The Human Condition

This is inspired by a quote from Thomas Jefferson

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.

    Thomas Jefferson

 

 

Kidney thieves, lay in wait with their sharpen knives

gathering to feast upon the decaying flesh of mankind

Wolves show snarling grins, gnawing on bones and scraps

Here in the night, shadows dwell in places the light dare not go

Being blessed with a criminal mind but cursed with a conscious

I find myself upon hands and knees asking why

It’s not faith I seek nor is it forgiveness I need

merely understanding

It is the human condition I suffer with

As I ask why, why do I care at all

 

The tragedy of ever wanting to believe

chains this heart of mine in flesh and bone

But the idea of freedom, true freedom

expends beyond me

I wonder if we ever knew what it is to be free

Or were we born prisoners of a war

we never knew we were in

 

Author's Note

This was inspired by a quote by Thomas Jefferson

Reviews

[Spoken]

your words echo my own voice...

The tragedy of ever wanting to believe

this line stands out the most, it IS tragic to have belief, hope and faith when all you want is escape from your flesh decaying from the depressing truth of this world and the people in it. I am only happy in my dreams, if only i could sleep walk this life...

[Jeremiah Medina]

I feel this...my thoughts reflected... This is a great poem one of the best ive read in a while... the wolves are at the door, its sad...damn good writing.. library is callin...Thanks for the read.... later

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Good stuff Robert but its like Bobby Dylan pointed out, " It may be the devil or it may be the Lord but you're gonna have to serve somebody." and the Eagles said, " So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the keys." I think both songs have truth to them. Well written friend.

[Norma J. Jessee]

I wonder if we even know what real Freedom means anymore. It seems that down through the years it has lost its true meaning. The antonym for freedom is slavery. And aren't we in slavery to our government, for they dictate what we can and cannot do. We merely think we have a say in the laws and other things they put upon us. But we don't. We are only free as long as we obey the government and that is not freedom.

[Dionysus Cain]

i think we were born into a war, a war of good and evil and the goverment is just a big machine designed to swallow up everything.. i dont see obama doing anything for us as americans , yet can america do anything for him... only give him the power to control fools, and these puppets will allow it because they have nothing else to belive in... good poem , i like the thought behind it, different

[An Ordinary Woman]

I love it when your inspired. That is how ya earned your reputation, my friend.


So right you are, give 'em hell and never stop. They world would become too scary if you do. *hugz*

[Nick Erickson]

We were born to be free and there in lies the hope - hope that mankind will not be silent and will speak up when they realize they want more than is before us at this moment. There in lies my hope - hope that people do not falter and fall asleep just because this most un-important election is over. Hope that we will remain awake and focus on the senators and congressmen who make our laws.

Well done.

[Nicole (Carpe Diem)]

i recently watched that HBO miniseries on Jefferson - amazing what they went through to get our country to be our country... and over the years what twists and turns it has taken for better or worse...
it will be an interesting few years seeing what comes out of this election -

fantastic piece of writing - you always make me think when i read your stuff...

[Emily B]

wonderfully expressed. It is beyond Republican and Democrat. It is beyond Obama and McCain. I wonder, too, if we have ever known freedom. Or if we ever will. . .