All poetry, writing, and paintings on this blog are my own unless otherwise stated, and are not to be copied without my consent, or at least give me credit.







Social justice is the only justice.







Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Trapped in your past





Trapped in your past

I heard last week that you found love
The knife in my heart leaves no blood
The pain is a past pleasure
My heart skips a beat for a moment
My heart stops for a lifetime
The pain is twenty years old
The pain happened yesterday
Your words still hold meaning
No matter the new love, I question
I just don’t know the answer
The sweet cut of your emotions
The lies you told me still bind
I am bound
My prison is self imposed
My sentence will never end
I am judge and jury
I am stuck with a life sentence
I can’t even ask you to release me
You have already let me go

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

My twin sister just met a special someone, this is for her.





Love at first knowing


I smile as she turns her head
Her white neck stretches so lovely
Younger skin so soft and supple
Her laughter like perfume fills the air
Her breasts lift in laughter
Her breasts lift in passion
Her sweet innocence moves me
Her intelligence meets me
The touch of her fingers leaves soft memories
My skin vibrates
Beads of moisture pearl my nervousness
My throat left dry with anticipation
I wake up alone
Her smell lingers on my pillows
Faint but oh so powerful
My heart sings with thoughts of tomorrow
A sudden smile greets my coffee
A sudden hope gives rise to the day
A sudden hope unexpected

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Someone at work lost his spouse to suicide, this is for him.






The warm wind comes

 
The winter gives up slowly
I am still wrapped in cold lace
Many years since you gave up your life
You didn’t even say goodbye
Left here to talk to a piece of stone
Left here in my anger
Left here alone
The trees show no empathy
The garden path I walk in solitary
The heavy flowers bow in sympathy in my wake
They cry for their loss
The world forgets my memories
The warm wind comes but leaves me cold
Springtime growth a cruel reminder
Something died that will never
Something died that will forever
Stagnant I lie and watch the clouds
Shapes of our dreams drift through my longing
I am stopped in what could have been
The warm wind comes
It wants to carry me
I am stopped

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A children's story to explain politics.




The debate of four monkeys


The jungle had been in constant unrest for many years with the ruling primates clubbing any others who got in their way of how decisions were made. Even the trees wore scars from the constant fighting.
 

There were three main groups hoping to make life better for the jungle, with another group who wanted to make things better only in their corner of the jungle. Many cycles ago it had been decided that all of the primates would vote to decide which group would govern for a set period of time. What they did not take into consideration is the fact that one group could lead with only one third of the monkeys wanting them to, because of a rule that says the group with the most support became the leaders, and since there were four groups wanting power, it was determined that a group with less votes than the combined number of the other monkey groups' votes, became the group that decides how everyone else lives.
 

Now at a time of unrest, one group received thirty percent of the support from the tribes, and because this was more than the other groups received individually, they became the leaders. The problem was that this small group decided that stealing even one banana (even if it was a starving orphan doing the stealing) was the greatest evil and should be punished and sent to a secluded part of the jungle and be separated from monkey society for an un-negotiable period of time. The other groups were very upset but could do nothing but scratch there armpits and scream.
 

Next, the ruling group made new laws that said the other groups no longer had the right to challenge the new government through the great Monkey Court because the funding would be cut. The females made to signal their outrage, but then their funding was also cut. But instead of speaking out in tribal circles, which was their right, they decided to remain quiet and say nothing; so nothing was done.
 

The ruling group then decided to take a look at all the bananas that were given to monkeys living outside of their immediate jungle and an old monkey sage told them about a great prophecy that talked about rebuilding an ancient great monkey temple that had been destroyed in the past. The prophecy stated that the rebuilding of the temple would herald the return to the Great Monkey God, who would then destroy the jungle and bring all of his favourite monkeys to a new jungle in a different world where everyone was happy. This monkey's prophecy was very specific of which monkeys would be invited, and more importantly, which monkeys would not.


In this other area of the jungle, there lived two tribes who claimed ownership of the area: a tribe who had lived there for centuries, and a tribe who had recently moved in and taken over. The ruling group, in the main jungle, decided to support the new tribe because the prophecy said that they would be the ones to build the new temple. Because of this, the Great Monkey Decider of Other Monkey Tribes, decided to end support of groups that gave bananas to the pre-existing tribe. She pretended to approve a banana delivery and then inserted the word “not” in the approval from, and claimed ignorance about why the delivery was cancelled. The other monkey tribes threw their feces in defiance.


