Sometimes...I ask myself... If the devil is really that entity from the Bible... Or if it's the true, beast self of the humans, in general. If it's the first, then there's also a god figure, (otherwise, we'd be destroyed, or wouldn't live like we do now.) an entity, who keeps countering the devil. action→←reaction = today.
but all evidence for now, suggests, that the devil is figuratively the "evil" part of our selves. A dark place in the head of every living being. And the god figure? all the "good " in everyone. It's the easiest thing to be evil, selfish. Because that's the nature of humanity. But being a "good " person, needs self control, caring for others, etc etc. how all tthis comes to your poem... I sensed some fear of the devil inside... ;)
nice work.
(sorry for the essay. lol.)
Posted 8 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
8 Years Ago
Danny, You raise a lot of great questions, make a lot of valid points...but I'm afraid that I am not.. read moreDanny, You raise a lot of great questions, make a lot of valid points...but I'm afraid that I am not at all qualified to answer them, or refute any of your points.
My first question to YOU is this: What evidence is there that now suggests a definitive answer? It all comes down to, in my opinion, faith. Now faith is the supposition that needs to be defined. I don't normally discuss religion (or politics) in my poetry or replies to reviews, but I will step over that qualifier for a moment.
I was born and raised in the Catholic church. The Catholic religion stipulates that the devil (and God) are well-defined entities, good vs. evil. I went to 1st through 5th grades in a Catholic school, and it was drilled into us that God, and Satan, were tangible beings, the embodiments of good and evil. My opinion now is that the Bible taught believers guidelines, building a foundation on which our faith would be constructed. The devil, in my opinion, was set to be the anti-Christ...a physical representation of where we, as Catholics, would be relegated to Hell...a punishment for not living an airtight adherence to the lessons of the Bible. Do I think there is an actual, PHYSICAL being that is the Devil? No, I don't. But every religion sets guidelines, requisite enforceable guidelines, to which believers must adhere. And what more violent and hideous punishment for not adhering can there be than burning in hell in eternal damnation?
The bible, in my opinion, is designed to teach good and abhor evil. THOSE are the main ideas in which we should all believe (again, my opinion). I don't care to go further because I run the risk of alienating some of my readers.
Throughout centuries of history wars have been waged over religious belief and non-belief. Sects of every religion are willing to die for their beliefs. Look at Islamic suicide bombers. Do I believe all Muslims are terrorists? Of course I don't. EVIL Muslims can take up the mantle as terrorists. Just as evil proponents of all religions have committed atrocities in the name of their faith.
Does that answer your questions? Of course it doesn't; just as there are bigoted feelings between races so are there between religions. And so it always will be.
Thanks for making me think so much on an empty stomach. 8^) take care...dan
8 Years Ago
The thing making me say that is simple. Cruelty, and such was always part of human nature. Think abo.. read moreThe thing making me say that is simple. Cruelty, and such was always part of human nature. Think about it this way.. How much "evil " and wrong did humanity create so far? And how do we define "evil " following guide lines from belief systems? Then, just as we are corrupted when we have questions about "faith " when we kill, and when we destroy our bodies with smoking, drinking, and such, over eating. Umm...What actually makes people do that? Human nature. Also, according to religion... I'm supposedly evil, for "having same sex attraction." and because in the past, i did act upon them. But in reality, we all know, that was only hormones to blame. But in religion, I'm evil. Also, when attacked, I fought back, and put a person in a hospital, after the idiot pulled a knife. The film was suddenly cut, and the next thing I know, is him on the ground, and me still kicking him in the guts. in religion, that also qualifies me as evil. So tell me.. Am I evil? Or, is the devil playing tricks on me? But wait.. I'm an atheist, so the devil don't care, cuz I'm damned already. Look at the world, and history, full of human error, and evil. There's no devil to blame..
except for the one inside our heads. Belief systems come and go, one more popular than the other, but still, all pointless, when you actually look at how easy it is to create such systems. Like writing a story. blame the evil on a nonexistent devil figure, credit the good guys for the good stuff, throw some stories between them and you're done.
Umm...God always claims to be omnipotent, omniscient, and blah blah in the Scriptures. correction. human writers, with a good amount of fantasy, and creativity (which they couldn't spend on anything smarter) created stories, connected stories, based on claims. with 0 evidence to show.
again. it's all in people's minds. or I'm truly evil, and the devil's gonna drop by my place for coffee, and tell me a new set of evil stuff to do. (chuckles)
eh...my friend. (nodding head.)
