by Gregg Rowe
Seventeen years ago to the day
Laziness was not a thing of the way
Onward we push until the drugs are approved
Tally the death toll up, to that date
Hear the ghosts of our deceased friend's whispers
Groups of lobbyists shout their views
Line the streets and vomit their spews
Until someone starves from lack of assistance
Then the violence erupts, over the politician's promises
Tomorrow, it will come tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes
Ontario passes the country a million bucks -- divides it by ten
Not enough for this rich country -- while our friends die, and
Yet, they still recite the Ten Commandments to me
AIDS has killed populations upon population of people
Narcissistic government officials hide in pink-painted toilets
Gastronomically stink escapes into the hallways
Envelopes innocents to become brainwashed and complacent
Republicans don't give a damn about minorities
Government officials line pockets with taxpayers money
Refuse to implement programs to help their own citizens
Everyone protests, marches and dies while the
Elected officers continue to promise and lie
Dave dies in the snow last night, and no one even cares
Low roars are heard as we demand acceptance
Under conditions for human respect and dignity
Sex is not the only way to love, you know
Tonight I have candles, champagne and the oil
People awake and begin to question
Reasons behind my ostracization
Individuals waggle and begin to speak, and start a
Dialogue, regroup with their community and begin to scream;
Elated at the progress they have made
Victory happens, our lives are prolonged
AZT is gone and the triple combos have come
Narcissistic looks are unrecognizable in mirrors
Infusion of toxins sucks out the muscles in my cheek bones
The pretty boy of yesterday wears the face of death, and
Yet, they still recite the Ten Commandments to me.
Author notes
Red leaves and silver spoons.
The narrative is spoken from an activist point of view if you wish to read it from the way it was written without trespassing on your freedom of interpretation. It is a historical piece, dating back to the early 1980s when AIDS had become a pandemic and specific communities reacted. In order to accomplish what we did back then, in so short of a period of time, on all levels of this planet, we were definitely carrying the seven deadly sins around with us. Yet, we moved mountains.
The reference about the Ten Commandments is no other than a symbol of the hypocrisy in the way they treated us back then, and are still treating us. I will leave it at that or we will have an essay.
Written April 29th, 2004
In a list
- HIV and AIDS • next in list
- Mending My Muse • next in list
- Gregg's Golden Cups • next in list
- The Honorables • next in list
- Winnie Learns the Alphabet (Acrostics) • next in list
- Can Anyone Hold A Contest??... I Guess So! • next in list
- Pop Culture • next in list
A contest entry
- Society by .
735 points, ended December 29, 2005, 18 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 58 of 58
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wonderful, fantastic...awesome poem this would have to be my favourite line:
Victory happens, our lives are prolonged
AZT is gone and the triple combos have come
Narcissistic looks are unrecognizable in mirrors
Infusion of toxins sucks out the muscles in my cheek bones
The pretty boy of yesterday wears the face of death, and
Yet, they still recite the Ten Commandments to me.
just too good! thank you for entering my contest and good luck!
-quinn -
This is amazing Gregg! I love the way each stanza (each sin) is carefully penned to reflect the charactor traits they so define. Your'e a true wordsmith and I'm sure to check out more of your pieces. Thanks. Bob
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A sign of our times
Complacency is the world of today,as hunger and desease weave on;
and power and greed hides in ivory towers ;ten commandments they
say without listening;their ears do not hear and their eyes do not see ....a prophet said this so true....
only nature can revolt when something is wrong, ..
Hope is what we have ,to make our way inch upon inch ..
The ivory towers will fall, there ,is no hope ,just a false
safety .
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wow this is really great. i am an activistand really agree with a lot of this, great job and good luck
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This was absolutely amazing! It was just...wow. I loved the repeat of the line, "And yet they still recite the Ten Comandments to me". It was so eye-opening. If only people could undertand these things, the world would be better. But predjudice and hatred prevails, and keeps the rest of humanity marching backward. "Republicans don't give a damn about minorities." So true. I just cannot express the beauty of this write. Great job!
