No Room For Manoeuvre

No Room For Manoeuvre

A Poem by Chris Shaw

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

© 2021 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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

Posted 3 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.

Coyote Poetry

3 Years Ago

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

3 Years Ago

We have just had a family holiday, so are well rested and looking forward to hotter weather. Hope yo.. read more
neurostar burns

3 Years Ago

A waking poem, a lifetime of "learning".
Now to move on and out of the thought rut. Commiser.. read more



Reviews

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 :)


Posted 3 Years Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Yes, the righteous do not doubt that they are right in everything they do. You quite rightly say the.. read more
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.

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

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

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

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

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

Chris
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.

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

So right, they'll always be another pain-in-the-a*s group who think their way is the only way. Reall.. read more
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

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

You are quite right Dave, they probably have far more skeletons in their cupboards than anyone else... read more
Dave

3 Years Ago

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

3 Years Ago

Thank you my friend :)
I almost want to say it's about these strict Christian people but I'm not sure but it's a good poem

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

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

Chris
Tina

3 Years Ago

Your welcome
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. 💛

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Dear Marina, you are so on my wavelength here when it comes to "woke". I would find it amusing if it.. read more
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.

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

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




Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thanks Fran Marie. You've met them too it seems :) Never prepared to listen let understand another p.. read more
  Fran Marie

3 Years Ago

you're so welcome
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

Posted 3 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.

Coyote Poetry

3 Years Ago

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

3 Years Ago

We have just had a family holiday, so are well rested and looking forward to hotter weather. Hope yo.. read more
neurostar burns

3 Years Ago

A waking poem, a lifetime of "learning".
Now to move on and out of the thought rut. Commiser.. read more

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Added on July 9, 2021
Last Updated on July 10, 2021

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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