.
Then what of all the ones that are depressed?
We wouldn't let ourselves get such as they.
The hypochondriacs, the ones repressed?
We wish the world would make them go away.
For we are perfect in our little world.
Our ego tells us that it must be thus.
How dare we leave our thoughts of hate unfurled
To keep us from defining the real "us".
Compassion, smiles and love are all that count
When we seek to account for who we are.
To give and not to take in large amount
Gives purpose, helps make love instead of war.
It's not about religion, votes or "right",
Nor yet to have our neighbours praise our deeds.
It's all about reflecting to our sight
What future generations sow as seeds...
Author notes
"PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN POINT OF VIEW"
I think what I am covering in the poem touches on prejudice, religion, ignorance,culture, racism and other social issues but religion is the only word I have used in the poem as a prerequilite to entering it.
I suppose what I am really writing about here is how we decieve ourselves into thinking we are luckier than some and better than most, and who are we to make such judgements? We all share a world that isnt' going to last until we learn to work together equally.....
Written March 27th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- "There is no way to peace; peace is the way." by Proxy.
300 points, ended August 20, 2005, 11 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
-
This is the kind of message I look for and like. The idea behind this piece knows no bounds, if you know what I mean - it's timeless, and it covers people of all backgrounds. Human nature is a very interesting thing, if you sit back and take a look at it, and obviously you have. Personally, I think the key word in there is compassion...a very important word that sometimes gets left out of our vocabularies. What you have is a very intelligent point, and I think that's where this piece has it's greatest worth.
As for the structure of your poem, I like how you used a basic rhyme scheme and I think overall you did a nice job with it. I think that cinnamon-spider was correct in saying some of the lines seem "inflexible", or just not quite rhythmic. Honestly, it happens. Sometimes it's hard to be concise when you're limited by a rhyme scheme. With this, you got your point across clearly.
Thank you for your incredible patience with me. I should have post-poned starting this contest, but I didn't. I also should have just closed it when I started reading entries, but I also didn't do that. I do apologize and I hope you accept it.
Love, Amy -
AMEN! Judging others is so cruel, not only for them but ourselves too. And we judge ourselves more harshly. Our ego... takes us for a twisted ride and then smashes the merry go round(our spirit) and then we hop on the next ride. So much truth in your poem. I'm glad you wrote this and brought it out in the open. It is time to face life and push through all the lies. That is my perception anyway. Thank you so much.
-
I really enjoy reading this. I'm going to read it again.
I am putting you on my favorites list for this. -
Good write darlin. Much thought went into this endeavour. I am now old but can remember living with some of those prejudices, but when you get old they seem to matter less. You did a great job Ginger and thank you for commenting on That Dark Knight. Loveya, jean
-
Oh so much like the pharisee's in Jesus' day. It's true many Christians live that way, and non-Christians as well. Looking no farther than themselves. I can see why you call this your best write. It is Wonderful. I really appreciate it. It's like your holding up a mirror to those who pass and ask them, "What do you see?"
~Bezoar -
bravo. this is a truly wonderful poem, in subject and in form. i see i am going to love your work. i very much appreciate and respect the attitudes expressed in this piece. another excellent write.
-
excellent
This poem is wonderful, absolutely fantastic. Masterful!!!!! i love it. -
There's nothing wrong with believing we're luckier than others, because the fact is, some people are luckier than others, or at least, it certainly seems that way sometimes. Regardless of that though, this is one helluva write, and good luck in your contest.
-
This is a good one, and the rhyme didn't seem forced; a rare ability, I have found, on this site.
To criticise though, I thought that some of the lines seemed slightly 'inflexible', as if they were ordinary speech, rather than lines of a poem. For example "Or got what they are wearing in a sale." just jars slightly, breaks down the rhythm.
Also, the repetition of 'us' in the anti-penultimate stanza seemed slightly clumsy.
But overall, a very good poem. -
now that is some total hehehe wanna swap
my lego is going to fall over soon, i am sure it is. i am far from perfect. i think i have mansged fect though. i just open my eyes and the world is there. 
-
You have fully defined one of the ugliest points in human nature, and held a natural rhyme scheme too, very impressive! As a case in point I found myself thinking, while reading your poem "well of course I'm better than those racists she's talking about," but you're exactly right, who are we to judge that? great job.
-
Beautiful and Powerful
The was awesome. I think this is definatly one of the best poems i have ever read. You are an amazing and talented writer. I hope to read more from you! -
Excellent
WOW very beautiful and powerful. It was great to read something worth reading. Thank you for sharing and keep them beautiful writes coming.
-
the best
Yes, I think this is a great write. You have some excellent insight and point of views. Keep writing. I'd lvoe to continue to read your writing.