~Rhea~ -
Exceptional
This was an exceptional write, brilliant in it's format and flow within that. I also enjoyed reading from the activist point of view. -
Wow, I noticed that your other poem related to this one so I decided to seek this one out
Great write, very well written. Keep writing because this was a really brave and triumphant write
All the best,
Pozo
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that was an awsome poem saying everything you feel is a great way of expressing yourself nad still they recite the Ten commandments to me. loved it
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This is the most complex acrostic I have ever seen, and a very interesting concept (using the acrostic of the seven deadly sins to provide a metaphorical contrast to the poem).
Thanks for entering my contest.
--ACK1013-- -
This seems as if it must have been really hard to write, due to the format which was brilliant. I find it particulary difficult to write poems with a downward scrawling message, like this one here, without them sounding forced. However your poem doesn't seem forced at all, it reads prefectly.
About midway through I'd read a line or stanza and say that one is my favorite, then I'd read a couple more and say no that one's it, so I ended up having too many too count. Great job -
Well written acrostic - very powerful. I'm not much of a fan of acrostics, but thought you did a remarkable job, and I enjoyed reading it.
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A very vivid write. Best wishes... ~genielassie~
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Very cleverly written.
Thank you for entering.
Lisa x -
Oh my... I love it. A lot. Or at least, what I processed of it. Today was my second day of school, which means my second day of new classes (we have ten classes, 5 a day, so today was basically the first day of school all over again)... to put it shortly, my brain is fried pretty bad and therefore processes about half of what goes on. I can still tell, however, that you have an extensive vocabulary and a good grasp of language and word usage. You also did a great job with the acrostic part of it--it's obvious at first that it's an acrostic, and I love the fact that you used to seven deadly sins as the words for it. This was an extremely deep and meaningful poet, and if I get a chance, I will come back when my brain is functioning a little bit better and try to understand more of it. Til then, I need to get to bed, so I'll talk to you later, hehe... buh-bye!
~Kelsey -
wow...amazing...i have never seen an acrostic this deep...then again all your poems are deep and heartfelt...another brilliant write
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Congratulations sweetie on your win..Well deserved
...
bows...
You stud
Great job on this one~I already commented but definitely a piece to read over and over again
and much love~Desire
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Thank you for recognizing this poem for its mertits...difficult write in form sense but am glad I pulled it off and it all makes sense and holds together. gregg
Edited on Jul 30, 1:53 because ''. -
This poem is intense, modest, and insightful. Vivid words with well organization deserves all the praised this poem gets. Its been a while since a good read. This poem was well thought of before being written and I value that in a poet.
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Awesome piece Gregg.........as always~
If I would have known you entered...I would not have even bothered
Stud
Loved it and you are so damn talented...
I need to borrow your brain ok
Best wishes to you in the contest my dear~
and much love~Desire
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This is very good, and descriptive. Well-worded. Wonderful.
I have several more to read, so I plan to keep my comments short. A simple "well done" shall have to do for now.
Good luck.
- Sock -
10/10
**bookmarks** this is amazing
cant say anymore than that
good freaking luck in the contest not like you need it though -
amazing, simply amazing. i like how you put it together. it's sad how society is like that now a days. god bless!
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this is a fabulous poem. It flows together wonderfully. your poem has set my thoughts into a spiral! blessed be.
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A great piece of writing full of worth noting truisms - Did you ever do one on the Ten Commands – The problem with all maters written in the Bible is that it is not really the world of God – It is the word of sometimes well-meaning scribes that collected material here and there along the camel trails 6,000 ago (with later addenda 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born) and then it was combined it into a book – as was The Arabian Nights – These writing were hijacked by the religious clergy much later – all this being in various forms of Arabic – then came the translators that added their own interoperation and spin – and then low and behold you have a Latin – then German and finally English version – Then came the printers and consequently Joe Bloggs got his mass printed edition copy – which is now regarded as the gospel That is why I don’t conform to any particular religion – or take the bible seriously, but have a great affinity with God – who I feel is misinterpreted by all religions - Albert.
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You are so very in touch with reality with this word art. The poem is an astounding example of an acrostic write. The words are profound and true. The touching part for me is the fact that this is done with so much tact. We are all sinners and guilty of these deadly sins and so much more. Too bad we can't begin to emplore some justice and righteousness. Te angel of mercy be with us all for our ruin of the world we were so graciously given to care for and nurture. This poem alone should bear witness to the need for some type of reconstruction of behavior. Excellent work, a winning piece here my dear. Good luck with the contest!