Now the other monkey tribes were starting to look back on other decisions the rulers made and realized that many lies had been hidden: the ruling party had promised that they would not take away the bananas from the other monkeys, but then declared that the biggest monkeys with the biggest houses deserved more bananas, and sent their helpers to take away the bananas that everyone had put aside for hungry times and give them to their bigger friends. The ruling monkeys also wanted to have a party for their neighbours and told everyone that it would only cost one year’s banana harvest. All monkeys started to scream when ten harvests disappeared and that no bananas were given in return. All they were left with was a lagoon that was so shallow they could not even bathe in the disappointment.
 

The ruling monkeys decided they wanted to trade everyone’s bananas for new vines to travel to the outskirts of their jungle area for protection against invading enemies, but they refused to tell the other monkeys how many bananas they would need. They also said they would need even more bananas to set aside parts of the jungle for miscreant monkeys who did not conform to tribal rules. The other monkeys made suggestions to buy cheaper vines and to help the miscreant monkeys adapt to the tribe and insisted the ruling monkeys let them know exactly how many bananas they wanted to give away for their projects.


Well, the ruling monkeys lied and refused to tell the truth, so the other monkeys said enough was enough and asked the Wise One to decide who was right. The Wise One, after a very long time deciding, decided that the ruling monkeys were wrong. The other monkeys then decided that the ruling monkeys no longer deserved the right to manage all of the other monkeys, and threw their collective feces to end their rule.
 

According to custom, there would be a new discussion to decide which tribe would rule above all others, and one of the ways to do this was to have a great monkey debate. On the night of the debate, the four ruling tribes sent their strongest leaders to defend their different needs and concerns. Every monkey in the audience held the greatest expectations for victory, and the leaders looked ready for any debate. Unfortunately, being monkeys, they threw their feces, and the audience ended up covered in shit.


The end.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

For those of you who may have missed parts , here is the whole email exchange between myself and the president of Crandall Univerisity (christian univeristy) in Moncton New Brunswick, in chronological order.

Brian D. MacArthur
President. Crandall University, Moncton, New Brunswick

Dear Mr. MacArthur,

A friend forwarded me your website, and in particular your page concerning your “Statement of Moral Standards”.

In point number 3 you state: To be sexually pure, refraining from such activities as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, and the use of pornographic materials; (Exodus 20:14; I Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:3). First of all I do not understand this statement as God made us to procreate, otherwise sex would not feel so good. I think He made it feel so good so that we would multiply on a regular basis thus ensuring the survival of the species.

Second, I noticed that you state that one should refrain from homosexuality. Could you please explain how one refrains from homosexuality? Can it be done the same way that one refrains from being white, black, or Mediterranean? Can one refrain from having blue eyes or red hair? Yes I understand that you can buy coloured contact lenses and hair dye, but is this what God intended, to hide His creation?

I am sure you will agree that God is perfect and makes no mistakes, and by agreeing with this you are forced to admit that homosexuals are God’s creations, and therefore perfect. I agree that homosexuals can keep right up there in the sinning department with their heterosexual brethren, but to single them out is really quite hypocritical, don’t you think?

I have also noticed that you quote the Old Testament quite often; is the New Testament too modern and full of rebellious ideas for you? I understand that it is quite young being only a couple of thousand years old.

I have also noticed that you have a number of female professors at your educational institution, which confuses me because the Bible clearly states: "Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." (I Timothy 2:11-14).

The bible also clearly states: As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the church. 1 cor. 14:34

I also notice from the pictures of your female professors that they all have their heads uncovered. Once again this confuses me because the bible says: If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. 1 cor. 11:6. Could you please tell me if these females are wearing wigs to cover their shorn hair?

Finally, the bible is also very clear on the following points:

Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1

Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Luke 6:37

Who are you to judge another’s servant....or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Romans 14:4, 10.

I understand your love of quoting the bible in justifying your misunderstandings of God’s created human beings, but could you possibly be just a little more consistent and apply the word of God as is written? I fully expect you to fire all of your female professors posthaste and am patiently waiting for your reply.

I have put mayor George Leblanc in cc as I noticed from your website that he endorses your university.

regards,


James


Dear Mr. Jones,

I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your email in which you share your views regarding one policy at Crandall University.

