Cult Of Personality

"It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to." — J.D. Salinger (The Catcher in the Rye)

 

High upon his podium

as if it were the horse he rode in on

looking like a savior with arms raised,

sunlight outlining his silhouette.

Speaking verses even he doesn’t understand

still the crowd applauds

as he waves with all fingers still attached

even though they are eating out of his hand.

The cheers just a formality

cause the speech was carefully planned.

They will all sacrifice

while he eats soup with a silver spoon;

they will pray before bed

while he plots his next step,

for he is the cult of personality

Over a nation desperate for a God.

Author's Note

For Kerry's Thursday Challenge

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

I have not read the book but this is a wonderful story that makes you think about how people react socially to different situations. Desperate people often do odd and desperate things and you show this clearly. The details allow me to picture this scene play before my eyes.

[Muse]

I see the future built around another Hitler if we become desperate/naive enough to believe in false promises.

This poem is like a stomach punch. Damn good!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

You certainly got that right, and in this world of mass media it could happen.

Thank you.

[Muse]

mass media made for mass conditioning

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Exactly.

[Renée]

I have not read "catcher in the rye" but this is one powerful image you create and unfortunately so true & scary !

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

I have never read that book wither, but I saw that quote from it and inspired me to write. Thank you for the read.

[Renée]

You did it proud !

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

:)

[Tainted Ink]

From the Title to the very end you rocked this one!!

[closed account]

okay I was going to ask, how this was inspired but you said it was for a challenge, nice work!!!

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

WOW...This is so true. You have captured the reality of soothsayers in the name of God.
I was raised in a religion of hell breathing "Fire and brimstone" preachers. This is so real, it made the hair stand up on my neck, evolking many memories of this preaching nonsense. Whether it be religion or government the soothsayer stands before man, God and all...but soon they will take the fall !

"They will all sacrifice while he eats soup with a silver spoon".

A POWERFUL, truth.
Shall we all drink their koolaid now?

[Desert Dreamer]

The truth...desperate people will believe anything...love the line "Speaking verses even he doesn’t understand". So many people do sacrifice so the few can have more than they need. Very meaningful.

[T]

Great write...A nation desperate for a god can turn to anyone who promises to lead them out of their own circumstances, really enjoyed your words.

[Ruth]

Hell yes! Hit the spot! lol Reminds me of many people in power actually! Awesome! Mwah!

[Daytonight]

Excellent write. So very true! Well done. Keep on penning.

[Becky C Strukamp]

Well penned.