The Cynic

The title says it all - this one is about cynicism

The Cynic

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who don't have it

- George Bernard Shaw

 

Fools!

You still believe?

In fairness?

In progress?

Forty years

Hammered my world view

Into a sword that cuts through

The veil that still hangs

Before your eyes

Blinding you

 

You look, but you do not see

The sadness in the world

As part of the landscape

It’s there

In the trees,

In the clouds

In the cradles

In the graves

 

There was a time

I could have died

For you

It was a child’s solution to

A thousand practical problems

To take

Your pain

Your sadness

So that

They might die with me

It wasn’t love

No

I’m no saint

I know

 

Oh, but there was never enough of

Anything to go around:

Food, money, time, words

And what use is sympathy?

Does it put bread on the table?

Does it warm numb limbs

In the winter frost?

Does it stop time?

Does it?

 

Do what you will

Throw yourself

From the high tower of

Symbol and metaphor

To the depths of

Biology and banal fact

Or call your Father

Which art in heaven

He’s but a hollow name

Forever and ever

A man

 

What was I to do?

I cried, oh yes!

But only at night

Secretly, silently

I’m no saint,

You know

 

I still frown when

I hear about

Pain

Need, and

Hardship

But I hang up the phone,

Return to the dining table

Lift the silver fork, the knife

I open my mouth

I chew, I swallow

I drink my coffee, and

I put my head on a soft pillow

That’s too good

To be soiled by

Tears

Reviews

[Myra Fellows]

Whoa. Your words are well chosen. Powerful. You can scrutinize Christianity yet respectfully. You can be honest about how you deeply feel without being offensive. This type of poem writing is far more advanced than any rhyming chiming bull that I come up with. I usually detest poetry but this-I read from top to bottom. That being said-not many could handle the honesty of your observations. Yet-I find it refreshing.

[Laz K.]

Thanks for taking the time to read my stuff. "Art should offend people because art should challenge people". It might sound a little pretentious, but I guess it's true. Thanks again, I appreciate your words.

[Myra Fellows]

I will take time to look at your other writing soon.

[Laz K.]

Great, thanks!
Btw, don't take this the wrong way, but you have beautiful eyes. 😊