Great job. Writing saved my lfie, never quit!!
-
Ah. I am reminded of the truth. And the truth I do admire. So true...I've even thought that way before...but now I'm better, thank...well...I was gonna say thank god just out of habit...then I remembered, I'm agnostic...so anyways...great job...
-
you are so right...compassion is something which way too many people don't have. everyone needs to realize that we are all products of our enviroments, and that it is difficult to be anything but what you were socialized to be. not impossible, but difficult. we all just need more love.
excellent write, and viewpoint.
-
I agree wholeheartedly with your poem. I mean, look back to the past... the Holocaust is what we're studying in History now.... grrr.. it just makes me so angry!! But still, look to now.. well thats basically what your poem is saying and i truly hope this changes someone's point of view. Good luck in the contest!!!
~notte -
Oh my goodness.
I very much applaud this write.
This is truley TRUE.
You WAYYYYY deserved the Gold on this poem hun.
I am honored to read it.
Thanks. -
wow nice poem the rhymes are great the flow is so smooth and the message it sends out is incredably tru! keep up the great work!
MaRyJaNe -
"So brain takes over, saying,"I am great"." sounds oh so familiar! I really enjoyed reading this poem and felt I could really relate to it. The idea of equality works well with the belief that all we are is energy excited to such a point that it solidifies into matter; all there really is is energy. Of course people have given names to this energy...
-
Id, Ego, Super Ego...I have never seen it so beautifuly and artisticaly written ....you have just found another admirer of that wonderful , gelatious matter called yuor brain...I will enjoy rambling through your thoughts in the days that follow , I am adding you to my favorites , if I may
shastadaisey123 -
Insightful
Hi Gingerandhoney:
Yes we do deceive ourselves on a daily basis. However, these deceptions are based on the values that we accept or develop as we move through life. Sometimes these values change and our perceptions change. Others will never change as they are reinforced to the point of being engrained in our very fabric. You have written a very true and thought provoking write, however there is some room for change in all of us, whether good or bad. I appreciate this write and applaud your boldness in putting down in print. Bill -
definately deserving of first place!...a wonderful poem that shows great depth of thought and sentiment...bravo and congratulations!!...hugs...leanne xxx
-
i agree...this deserved to win..a excellent poem with a excellent message...great job!!
~*~Blu~*~ -
bravo
this totally deserved the gold!
~liz -
This is a profound poem. The mind does play tricks on us and makes the ego grow. There is a wonderful melodic tone to this poem. It has the message of hope, and reccommendation to tell "evil thoughts" to take a back seat. Sometimes I think(no pun intended), further than that, I feel that we are afraid to see the goodness, we are afraid to live in the light, it just might be good. Your poem surpasseses the ages, it's truth would ring true for any generation. I am highly lifted by the contents of this poem. The flow is even and stealth, and the rhyme is rhythmic to my ears. Just wonderful. Thanks for entering. I must say, you make the judging even more of a task.
Much Love,
Renee
-
Fantastic
This poem is wise, wonderful and musical to the ear. Blessings to you, you have a great talent. Good luck in the contest. -
A very thought-provoking poem that touches on relevant social issues. The poem also has a natural flow about it that keeps the reader's attention. Someone once said "it is not our darkness that we fear, but our light"...and I do believe that generosity is one of the highest forms of development - to give and accept because it is our choice. Well-written! Being a social worker I can identify with the content and deeper message of this poem!
-
excellent
ABsolutley perfect in form, rhyme, and meter. And the subject rocks me on my heels with its profundity and timeliness. I always know great poetry when I read it...it makes me think, "Damn, I wish I'd written that."
-
This reflects good values...thanks for this, and good luck.
-
this poem is very true to life. i love your viewpoint. it was beautifully written. being blunt in today's society is hard and you say the truth.
He takes hard drugs, and she is much too fat.
They give their kids away to social care.
Still hearing mirror tell us " I'm all that"
I love those lines!
Nikki -
Wow, this poem really speaks in volumes. I was just floored reading it. It covers everything it the world. The fourth stanza really touched me. Good luck in the contest!
-
Well said! I liked how for once the problems of the world were not blamed on the "other" people who cause all the problems but ourselves. Very... real in its simplicity and bluntness. You explained your thought well. I liked the simple format, it fit the mood of this poem better than any rigid form, or perhaps even free verse would have. Very clearly stated and well done.
~Cole -
AMAZING!!
oh wow that was sooooo beautiful and very true i think its so amazing that you can put those thoughts into words -
AWESOME
OMG, this is an AMAZING poem!!! It is SO true, so real! I can't believe the things I see in school some days, it's all so completely overwhelming. I happened to accidentally click on the link to this poem, & I'm glad I did! Awesome work!