I hope all is well with you or at least good as can be expected.
Many blessings and all my love.
Renee
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wow amazing poem, i loved every part of it...i really like the background as well, it's really beautiful and i think it really adds to the poem, you really have alot of talent and by the amount of comments you've recieved i see alot of ppl agree with me excuse me for not commenting earlier, it's been a hecktic time but i felt horrible i wasn't able to comment on everyones entries, it was a hard contest to judge but i just really enjoyed your piece and wanted to let you no
gina -
This was really interesting to read, not only was the poem great, but it triggered my thoughts over some issues. good job, great write!!
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Gregg - I don't know how many times I have told you, but you're absolutely awesome! It's just amazing how you were able to throw so many important and interesting facts into the seven deadly sins. I liked this very much...you're just incredible!
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All of humanity is guilty of at least one of those. There is not one who is fit to judge. Great job with this. You are still amazing.
~Tawnya~ -
There needs to be an eighth deadly sin, and that is of the “high and mighties” complete lack of regard for the human condition, none of them care until one of their own is shut down, even then, it is governed by what is politically correct instead of morally necessary. Yet they spew morals back at those who have more compassion in their little finger than the government as a whole.
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First of all I must say, this is very cleverly done, I love the style with the sin down the page, it's not easy to write that form of poetry, I know , I've done it and it's it a challenge to come up with those sentences, especially for some of the vowells, lol I rememeber it well
To add to that you've taken some very informative facts and rolled them into a smooth flowing and brilliantly done piece. This piece packs such an impact that you cannot help but to sit and read it over again, slowly, letting it sink it. The bible is hte only book i know that can preach brotherly love and yet condem and look down upon so many types of people at the same time, it's always amazed me. I probably could write a novel on the things flowing through my mind as I read this piece, but I shall save room for the rest of your fans here. Suffice it to say...this is one of the best pieces I've ever read in my entire life....EVER!!! Blessings, Gyspy -
this is an incredible piece of work....i throughly enjoyed reading it--i love the format also....good luck in the contest, and in all your writing endeavors
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cool
I like, and the extra trouble of making an acrostic ....
u must have had some inspiration hehe
commended.
Edited on May 03, 8:13 p.m. because ''. -
WHOA!!
Awesome acrostic~
WOW~
I love this and how you broke it down with powerful words
Bravo to you~
Best wishes to you in the contest~
and much love~Desire
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Nice write.
I like the use of acronyms without making it sound pithy and idiotic - you manage to work in some nice long lines here, which I like. I won't rehash the Ten Commandments bit, since everyone else here has done that so well, but I'd just like to say good luck, and good job.
-Tsurara -
One of the better poems that I have read - en
An incredible piece of work - honest, evocative and strong (That echo with the Ten Com's really worked for me). There is much hipocracy in the world today, especially with regards to PWHA's. Activism is still and ongoing process, and poetry is an excellent medium to make people introduce a different point of view. We all need more awareness. -
Wow.... This was awesome.. I had to read it again.... This was just so brillent and true.. Good Luck in the contest.. Lilli
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This is a great write, I was going to write a longer comment but the internet went down, erasing my comment=( but now back to your poem, this brought up some very good points, and yes the Americans went through the same stuff, and honestly still do, like the rest of the world, Keep up your writing, and let no one bring you down, no matter what they say. ~Peace be with you~ gloomy
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This was awesome. I guess that I will be going to hell, since gluttony and lust is deadly sins. Because I lust over chocolate and glutton on it also. I don't think that is going to happen because I believe really there isn't a heaven or hell, but anyway back to your poem. This was a very powerful write, and bunch of people in the United States went through the same thing. I am sure many people are applauding your heroic prose on this topic. I wish you the best of luck in the contest, friend and mentor.
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I am impressed
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I'm pretty sure gluttony has two 't's'. Fantastic alitieration and incredibly evocative. I like the way you bring history to the front with confrontations. "The seven deadly sins" is a Catholic thing. I've certainly never read that phrase in the bible. But that also goes to prove the hypocrisy of government and "religion".
