No Room For Manoeuvre

look at the righteous

standing in a flood of glory

haloes polished to dazzling 

perfection

even their reflection

in still waters requires shades

to dim the blaze of bright light

blinding in brilliance

they own the monopoly

on what's right you know

their way is always best

never a doubt never a niggle

never wriggle room for

an alternative point of view

or consideration there's merit

in what the rest of us think

yet alone do

rock solid can't be moved

stuck in the groove of a straight

jacket strangling

squeezing

every ounce of breath

no quick death here

long and drawn out

retribution they say

make them pay

make them beg for mercy

for indiscretions 

of the past make them pay

there is only one way

to live

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Chris, we live in a messy world.
"make them beg for mercy
for indiscretions
of the past make them pay
there is only one way
to live"
Once I thought I had nothing and I met people who had less. Water and food was a great blessing to them. In a world of so many dying from starvation. Forgotten in the messy world of war and the wealthy. I enjoyed the poem. You made the reader ponder and think. I pray the bad people will pay somewhere. Thank you for sharing your amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote we do live in a messed up world and there are some messed up people in it too. Really appreciate you stopping by my friend. Enjoy the rest of the day.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris. I hope you are enjoying the days of July.

[Chris Shaw]

We have just had a family holiday, so are well rested and looking forward to hotter weather. Hope you are seeing lots of your grandchildren.

[neurostar burns]

A waking poem, a lifetime of "learning".
Now to move on and out of the thought rut. Commiserating does not bring release.
So try an old observation and just observe and let the others trip over their feet. View with hard to keep equanmity the cycles of people's habit without joining their rut.
Best and peace,
neurostar

[Dylan Macadham]

Yet another one that goes straight, and well-written, to my human-condition.
I often wish I were wired as one of them, the Righteous & Arrogant of Belief.
OMG!Life would be simpler, and no energy wasted on pesky Growth!
Dylan :)

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, the righteous do not doubt that they are right in everything they do. You quite rightly say they save mucho energy. While the rest of us waste time over the weighing scales in contemplation, they have already moved on. Many thanks for yet another great review. Thank you Dylan.

Chris

[red93]

True words Chris, nothing worse than hypocrisy, and often the less well off are actually morally better people, with more feeling for their fellow human beings. Good work as ever.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony. I appreciate your continued support of my efforts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Yashi]

So nice ...... I always admire your work....keep going...will love to read more from your side.

[Chris Shaw]

So nice for you to stop by Yashi. Thank you so much. All good wishes.

Chris

[Relic]

Whether woke or religious, I guess one could see the history behind what you're writing about. There have always been those that think they know wat's best but have not always proven to be right. Their outcomes are often vague or preposterous. There'll always be new pain-in-the-a*s group to come along somewhere.

[Chris Shaw]

So right, they'll always be another pain-in-the-a*s group who think their way is the only way. Really appreciate the review Tim. Thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Dave]

Makes me ill to think of all the "self-righteous'' who wish to laud it over the rest of us. I can't help but to think of all the "skeletons" they have hidden away.
Take care - ignore the naysayers. - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

You are quite right Dave, they probably have far more skeletons in their cupboards than anyone else. Thank you dear man for your consistent encouragement of my work. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris, with you it's very easy.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend :)

[Tina]

I almost want to say it's about these strict Christian people but I'm not sure but it's a good poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tina. That would fit this poem well. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[Tina]

Your welcome

[Marina]

This definitely reads like a scathing description of the "walking Woke". I can certainly commiserate with your viewpoint, because they are quite the scourge on our modern lives. I find it hilarious at times that they are trying to make us transcend our civilised evolution to greater heights with such ideals and logics that belong more to fascist and socialist regimes. Even here in Athens, the current Woke scourge is anti Covid vaccination protestors. I guess they prefer us to die instead of survive the covid onslaught. The halo's you write of are very much broken. It's a timely and well imposed poem, Chris., and one I can agree with you about. Now, i'll look forward to being cancelled! Lol. 💛

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Marina, you are so on my wavelength here when it comes to "woke". I would find it amusing if it wasn't so damn dangerous and divisive. Maybe we will both be cancelled:) Thank you for your insights.

Chris

[adornoscousin]

While the whole poem is great, I really like the first two stanzas. Who are righteous? Who decides this? The righteous themselves! They have a monopoly on righteousness. Great concepts.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks adornoscousin for stopping by. Your reviews and time are most appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

religion and politics
you can argue all day
and get nowhere
both moot subjects
none of us are perfect
but yeah I' have run
into some that think
their shyt don't stink
no matter how rich
or poor or race wise
they come from all walks
of life so you can't really
pinpoint to one certain
group at least IMO
but those people are
self centered and so
condescending
This is such a good
write up about those
who have such
attitudes..

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Fran Marie. You've met them too it seems :) Never prepared to listen let understand another person's viewpoint, because they are always right. Yes religion and politics are where you find them.most. All good wishes.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

you're so welcome