I do so with the assumption that you are who you say you are, as I note your email did not include any identifying information with regard to yourself apart from your name and email address. I would also presume that you are the James Jones listed in the Moncton phonebook whereas you cc’d your views to Mayor George LeBlanc. As a general practice, I normally respond only to emails and letters wherein there is adequate disclosure of identity to confirm the authenticity of the communication.

I recognize and respect your freedom to hold values and views that differ from those stated by Crandall University. At Crandall we seek to be transparent and open with who we are so that students and their parents can make an informed decision and determine for themselves if Crandall is the right choice for them. It is challenging for some people to understand how a university can both promote itself as being Christian and then provide an atmosphere that encourages students to think critically and learn to analyze information, developing their own values and views in the process. We seek to expose students to all leading theories and philosophies, including various interpretations of Scripture. We are committed to providing an education at least equal to what a student would experience at any university, and also to add the historic Christian perspective to the classroom debate. It is this liberty to add the Christian perspective to the classroom experience that we are seeking to maintain at our university, which also gives us our distinctive in comparison with many other universities. Given the nature of our mission, we do not seek operational funding from government such as other universities receive, but limit our requests to capital grants wherein there are immediate economic spinoffs due to construction.

With regards to the issue of homosexuality, we are not the homophobic institution that some seek to make us out to be. We do not apologize for the fact that in our belief system we hold to a traditional view of marriage as being between a man and a woman and that we believe God instituted marriage as the safe relationship within which the gift of sex is to find expression. This one word does not define our institution even though some choose to see it as the full representation of our university. We deal regularly with students who are struggling with all kinds of issues, including sexual identity and behaviours, and we seek to do so with compassion and understanding. However - creating an accepting environment does not mean that we affirm all life-style choices students make nor the behaviours in which they choose to engage. This is as true for heterosexual students as gay and lesbian students.

I must confess that I could not follow the logic of your argument in seeking to establish that because we hold a certain view on one subject we must therefore automatically agree with, and abide by, other positions in order to be consistent. As a basic principle of hermeneutics we do not encourage building one’s belief/view on a subject based solely on one verse/passage of Scripture. We are well aware that Scripture can be used and abused to justify just about any view. We seek in humility to be faithful to what we understand the Bible to say, fully acknowledging our own limitations and frailties as we strive to live out the love of Christ with authenticity.

You have clearly indicated your views and the importance of them to you and I respect your liberty to hold such views and to interpret the Bible in the manner you have chosen. I am intrigued by your assumption and reasoning that God made all people perfect and therefore their sexual identity is validated on that premise alone. While aware of the theory that people are born as gays and lesbians and that there is research in process regarding this theory, to date I have not come across any research that conclusively proves that sexual identity is genetically predisposed. I fear where this line of reasoning/research may lead us if applied to pedophilia in the same manner.

With regard to Mayor Leblanc’s endorsement of Crandall University, I would note with appreciation that our civic leaders show great respect for the diverse community they serve, knowing that our greater community gathers together many cultural distinctives, as well as many political, philosophical, and religious views. The University has sought help from the City with its recent expansion based on the economic and educational benefit to Greater Moncton whereas the City itself identified in a study on economic development (November 2005) that greater options for post-secondary education within the Anglophone community are needed to help maintain the economic vibrancy of Moncton. Crandall University is contributing to that need.

It is on this basis that the Mayor and members of City Council have been supportive of Crandall University, but the University has never been of the view that such endorsement is implicit approval of all policies, practices, and viewpoints held by the University or its representatives, anymore than that we would conclude that the City’s practical support of Gay Pride Parades is an endorsement of all policies, practices, and viewpoints of its organizers and proponents. The Mayor and his Council members are respectful of the diverse community they serve, and have been responsive to various groups within that diversity without, in my opinion, compromising the greater good of the community as a whole.

In conclusion, I would say again that I recognize and respect your freedom to hold values and views that differ from mine and trust that you will accord to me the same respect and liberty.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Brian D. MacArthur
President and Vice-Chancellor




Dear Mr. MacArthur,

First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer my email.

The logic of my argument is that I fail to understand how people of faith can pick and choose which bible passages they believe in. I have heard over and over again people quoting Leviticus in order to justify their stance against homosexuality, but wilfully ignore any other verse that does not coincide with their beliefs or is simply not convenient for them to do so. You say you follow Christian beliefs, but I challenge you to find one passage or verse in which Jesus condemns homosexuality. I am sorry, but I call this hypocrisy.