I'm a Christian. I consider it a lifestyle; not a religion. It's all about a personal relationship with Jesus. I don't need a religious creed clouding up my eyes.
Anyway. That was pretty off topic. I think you've done a wonderful job here and wish you good luck on the contest.
God bless,
Absinthe
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wow this was a raly wall done pome i hope to see a lot moar like it i gtg see you wen i see you by for naw
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that is so weird because at school we are doing this play that has the 7 deadly sins. yup. isnt that weird?
Thats really cool though and I really like it. You did a great job, thats awessome!
Sorry my keyboard sucks, its hard to type, or otherwise I would type more...
GREAT! -
I understand this completely.. when a good friend of mine, who is now dead was diagnosed.. he was a nurse too.. several of his close friends who were mine too.. dropped him like a tonne of bricks.. when I got a chance to meet up.. he told me to bring my marigold washing up gloves and a theatre mask.. so Icould hug him.. so I did.. for a joke. ... I know this is rambling on a bit.. but.. well it just reminded me so much of Mike.. ahhh well.. will get out the old picces and say hello to him again..
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS
~gill~XXX -
Interesting and provocative...especially with the demonic red eyed unicorn in the background. I think I still need to read it a time or two more (I did read it twice...), but I don't have much time right now. You got a lot of stuff in there. I like the continued connection to the ten comandments. Not sure if they directly connect to the piece in any way beyond the reiteration of the hypocracy of it all. Creative incorperation of the accrostic like sins too! A very good and challenging piece.
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I like it also, it opens with an image and carries down in a spiral to the government and people and then back to the individual concerne, mucho gracious mon ami for the help with this!
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To me, it sounds so much better now. And yes... the lust before pride really sounds much better. Bravo dear sir bravo.
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If you are still here come back and read the new version -- please but I kept LUST' PRIDE AND VICTORY together because that was the order in the gay community, in this case, 'lust' is power for the activist, the poem 'should' be read from that point of view to grasp the full meaning, and at that time, an activist lived with the seven deadly sins to succeed in their mandates and obtain services specifically for them
Edited on Apr 29, 7:05 p.m. because ''. -
Grat poem. Gluttony has two "t"s though.
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Hahaha! I didn't even realize that! I was just grouping them so that like... sloth leads to gluttony, gluttony leads to anger, anger leads to greed, greed leads to pride, pride leads to lust, lust leads to vanity... not all in the same equation mind you... it's still an awesome poem and i shall applaud.
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Interesting concept, though I'm afraid that it'll require a few more read throughs before I'll really "get it".
On the other hand, it's definitely worth reading over. There's just so much information crammed into this one, too much for my little brain to handle at one go.
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It's in alphabetically order
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Love the form of the acrostic... about arranging it... if you really want to rearrange it... do it so it's like... sloth- gluttony - anger - greed - pride - lust - vanity... so that they are in a way grouped in some sort of an order... if you must change... lol. never knew greed was up there... always thought envy was? maybe i'm just not all there... lol.
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Sg: I have your number but I hope you do comeback and indulge in it and thanks for the comment about that
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'I'm using reverse psychology and saying that I live happily with the seven deadly sins in my life as an activist, fighting the government 17 years ago when the pandemic of AIDS hit our countries in the west and the government still continues to hang onto the purse strings and pocket the money for themselves instead of helping the sick people with funding. It was a history that was filled with demonstration daily, crowds of thousands and today we now have become paper pushing organizations and complacent towards AIDS. Basically all that in a nutshell while I used the form of an Acrostic to help me with my themes.'
Edited on Apr 29, 3:30 p.m. because ''. -
Hmm...interesting....
I have to read this a few more times to understand the full message...so I'll wait till it's not featured anymore to do that and leave a comment...
But poetry wise....it was a great poem.... -
simply amazing my lord...simply amazing
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hm... interesting, at least. some of your spelling is wrong, and a lot of your stanzas/lines didn't really make sense to me... i don't know what else to say about this, but you invited a critical review. interesting challenge idea, i must say.
hm.
ex oh pseudofemme
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