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.

[Liza]

wonderful piece and insight; followers tend to flock and submit when a speaker is given the podium and empowers the crowd with illusions of empowerment through their voice - the crowd goes along with each other and focuses through praise the adoration of courage the speaker has to speak to them - seeking acknowledgement of their hidden thoughts brought to life.

[emmajoy]

Everyone holding public office should read this, Dale! The world's full of so- called dignatories who try to bewilder others with overheated self promotion, not caring for anything or anybody other than self. If they knew and spoke the truth, they'd be crumbs instead of long-lasting loaves!

Fine, fine writing.

(must learn to spell when leaving reviews!)

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

I confess, I have never read this book either, this line grabbed me :
Speaking verses even he doesn’t understand, still the crowd applauds........I understand this line all too well. A splendid piece.

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the statement of J.D. Salinger. Made your words become facts. I believe people running for office need a resume. Thank you for the outstanding poem. Words from a Politician are just whispers and stories that fade away with time.
Coyote

[Kerry O'Connor]

You have hit the nail on the head with this one, Dale. So many people in leadership positions, celebs etc rely on personality rather than humanitarian goals to get ahead in life.
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..... Well said!

Thank you for entering your work in the Thursday Challenge #1