About your statement that you don't believe gay people are born gay: did you really equate homosexuality with pedophilia? Really? Did you not know that 90% of all pedophiles are heterosexual men? In fact a study made by the Department of Behavioural Sexology at the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry puts the ratio of heterosexual to homosexual pedophiles at 11:1. Other studies put pedophiles in their own class, set apart from heterosexuals and homosexuals altogether.

You are right about respecting others' freedom to hold different values, and I do respect yours, but remember that ignorance, wilful or unintentional, can cause a great amount of damage, wilfully or unintentionally.

P.S. No I am not the James Jones in the Moncton phone book. I now live in Montreal but lived in Moncton for many years and still return to visit friends.


Regards,
James


Mr. Jones,

Thank you for your feedback.

Just to clarify, my point on pedophilia was not accusatory against homosexuals as if to suggest that it is more prevalent among homosexuals than heterosexuals , but rather to say that if we discover a pedophile is genetically designed to be a pedophile, and therefore – to use your argument – “God’s creations, and therefore perfect,” what does that mean for society in accepting and accommodating the practical expression of their full sexual orientation – whether they are heterosexual or homosexual in their preference of children? Perhaps it would have been safer had I used polygamy instead of pedophilia as my example.

I regret if the wording of my argument was interpreted as slandering to homosexuals.

Sincerely,
Brian MacArthur

Dr. Brian D. MacArthur
President and Vice-Chancellor



Mr. MacArthur,

This will be our last correspondence as you will agree that we will not agree. I just want to write one last time hoping this will touch you in some way.

I am, as you probably already guessed, a gay male. What you do not know is that I have always been a gay male since I can remember. I grew up in the 80's which was far more difficult than today, but that does not take away from what young gay people are living.

What I would really like you to understand, as a Christian leader in today' society, is that if any of us had a choice to be gay or straight, do you really think anyone would choose to be a person that is demonized on a regular basis? Do you really think any one of us would choose to live a life of prejudice and hate if we had any choice? Being gay is not a choice. Who would choose such a difficult life? And before you say that homosexuality can be cured by religious therapy, remember all those religious leaders who said the same thing just before they were caught in bed with their gay lovers. And on the same note, pedophilia is considered a psychiatric disease, homosexuality is not. Polygamy is truly a choice, homosexuality is not.

I have been living in a committed long term monogamous relationship of 11 years with the same person, and what you need to understand is that it is not at all about sex; it is about love. Being gay is not about whom you want to have sex with, it is not about sexuality, it is about who you love with all your heart, who you want to share with, who you want to grow old with, and finally, who you want to spend your last days with after a lifetime of love. Sound familiar?

Because of Christian beliefs, especially in the U.S., there are more and more young people committing suicide because non gay people are taught that it is alright to belittle and bully gay youth, and these teachings are spearheaded by the church’s non-denial of such actions. I ask you sir: what kind of religion, based on the teachings of Christ, encourages violence (whether passive or aggressive) on someone who is different from them? Once again, please do not say you do not condone violence against gay youth when your website clearly states that homosexuals are not welcome. What message do you think this projects on your students or on parents who do not know that their child is gay? Do you realize that every time the church says that being gay is not right you teach people with lesser capacities that it is alright to discriminate? Please be aware of your power, and responsibilities, over the masses and teach the words of truth.

If the church does not agree with homosexuality because of six verses out of a million, then that is its prerogative; but please, at least follow the word of your saviour and teach tolerance, and please do this proactively. If there was one single person in the history of mankind that believed in tolerance and acceptance, it was the founder of your church.

Please make him proud.


Dear Mr. Jones,

This too will be my final correspondence. I think we are agreed that we will not agree on this issue. However, I find that dialogue with people with whom you have a difference of views can still be productive and respectful, even though viewpoints are not changed.

What I find difficult in engaging with some homosexual individuals and those who advocate on their behalf is that they repeatedly accuse us of intolerance or hate mongering just because we hold a different view. What if we are sincerely trying to adhere to what we believe is the truth of Scripture?

Crandall University has seemingly become the target of choice by several gay activists in the greater Moncton area. Much of the publicity generated has been based on inaccurate information and false innuendo. Without being dismissive of the sins you have cited that have been perpetrated in the name of Christian purity, given our experience of these local activists, I find your preaching of tolerance to be rather hollow and shallow.

