America the Beautiful

I remember watching the preacher man
perform illusions from his pulpit of make believe
he told us stories about living life as a lamb
in a world full of wolves that are hunted
by the endangered bald eagle from above

Do you really think I believe
that God intended for me to hurt
when his only begotten son
took all illness and sin from this earth?

My Mother died from lung cancer
commercials say smoking does that
My Grandfather died from congestive heart failure
professionals say excessive drinking causes this
If this is true then
why are both these products
still available on local store shelves?

Why?
because...
 
your just another carbon unit
working to pay on your slave taxes
a living debt that we pass on to our children
every child born is born owing the government 800 large
their bill to be called an American

Now do you understand why
at times illegal immigrants piss me off
they get the benefit without owing a thing
we can't take care of our own
and I am tired of taking care of yours

but my faith says
it is still my responsibility
so I give with a smile
and love in my heart
still my brain isn't dumb
people are get over artists
from the perpetual welfare clients
to the wealthy who claim insurance fraud

didn't they tell you about America?

we're the original gangsters
a melting pot with a whole lot of guns
and atomic bombs for fools who try us

ask the one's who have messed with us

We found Saddam in a hole
put him on trial in his own country
then hung him live on the internet

we put a bullet in Bin Laden's head
straight mafia now he'll never have his day in court
the war on terror continues
empty victories for our fallen heroes of 9/11

Don't let me start preaching about
Regan, Bush, Clinton and Obama
homeland security would put 3 hot ones in my chest

So put on your Sunday best
get on your knees and pray to God
give praise and honor to his name
preach to me how I am going to hell
while you dance on the grave of the evil dead
then tell me how
how is that an eye for eye ended with the birth and death of Jesus
and how vengeance is mine saith the Lord
and today we celebrate murder in the first degree

That's right we're the good guys
jolly green giants that rule the earth
and all others are evil doers

Tell Mr. Preacher man
is this the America that God is pleased with?
does he see us as living in his son's name
explain to me again how we should live as a lamb

Author's Note

Spoken Words on what it means to be Christian and American

Reviews

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

a resounding and nonreligious AMEN!!! to every word within this revelatory poetic from the pouting lips of this failing Buddhist~ you nailed it to its own cross~ altruism in tatters~ ambiguity rules the modern day~ what a shambles we have permitted to take root~ bravo to your courage~ your honesty and the wildly captivating force with which you turn that mirror on us all~ BRAVO!

[.]

BRAVO SW *clapping*

Can I add to that! Not sure if I need too. But I will... We are still convinced that God is born is the image of man?? LOL Vengeful, Jealous, Uncompromising..these are traits of man not God..and still we are blaming everyone but ourselves for the mess we are in..we DO NOT have to live this way, we have a choice..God gave us that choice..HIS WILL IS YOUR WILL..not the other way around..until we realise that there is no side to be on, no right or wrong..no black and white..there just IS.
We will continue on this merry go round of life..trying to get somewhere..where we are already there..and always have been..sorry I am waffling..you know me ;)

[Liza]

Overpopulation at its highest magnification ~ mixed with diversity ~ need to establish culture with a mix of beliefs and this is what we get ~ the pressures seep in - we turn to alcohol and ciggs to numb the realities and escape into our inner world; only feeding into the higher agenda of allowing the weak to weaken and kill themselves off with physical overindulgence - independence at its ultimate form - no one can tell us to not smoke, not drink - but if we ban these things; it would be like taking away our candy - we humans serve our flesh and you forgot to mention obesity - McDonalds, fast food - so what - diabetes; moms working more - kids need a meal - take this happy meal.

[Erinne S.]

Wow! This was good. It has a powerful message and everything written speaks loudly. I could feel the passion behind the words as I read them, and I agree with everything that you wrote. Completely agree!
Fantastic job with this one!

~Erinne

[Chris Smith Welshpoetcs]

A powerful message my friend.

[Sel Whiteley]

The vehemence in this poem is outstanding. This is a stunning social critique about American life, infused with state religion and bad, corrupt governance. This is so direct. I love the structure, the varying verse lengths allows you to use single sentence verses to pose poignant questions and leave the longer verses to give a fuller reply, a very vivid insight into how you view your country. I must say, to be honest, I am happy to live in France, the most secular nation in the world. Whatever people's opinions, they are constrained to the home. I've studied peace studies so your saying murder for Bin Laden really shows how ill advised the government was. yes, he was evil and he would have been found guilty, the evidence was overwhelming and video-recorded, that's exactly why turning him into a martyr was dangerous. Such an emotive and poignant poem.

wonderful, emotional , write! As I read it, could feel the passion, in the subject coming forth!

[Jūdan FyreHeart]

Very nicely done, brutally honest and something which needed saying.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A stark and mind bending adventure of pride and debauchery, very well penned, great read.

[Magdelena]

Ya Ya Ya. And a huge AMEN to boot. This was soooo good that I felt like skipping all over the place. I do adore pieces that stand right out there and says it like it is.
As always your words reach to all and make us beg for just that tiny bit more.. 'More please?' :) Words that delight can only mean one thing, the truth of a great artist brings them forth. And you my dear loving friend, are one heck of a artist!
This is my favorite so far and that is saying allot, for all of yours are my favs.

Mags xx

[Layla J Omorose]

Though I am not christian this poem is powerful and beautiful written. I actually read it out loud without pausing since you didn't use any end stops and the impact of the poem was that more powerful. Reading it out loud reminds me of a poem I heard called "America' by Allen Ginsberg. The rapid reading and moving on to the next stanza gives a sense of spiraling and chaos in a world that is presumed stead and safe. Loved this poem. Definitely one of my favorites.