~BleedingBlack.:. -
Verry good write. I fell this poem sheads some light on the inner workings of our brain, as well as sharing some truths on life. i liked the rhym sceme. even though it was a basic form, i think you used it very well.
-Bri -
Great write and you have a whole lot of applauses i have never seen a poem with that many and i will give you another one while i am at it!
-
Squee!
This is amazing! What a beautiful and bold poem!
I love it!
Thank you so much for sharing that :-) -
intriguing.
"We still come up with other titles, names,
While ego still plays "sicko" in our head"
that whole line about the ego sent chills up my spine, for some reason. clever use of detail and choice of words. -
this is a wonderful poem... i really enjoyed reading it and i completely agree with what you are saying.... wonderful idea! keep it up and good luck with the contest
~av
-
Too thougtful far too thoughtful, i is too tired too tired.
Thanx for getting me to read this not that you got me to.... but yeah haha yada.
I dunno what im chatting about im in such a state right now, tired state. Yah yah. nighty night good poem.
Nokie xx. -
Awesome! I catch myself judging people. And I tell myself "What do I know what is in their heart?" The only judge is the Man upstairs.Thanks for sharing and good luck in the contest.
-
Very good poem, very descriptive.
-
Amazing
Exceptional and brilliant. Everything it represents and what you wanted to say came across so well...proves the grass is not always greener, and the worlds problems are global. Racism and prejudice of any kind is evil and should be banished forever..
Beautiful rhyme and flow
Hooray!!
HSH x -
Bery good write!
-
I don't really have anything to say that hasn't been said, but WOWWOWWOWWOWWOWWOWWOWWOWWOW!!! Amazing, and BRAVO for taking a stand on this. If there's one thing that we as humans should not tolerate, it's intolerance. We should misunderstand those who refuse to understand. If you're going to be a bigot, hate those who know better and still say that they're the best. Well, don't hate anybody...but you see what I mean ;-) I would applaud you, but I already used mine up for today :-( So I'll try and come back later.
-
I wish u lots of luck in the contest and i love the poem its great. i wish that lots of hateful and judgemental people would think of it the way u wrote it in the poem. though i know i judge at least i know that i am wrong and except it but some people just dont understand. but wutever lots of luck love the poem and i applaud u!!!!! bravo lol
-
This is magnificently written, with wonderful meter and rhyme, and a great many excellent lines. Very original a well, and an exposure of the "holier than thou" attitude so prevalent in our society. I don't agree with every word, but excellently written, nevertheless.
Best wishes,
Moses -
Good luck in the contest. You did a wanderful job on this poem. It was lovely. Great Work. Hope to read more soon!
-
you are so welcome... gingerandhoney... mmmmmm yummy!
-
You speak the truth. This is SO well done... best of luck to you in the contest!
Stephi
-
Superb
I hear you loud and clear! It flowed well and the rhyming was perfect. Beautiful job! -
It's very true. It's a great write. It has a great flow and rhythm, and the rhyming doesn't sound too forced either. Good job!
~>Tu Leona<~ -
I have to say very excellent write and I applaud you on it... That was brilliantly written!!! From imaigne27
-
Thank you for your very kind comments ms-cuddles, I really appreciate it.
-
extremely moving
Brilliantlly done! I love the way you put the world's problems out in the open like that, from inside of one's head. As if it were you with the problem which I don't believe. I believe that you have a beautiful heart. I can tell by your poem and auther's comments. Good Luck to you! -
Thank you for your positive comments Cinara, really appreciated.
-
Glad you enjoyed it XxdeadlykissxX, and ty for commenting.
-
I appreciate your taking the time to comment Flagrancy, thank you.
-
Thank you DancingKat for your kind words and fr the applause. I appreciate it.
-
Thank you SurrealistPoet for your very encouraging comments on my poem.
-
Quite a heavy topic you have taken on with open heart, flinging your arrows straight to the core of the matter. Well done, my friend. Very well done.
-
true ture true!!! wow that was so true and I loved it!!! great write!! awsome!! it was so real and true and....so great!!! hehe i think I'm going to read it again! mmwwwaaahahahaaa! lol! okay ill stop writing now.....lol...
great poem -
This is so true..good luck in the contest and this was a great write to share.
-
WOW. This is very skilled work, I can see your effort in those written work. Loved how you've been so real and true in this piece, Got down to the real dirt on the subject. No flaking around. That's really impressive stuff!
-
Very, very, VERY well done... I cannot believe how true this poem is.. I wish so many people could read that.. maybe it would change a few points of view.. but then again, the poem is about having your own. You touched down on so many different things here, its hard to say which one was described best. You did a fabulous job! I loved it! Thanks so much for sharing!! God Bless!
