The Martyrs

 

So where does the love of God go

when the days turn minutes to hours

Just whose house has God been visiting

when followers hurl rocks not flowers

 

What do we teach our children so well

precious lessons of Christ, we all follow

Condemning the young that chose abortion

so God's teachings will ring out but hollow

 

Where are the mighty gifts of forgiveness

shoulders to cry on, for families that fail

Instead they cast stones of the malcontent

on the lord's children that they assail

 

Perhaps it would serve us all better

if we could call a spade a spade

Then point the finger of hypocrisy

at the army of heretics they’ve made

 

Take a walk to the washing basin

look to the mirrored reflection of pain

Soap will never wash away the ignorance

or the ugly hatred and stench that remain

 

Shame be on us for these things

as we shall reap what we do sow

You can't teach love and tolerance

with every gun and with every blow

Tate

 

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Author's Note

I'm sorry but if I am to believe the Martyrs I would have to concede that Almighty God needed lowly me to punish the unclean. As he was unable to do it himself. Well where is the God of Noah that with a wave of his hand flooded the world? If he was that ineffectual I think I would go looking for enlightenment somewhere else.

The quintessential question remains by what right do any of us claim divine guidance? There comes a point where judgment is beyond us and we have to leave these things to the individuals involved. Our personal beliefs have no right being imposed on others rights or beliefs. I only wish Twain were still alive as I am sure his witticisms and opinions would be most welcome by the truly enlightened. Protecting the rights of other peoples unwanted children and paying to raise the majority of them through the state will never alleviate the conscience that we offend by our insensibility .!

Reviews

[Charles]

I'm afraid that this is one of those poems (along with the pictures and author's comments) whose moral lesson overwhelms the written word. The only thing I don't like about it is the ambiguity (of course, that might be the whole point of the poem) - I mean, it's hard to tell which side of the equation the author is on, not that it matters for technical purposes. There are a few of those 'strained' lines created to force a rhyme, that I don't much like, and an irregularity in the way the 'God' words are capitalized that is distracting, and a few apostrophes that are missing. The first stanza is the strongest followed at a bit of distance by the third and fourth. Good effort and a bit of morality on the side. :-)

[Wolfe Greytome]

This is a very strong piece. I, too, will avoid addressing the issue that is at the core of this piece and address comments to strictly technical matters. You have a very solid format that you adhere to very well. Your wording is appropriate and strong without being overly inflammatory. Overall, a well written piece.

[The Perfectionist]

That's the danger of a religious piece. The people who are passionate about it always come out of the woodwork. I'm going to do my level best to ignore the undercurrents and just judge this poem on its own merits.

You have rhyme, but little rhythm. The flow is broken up along the way by lines that are longer or shorter than the rhythm dictates they should be. You're also missing apostrophes in "God's" and "the lord's".

I'm going to leave my own personal view on the issue out of it, but the content is fine. The word choice is strong and the tone is forceful without being overbearing. It's a solid write all around.

[Lena M. P.]

There is a lot wrong with the world and in religion but in your own words you can't judge others for what they believe. Yet you did so here. If I believe in the right to abortion or not, I also have the right to voice those views aloud. I am also tired of the few saying, you cannot pray in public, you cannot voice your opinions, you cannot smoke, you cannot drink, you cannot eat what you want or cook it the way you want to, or you can't be fat, or you can't read what you want. Where does the can't stop and the can's begin. I hear what you are saying and you too are given the right to voice your opinion. Whoa be the day when the can't outnumber the cans.

[JENY]

Very true….
I wish there were a few more persons..in this world…
Who think like this…
Tate, sir, you are a diamond….!!!

[Kayla_May]

this is a really great write =]

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Interesting thoughts that you have penned in this one...Go for it...Sunflower

[Star Wolf]

Well said.

[Ruth]

Whatever light we choose to follow, this still rocks! xx

[Donna DeLong Matthews a..]

Well I sent you a reply and I dont think WC likes it being done this way for I dont
see it here..... Oh well I guess maybe you werent supposed to read what I had to say
it was not negative... Just me and my feelings... and for you to not let people ruffle
your feathers.