I am the living, walking, breathing evidence. Religion is nothing but stories. But if I'm not enough...Look at the suffering of innocent people...Why they suffer? Because of the decisions of other human beings. Who decided it's fun to take all of the good stuff for themselves, and leave people in s**t. or the ones who think it's okay to terrorize others. If anything, then they are the devil.
but wait, that figure lives in us all. question is. do you control it? or does it control you?
(and sometimes it controls us. and there's nothing we could do to stop it, because it is us. ourselves.) looking at the evil being created by humanity, I think is enough evidence, to say... Devil don't exist, other than ourselves.
And if there's no devil, there is also no need for anything to counter it. Meaning, that our existen.. read moreAnd if there's no devil, there is also no need for anything to counter it. Meaning, that our existence is not necessarily depending on the fat guy with the long white beard, sitting on the clouds. Besides. I believe what I can see, touch, hear, feel (basically experience myself.) I've never experienced anything, that could be the touch of "God ". however, I've seen so much of the supposed devil in the world, that I'm left incapable of putting faith into stupid, man made stories. I've been living as a believer, for a few years. Then I grew up, and saw that I wasted x years on fearing a nonexistent creature, called "god ".
8 Years Ago
Danny, I've said my piece and don't wish to discuss this topic any further. I certainly respect any .. read moreDanny, I've said my piece and don't wish to discuss this topic any further. I certainly respect any opinion that you have on the subject and also believe that we are pretty much in agreement. so let's agree that this topic is closed, OK? take care...dan
*nodding head* This is amazing. To me; this reads from the book of Genesis. It replayed from the beginning when the Serpent convinced Adam &nd Eve to take a bite from the forbidden fruit. *nodding head* (Exhales*) It also reads with a downhearted touch to it. I do not know the price for being a full Christian; but I know that you are a child of the Lord in heaven. *smiling brightly* I also walk with Jesus too; &nd so- this I know. Although, I'm only lukewarm- for now. I only pray &nd hope that you are doing well. After reading this; I felt tears through the words- Are you alright; were you sad. I'm so sorry that you had to go through so much..
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
Thank you for the read/review. I really didn't intend for this to be an overtly religious piece (I a.. read moreThank you for the read/review. I really didn't intend for this to be an overtly religious piece (I am not a very religious person) the snake had that effect, I wanted that thrown in. In answer to your question, "Are you alright?" I can say 'usually.' I have several mental health disorders that knock me around regularly and yes, I was feeling particularly bad when I wrote this but no, I'm generally not quite THIS bad...thank you for asking. take care...dan
Sometimes...I ask myself... If the devil is really that entity from the Bible... Or if it's the true, beast self of the humans, in general. If it's the first, then there's also a god figure, (otherwise, we'd be destroyed, or wouldn't live like we do now.) an entity, who keeps countering the devil. action→←reaction = today.
but all evidence for now, suggests, that the devil is figuratively the "evil" part of our selves. A dark place in the head of every living being. And the god figure? all the "good " in everyone. It's the easiest thing to be evil, selfish. Because that's the nature of humanity. But being a "good " person, needs self control, caring for others, etc etc. how all tthis comes to your poem... I sensed some fear of the devil inside... ;)
nice work.
(sorry for the essay. lol.)
Posted 8 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
8 Years Ago
Danny, You raise a lot of great questions, make a lot of valid points...but I'm afraid that I am not.. read moreDanny, You raise a lot of great questions, make a lot of valid points...but I'm afraid that I am not at all qualified to answer them, or refute any of your points.
My first question to YOU is this: What evidence is there that now suggests a definitive answer? It all comes down to, in my opinion, faith. Now faith is the supposition that needs to be defined. I don't normally discuss religion (or politics) in my poetry or replies to reviews, but I will step over that qualifier for a moment.