Respectfully yours,
Brian MacArthur

Dr. Brian D. MacArthur
President and Vice-Chancellor




Mr. MacArthur,

I am very sad that this discussion had to end on this note. I have never in my life been called hollow and shallow. I do not know any activists in Moncton, I only know sincere gay people who wish to live their lives free of prejudice and hate. Thank you for showing your true colours with your last email. May your crown wear heavy on your head.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

A poem about living....

Life

Thrown into life from darkness to light
The sustaining cord is cut with precision
Waterless environment unforgiving
Merciless necessity forces first breath
New born lungs filled with hope
I breathe
New mother filled with expectations
The eternal dance begins with invisible partners
The dance as yet to be perceived
No path carved in stone immutable
The waltz yet chosen
I dance
Choices unknown hover in the mist of what is to be
Every choice a turn in the road, a change in direction
Every decision final with endless possibilities
Expectations grow with years and disappointments
Childhood dreams dissolve in everyday rain
I survive
Dreams of tomorrow nourished with innocence
Moonlight makes shadows of expectations
Expectations realized in the light of day
Experience made of owned mistakes
You own what is given
I grow
Listen with unbiased ears that hold no prejudice
Speak with patient voice that knows the past
Act without knowledge of divine intervention
Pray to the empty heavens
Wait for an answer patiently
I question
Every saint is dead or dying
People still stand in the way of living
The path is clogged with those that question
Questions never answered
Heavenly deniability
I die

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The vatican





The Vatican

Foundations built on belief
Brick by intricate brick
The walls rise with authority
The walls built of deception
Belief usurped by greed and control
A dome of truth covers lies
Works of art made by masters
Master carvings express subjugation
The beauty of heaven soars upon ceilings
The hand of God reaches out
Does not touch man’s feelings
God’s love of man expressed in torture
Man’s sins stand out in a colonnade
Hidden truths protected by Swiss costumes
True history lost in deep vaults
Chosen truths see the light
Centuries of wilful ignorance
Papal choices take precedence
The light of gospels consistently denied
St. Peter’s house is bigger than Jesus
Forgotten words not a part of construction
Not in mansions of wood and stone
Jesus chained to the dungeon walls
Never to be seen by tourists
No bones will ever be found
The righteous never look

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Second poem for tonight; what more can I say?


Indifference

Not going to write anymore
Nothing to write about
The world wakes up smiling
World problems solved
No atrocities committed next door
No murders, no rapes, no lies
The sun is shining
The cries of the innocent have been drowned
The tide of ignorance rising
The sky so blue it hurts
No more screams from the hungry
Empty bellies filled with intentions
The gentle wind moves no one
Cultural differences set aside
A surgical operation with homogeneous knife
The green grass sharp as a blade
No more mothers’ tears
No more sad children
No childish expectations
The world paints on a smile
Tears smear the perfection
Makeup runs away
The indifferent rain dances in the street
Indifference dances joyfully

Another one of those poems/songs that just bubble up from the brain.


Hearbreak in the rain


I walk softly on this path
I have fallen before
Didn’t watch were I was going
Stuck in your pitfalls
Couldn’t get up again
Mired down in lies
I extended a hand to your laughter
Cried as you dropped me
Found the strength to climb out
Found the strength to ignore you
Your sweet words tried to trap me
Your poison left me scarred
Your beauty left me bereft
I learned to live with myself
I learned to live without you
I’m only sad on rainy days
‘Cause rain reminds me of you
It’s always raining

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The previous poem is from a pacifist, this one is from one angry SOB; the anger no one wants to aknowledge. If you are angry, show it.






Enough is enough

You’re ignorance makes me furious
You’re deliberate apathy makes me hate
Your violence does not scare me
My red smile welcomes it
I want to scream and break you
I want to slowly tear you down
Piece by bloody piece
And laugh while I’m doing it
I want to tear it all apart
I am tired of living in your world
I am sick of pretending differently
Why pretend when you do not?
Civility has boundaries
I now recognise no borders
You think me weak
You think I have no power
You are sadly mistaken
One more comment
One more insult
You will know my strength
You will know my lack of emotion
You will be on your knees begging
My battered ears will be deaf
I will show no mercy
Memories will be written in blood
Regrets will be washed away in tears
Who do you think you are?
You will remember who I am

Saturday, March 19, 2011

All we, as gay people, are asking for is to be able to freely join the dance. I takes just one voice to send an invitation.




Would you like to dance?