-
you've earned it. I just wish I could think of important type stuff to write about. Yeah.
-
Thank you for your good wishes and kind comments xEdGe0fSaNiTy. I really appreciate it.
-
I'm glad you liked my poem BizzarreProjekts, and thank you for being so possitive in your comments.
-
great
i really like this poem. it perfectly displays society at its worst (and most realistic, unfortunately). you're a great poet! good luck in the contest, and keep on writing
-
wow....look at all those applauses.....**stands in awe***
**snaps back to his senses**But yeah, you definately earned them! Never has a poem rang more true than the words you have just written. You are truly a credit to the poets art! For this, I salute you!
--Brooks The Great
(aka BizzareProjekts) -
anytime
its a treat just to read your poem... it is very nice... i see where Horus8 has a point but i like it just the way it is dont ever change!
~jewel -
I appreciating you haviing commented on my poem Unspecified, thank you.
-
Thank you Canadian Poet, I appreciate your comments.
-
At least I can always count on an honest opinion with you Horus8. The subject matter for me was immensely challenging, as I'm sure everyone in this contest found, so I just did the best I could with it, and it would be a weird world if everyone liked it or agreed with it. lol
-
hmm..interesting thoughts here. i'd say the most noticeable topic in this piece is the prejudice aspect, but i see all the others you mentioned as well. nice work
-B'Jot -
this is a great poem i enjoyed reading it i completely agree with what you are saying.... wonderful idea! keep up the excellent work and good luck with the contest (it is in a contest right?) lol great job!
~jewel -
You know I think you are an amazing writer, but I totally disagree with you, and believe that this poem only succeeds in shooting itself in the foot. I've done the same thing with poems of a similar ilk of mine.
-
Thank you DS Chick for commenting. I really appreciate it.
-
Thanks for sharing this poem. I really enjoyed reading it. It's true, the words you have said here. Good luck in the contest!
Ash
-
No one is immune mbrace, that is the whole point of the poem. Thank you for commenting though.
-
I understand perfectly and agree with what you say in your comments blondoverblue, it is all about fine lines and how we walk them. I appreciate your comments. thank you.
-
I thought this piece has some very interesting points in it.
In fact I thought it spoke well, but still had some prejudice in it of your own lol.
In reply to blondeoverblue : Going to church once a week doesnt make you better than anyone else or a good person..that is religion. Im a christian, have been for 12yrs, but my church is with the street kids, druggies, alcholics, abused etc everyday...take a read of my authors page if you dare and see where I came from. A good person always does what is right and sacrifices part of themselves for others..doesnt necessarily mean they are perfect either..for they are still human just like you, and will make mistakes..but they keep trying and learning. It is what we do for others without judgement or critising that makes us good people..everyone is just at different levels, and most christians need to realize this also.
-
Indeed to thine own self be true... As an atheist I sometimes get some stick from the good christian folk on this site but going to church once a week doesn't make you a good person necesarily! Everyone has prejudices, its just human nature to hang with people who are of a like to yourself. But the difference is, that although we all have these feelings some know how to keep them to theirselves.Very thought provoking piece. Thank you Ginger&honey
Kat
-
Yep, chasingtheday we can all dream......... Thank you for commenting and making me smile.
-
i'm not sure the world will ever learn to work as one, there'll always be people who think they are better or worse. but to dream of such finery, now that's a good thing
-
I'm glad you liked it Stuff378. I appreciate your comments.
-
Thank you Liz, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
-
I dont mind, in fact I'd be honoured rgriffes. Thank you . I appreciate your comments.
-
I really appreciate your comments Razors-Edge.
-
No accounting for people maryannde. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it.
-
Thanks for commenting horus8. I appreciate it.
-
I'm sorry dear, but that was just damn scary.
-
A-
wow I really enjoyed this piece. Good work! -
let me join the fan club...
excellent piece!
~liz -
Wonderful!
Wow! I am overwhelmed by this poem. Gee, why can't I write like that. I would like to add you to my favorite authors if you don't mind. I applaud this piece. -
An excellent write. The craft, the imagery, and the message are all very powerfully written. I could feel the wieght of unseen crosses baring down upon those who chose to understand what you are asking, what you are saying. This is abeauitiful write. I am better for reading this.
-
Prejudice in all forms seems to show one assumes superiority over another. I am convinced though, that in spite of it all, when they look in the mirror...they see less than perfect, less than superior. Its an ugly lie they presume and exhume from the ugliest places in their hearts, but they tell it nonetheless.
Excellent piece of writing...
Best of luck...
Mary ann -
It was difficult to know which way to approach it that's true, this contest really challenged. I'm glad you liked it.
Adding your comment:
44 old applause