I was born and raised in the Catholic church. The Catholic religion stipulates that the devil (and God) are well-defined entities, good vs. evil. I went to 1st through 5th grades in a Catholic school, and it was drilled into us that God, and Satan, were tangible beings, the embodiments of good and evil. My opinion now is that the Bible taught believers guidelines, building a foundation on which our faith would be constructed. The devil, in my opinion, was set to be the anti-Christ...a physical representation of where we, as Catholics, would be relegated to Hell...a punishment for not living an airtight adherence to the lessons of the Bible. Do I think there is an actual, PHYSICAL being that is the Devil? No, I don't. But every religion sets guidelines, requisite enforceable guidelines, to which believers must adhere. And what more violent and hideous punishment for not adhering can there be than burning in hell in eternal damnation?
The bible, in my opinion, is designed to teach good and abhor evil. THOSE are the main ideas in which we should all believe (again, my opinion). I don't care to go further because I run the risk of alienating some of my readers.
Throughout centuries of history wars have been waged over religious belief and non-belief. Sects of every religion are willing to die for their beliefs. Look at Islamic suicide bombers. Do I believe all Muslims are terrorists? Of course I don't. EVIL Muslims can take up the mantle as terrorists. Just as evil proponents of all religions have committed atrocities in the name of their faith.
Does that answer your questions? Of course it doesn't; just as there are bigoted feelings between races so are there between religions. And so it always will be.
Thanks for making me think so much on an empty stomach. 8^) take care...dan
8 Years Ago
The thing making me say that is simple. Cruelty, and such was always part of human nature. Think abo.. read moreThe thing making me say that is simple. Cruelty, and such was always part of human nature. Think about it this way.. How much "evil " and wrong did humanity create so far? And how do we define "evil " following guide lines from belief systems? Then, just as we are corrupted when we have questions about "faith " when we kill, and when we destroy our bodies with smoking, drinking, and such, over eating. Umm...What actually makes people do that? Human nature. Also, according to religion... I'm supposedly evil, for "having same sex attraction." and because in the past, i did act upon them. But in reality, we all know, that was only hormones to blame. But in religion, I'm evil. Also, when attacked, I fought back, and put a person in a hospital, after the idiot pulled a knife. The film was suddenly cut, and the next thing I know, is him on the ground, and me still kicking him in the guts. in religion, that also qualifies me as evil. So tell me.. Am I evil? Or, is the devil playing tricks on me? But wait.. I'm an atheist, so the devil don't care, cuz I'm damned already. Look at the world, and history, full of human error, and evil. There's no devil to blame..
except for the one inside our heads. Belief systems come and go, one more popular than the other, but still, all pointless, when you actually look at how easy it is to create such systems. Like writing a story. blame the evil on a nonexistent devil figure, credit the good guys for the good stuff, throw some stories between them and you're done.
Umm...God always claims to be omnipotent, omniscient, and blah blah in the Scriptures. correction. human writers, with a good amount of fantasy, and creativity (which they couldn't spend on anything smarter) created stories, connected stories, based on claims. with 0 evidence to show.
again. it's all in people's minds. or I'm truly evil, and the devil's gonna drop by my place for coffee, and tell me a new set of evil stuff to do. (chuckles)
eh...my friend. (nodding head.)
I am the living, walking, breathing evidence. Religion is nothing but stories. But if I'm not enough...Look at the suffering of innocent people...Why they suffer? Because of the decisions of other human beings. Who decided it's fun to take all of the good stuff for themselves, and leave people in s**t. or the ones who think it's okay to terrorize others. If anything, then they are the devil.
but wait, that figure lives in us all. question is. do you control it? or does it control you?
(and sometimes it controls us. and there's nothing we could do to stop it, because it is us. ourselves.) looking at the evil being created by humanity, I think is enough evidence, to say... Devil don't exist, other than ourselves.
And if there's no devil, there is also no need for anything to counter it. Meaning, that our existen.. read moreAnd if there's no devil, there is also no need for anything to counter it. Meaning, that our existence is not necessarily depending on the fat guy with the long white beard, sitting on the clouds. Besides. I believe what I can see, touch, hear, feel (basically experience myself.) I've never experienced anything, that could be the touch of "God ". however, I've seen so much of the supposed devil in the world, that I'm left incapable of putting faith into stupid, man made stories. I've been living as a believer, for a few years. Then I grew up, and saw that I wasted x years on fearing a nonexistent creature, called "god ".