Peaceful acceptations
Stop the madness
A hand extended with good intentions
Curled fist blocks calm expectations
Hateful looks on the sidewalk
Side glances at hands held in public
Cruel laughter shadows
Shadows hide behind themselves
Self imposed ignorance worn like a new dress
Everyone at the party dresses the same
New arrival wears something different
A costume stitched with pride
Singular presence draws every stare
Fear stares back bravely
Difference boldly takes the floor with trepidation
Wrapped in a cloak of determination
Waiting for acceptance
A resolute voice asks softly:
“Would you like to dance?”

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Kim Evans, owner of Petals and Promises Wedding Flowers, in Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada, has refused to provide promised flowers to a wedding once she found out it was a same sex couple wedding, citing that she is a born again Christian. This not only breaks New Brunswick laws on non-discrimination, it violates moral laws of which she is completely oblivious.




This is written just for you Kim:



Misinterpretations

Believer in two thousand year old lies
Convert to modern truths
The poor lost soul needs to find her way
Mind so weak it needs hate for a crutch
Her own thoughts undeveloped to the point of collapse
The words of the ancient ignorant give her support
Condemnation of the unknown brings her comfort
Persecution and ignorance her best friends
 She spreads the hateful message with wilful stupidity
Yet bets say that she eats shellfish with impunity
The bible says she is an abomination, clearly
Leviticus confirms it
Is her store open on Sundays?
Are flowers sold on God’s day off?
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
Does God come in and buy a bouquet for Mary
Thou shall not commit adultery
Her death insisted by Exodus
Hypocrisy her new verse
She has never read scriptures
New born Christian
(Christ no new brain)
You shall love your neighbour as yourself
Try being born again
This time get it right

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

There is a woman beggar by my workplace. I am sure she has a story, and I am sure it is sad; I am also quite sure no one listens...


Photo: Maciej Ciezki



Lady Street Corner

Dirty clothes, dirty hair
Branches form her diadem
Street dirt sticks to her coat
Intricate patterns formed in mud
Winter slush stains her tattered train
She used to be somebody
She used to have it all
Control given over to stronger forces
A family, a home disappears
Her children living ordinary lives
Their lives forgotten
She lives in despair
Emotional choices destroyed it all
A street corner to call her own
A new manor to reign
A hand held out looking for compassion
Shame held in looking for understanding
An open palm looking for help
Looking for shelter from the rain
Judgement not welcome
Her story unknown
Her life a guess
Easy to judge misery
Easy to dismiss mistakes
Bells don’t ring as loud as collected coin
Saints walk the streets robed in indifference
Jesus hangs comfortably on his cross
Weep for every mother
Cry for every misconception
Tears dry
Tears dry tomorrow


Monday, March 14, 2011

Ok, after one day, the break is over; I can't help myself, I need to write....





Political romance

People write songs left and right
Politicians sing the blues
Ordinary citizens just want the beat
Everyone wants to dance
No one seems to know how
No one wants to teach the tango
Confusion in the orchestra
Orchestrated dance a fiasco
Live bands try to tell the truth
Harmony down to three
Three part harmony like chickens in the yard
Too many talking heads
Opinions spread like feed to the masses
The age of musical collaboration ended
The audience totally confused
To dance swing or dance the valse
A question of time
A question of perspective
What will the dance be?
 

Friday, March 11, 2011

Ok, one last one for a while....


Understanding

Speak softly now
I can hear you
Talk quietly now
I understand
Your pain is a real thing
Your suffering made clear
I will not ignore you
You are there
Your tears wet my life
Your unknown sorrow profound
You feel incomplete
You feel empty
You don’t know why
Embrace my compassion
Hold on to my voice
Don’t let go of who you are
Your shadow is in hiding
Let is sleep for now
It’s ok
I’ll take its place

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The world today is in such bad shape, and I die a little bit more every day.


Modern world

The rain comes down incessantly
The snow joins the conspiracy
Emotions hung out to dry
Moisture seeps in and takes hold
The world cries
Tears roll slowly down misled cheeks
Revolution of spirit ignites in certain quarters
Popular rule dictates the day
Western world lies down
Patiently waiting for burial
The sadness of lies misleading
The truth always heartbreaking
Society buried in broken promises
Society worth nothing
Where has kindness gone?
Since when has humanity become so cold?
Not enough places at the table
The communal feast bereft of flavour
Trestle tables filled with nothing
A pretend meal does not nourish
The truth fills only chosen belly
The masses go hungry
Lies hold no value
Missing information like missing spices
Does anyone notice?
The rulers are still eating