Disillusioned

I watched our world through pale pink hues

which lifted me, brought me delight.

I'd marvel at the glory seen,

was blind to all the ghouls of night.

But sadly I then grew in years

and drank from waters of life's well,

with clearer vision I saw vice

that makes this earth a torrid hell.

The more I searched the more I found,

the havoc caused by human hands.

Sad innocents who have no say

who perish as the grains of sand

slip through the timer of my life.

What faith I had when I was young

has dissipated in the sun

along with all the hymns once sung.

The hymns I sang in thankful praise,

those hymns I sang through my own choice

for Him I loved but do not hear.

I do not hear his absent voice.

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah Chris once those rose tinted spectacles have lost their tint we see things for what they are. And being one who is an anti creationist (I used to to do the weekly mass thingy!) I see no god waiting to pronounce our everlasting joy at his side. You capture a tone in this one that conveys sadness amd disappointment, although I sense you have more hope than this lets on.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts here John. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

I can feel that disillusionment, the despair the sadness, it’s not a perfect world nor is it safe in man’s hands.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit Andrew, your thoughts are much appreciated. Have a good week-end :)

[Dave]

Chris - the questions you raise I suppose are eternal. More, or less along those lines I wrote a short story, posted here "Strange Visitor". The visitor is Death and he and the man discuss, I believe, some of the issues you raise. You might enjoy it - I hope.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dave. I will have to pay you a visit and read. Hope all is good with you and your family. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

Thank you and it is thank God.

Take care =- Dave

[gram linski]

Un fortunately Chris, Christians are the last ones to find out they've been had, the secret is to dive in and enjoy, good poem

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks gram for your thoughts and visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

A brilliant poem that questions Faith or should I say man-made religions. There is a difference between the two. Religion too often has been used to control and subjugate ( nothing to do with God ). Faith on the other hand would be to believe in something you can't see.
As a product of the 60's I questioned religion as a useless tool long past any relevance and yet I maintained a belief in a Supreme Being. I now regularly attend a Baptist church and I find my old beliefs still bubble close to the surface.

The world needs to remember that we may not believe in God...but he still believes in us.

A good write, Chris...keep listening.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted for your thoughts. My ears are always open.

Chris

[Onlyme]

The wonder of rose-tinted glasses. How they really do cloud or vision and judgement at times. Beautifully expressed, heartfelt poem. That so many can understand and relate to.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dawn for your visit. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I too do not hear the voice of the church i had rammed down my throat and was indoctrinated in; but faith is there of a different kind now i must admit, although it has no name i know in has purpose.
Maybe in this more enlightened and free world we dare to make our own decisions now and have no fear of a mighty force condemning us to burn in hell ?

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella, interesting to hear your views.

Chris

[AYVID N]

This is a time when many are forsaking their faith and belief. We question life more now than ever before and it is only right to do so. Yet, there are times of despondency when I really want to believe. Knowing everything, we still wish to believe. A beautifully written poem Chris, with great rhyme and meter and awesome emotion felt in every verse.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear DIVYA, you have interpreted my lines so well. There are indeed times when I envy those who do believe. I wish I could be them. A strong faith can be a great source of comfort. Without it, you have to find your own. That's not easy.

Chris

[AYVID N]

I agree...those with unshakable faith are usually blissful, less lonely and even healthier in ways. I oscillate between doubt and faith...I do try my best to keep believing...It helps my anxiety.

You're welcome Chris! It always wonderful to read you.

[Perdition]

Oh...well then you do know...haha. The amount of faith it takes to believe in any deity or grand architect when the destructive aspects of our own illusions and destructive natures overwhelm, well it is in itself overwhelming...The voice in this poem seems to want that innocence back as well as the truth...well put but i wish you had spent another stanza on where you now lay your head and accept this truth of life for what all beauty is ..tainted and tarnished with stories and lesions...some more wonderful than others. We tend to overlook the good when we go searching but it is out there and given the choice for seeing the bad well..you can surely find that in a heartbeat. Nature again and I am glad you are kindred spirit in that reflection as well. thank you for the honesty Chris!!

[Chris Shaw]

An oldie from the archives my friend when I was in quite a negative frame of mind. Not so today, I see far more lightness creeping in. There is much good around us, if we look. Many thanks for taking the time to visit my page. I really appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Perdition]

I have a few myself...as I do recall. A pleasure and you are most welcome.

[Pete]

stark and poignant. good flow with deep sentiment but coming from a place of disappointment and sadness. faith can be a fickle thing. confusion not a good state to be in. on the bright side, perhaps there is a greater purpose that hasn't fully manifested yet. silence can be golden. i can fully relate. no answer could be an answer or a call to more faith ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Pete for your visit and consideration of these words. How right you are, faith can be fickle when you need it most. All good wishes.

Chris

[mattavelli]

Hello, Christine! :)
This has lovely rhythm and rhyme, a great read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you mattavelli. I appreciate your visit and thoughts.

Chris