8 Years Ago
Danny, I've said my piece and don't wish to discuss this topic any further. I certainly respect any .. read moreDanny, I've said my piece and don't wish to discuss this topic any further. I certainly respect any opinion that you have on the subject and also believe that we are pretty much in agreement. so let's agree that this topic is closed, OK? take care...dan
We place ourselves into the hands of the 'professionals' with ever-decreasing faith in their 'works' until we can actually tell THEM what is required and still they rub chin and hmmm and ahhh and shake head then repeat what we said as if it were a new thought. lol
It seems we are stuck on repeat when we meet each one. Nice de-spaghettification here Dan.
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
Nice de-spaghettification here? That is one of the coolest invented words I've read on any website E.. read moreNice de-spaghettification here? That is one of the coolest invented words I've read on any website EVER. I am honored and I WILL plagiarize that word without and guilty feelings. 8^)
As usual the review is so intuitive, which is why I love your reviews so much. Thanks so much for making my day! take care...dan
Haha - i bet someone already owns it. Yup - just checked my friend. It's astrophysics and computer c.. read moreHaha - i bet someone already owns it. Yup - just checked my friend. It's astrophysics and computer coding term - figures but hey *taps side of nose* I won't say if you won't. lol
8 Years Ago
I understand, but don't know why. 8^) It's always so nice to interact with you, always leaves me smi.. read moreI understand, but don't know why. 8^) It's always so nice to interact with you, always leaves me smiling. Thanks so much, my good friend. take care...dan
Powerful words and thoughts left me with the need to know more.
"to contradict or copy tempting words
of other snakes
reeks of ignorance, exposing one to each
and every claim they make."
Temptation and wrong decisions lead us to dangerous places ans thoughts. Thank you Dan for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
Thank you for the generous review, John. I wrote this from a bad place due to anti-doctor feelings a.. read moreThank you for the generous review, John. I wrote this from a bad place due to anti-doctor feelings and other s****y pains in my mind. Not very cheerful but it depicts my mood at the time very well. Thanks again. take care...dan
Dan, you have a wonderful ability to free flow a stream of consciousness and give a palpable energy to the weaving :) Your writing leaves me thoughtful and moved...you always have such strong and powerful visuals, remarkable :)
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
Thank you, Poppy. My writes used to be much more story-driven but I seem now to be limited to such a.. read moreThank you, Poppy. My writes used to be much more story-driven but I seem now to be limited to such abstractions, such stream of consciousness musings. I've been having trouble lately with my bipolar disorder and other MH disorders, adversely affecting my production. I do appreciate your kind words, they mean a lot to me. take care...dan
8 Years Ago
You take care too Dan, always my pleasure to read you :)
I'm not getting any specific meaning, but I do feel like I picked up on some confused/frustrated thoughts. The last few lines felt very powerful, as if to drive a strong point home. Only silence could follow. Great work :)
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
This piece represents the thoughts of a mind in distress; sort of like a person arguing with one's s.. read moreThis piece represents the thoughts of a mind in distress; sort of like a person arguing with one's self. A harsh daydream? Most likely...a distraught pattern of thinking, bleeding thoughts (breeding self-hatred) into the dead of night. This piece was vague intentionally, tried to make the readers think...there is no right answer, just conjecture. Thanks so much for your read/review. take care...dan
8 Years Ago
Then I'd say you hit the mark! Your welcome dan as always.
feeling outpoured to careless minds
sparks of emotion long ignored
formed to waxen rivulets
of celestial purity
Really, Really loved this one. My favorite Clapton song in the background did not hurt anything either.
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
Jan, This one started out with a singular thought driving the essay (diatribe?) but veered off into .. read moreJan, This one started out with a singular thought driving the essay (diatribe?) but veered off into an argument with one's different 'sides' waxing philosophical, time against time. As it developed it kind of wrote itself, a sometimes choppy flow accented by spikes of angry self-loathing.
Thanks so much for the read/review. take care...dan
I m sensing a cry of tortured help here, Dan. It is written very exquisitely, certainly different from other works of yours that I have read.
The rhyme flow is just sublime, and as always, the poem incites repeat readings and much thought.
Another brilliant effort, Dan. Be safe.
Posted 8 Years Ago
8 Years Ago
Thank you for the visit and the read/review. Sometimes my writes can veer off of the speedway of nor.. read moreThank you for the visit and the read/review. Sometimes my writes can veer off of the speedway of normalcy into the sand pits of intentional desolation. The write becomes almost a philosophical argument with one's other side. A double-headed perspective? Sort of.
take care...dan
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