The Martyrs

 

So where does the love of God go

when the days turn minutes to hours

Just whose house has God been visiting

when followers hurl rocks not flowers

 

What do we teach our children so well

precious lessons of Christ, we all follow

Condemning the young that chose abortion

so God's teachings will ring out but hollow

 

Where are the mighty gifts of forgiveness

shoulders to cry on, for families that fail

Instead they cast stones of the malcontent

on the lord's children that they assail

 

Perhaps it would serve us all better

if we could call a spade a spade

Then point the finger of hypocrisy

at the army of heretics they’ve made

 

Take a walk to the washing basin

look to the mirrored reflection of pain

Soap will never wash away the ignorance

or the ugly hatred and stench that remain

 

Shame be on us for these things

as we shall reap what we do sow

You can't teach love and tolerance

with every gun and with every blow

Tate

 

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Author's Note

I'm sorry but if I am to believe the Martyrs I would have to concede that Almighty God needed lowly me to punish the unclean. As he was unable to do it himself. Well where is the God of Noah that with a wave of his hand flooded the world? If he was that ineffectual I think I would go looking for enlightenment somewhere else.

The quintessential question remains by what right do any of us claim divine guidance? There comes a point where judgment is beyond us and we have to leave these things to the individuals involved. Our personal beliefs have no right being imposed on others rights or beliefs. I only wish Twain were still alive as I am sure his witticisms and opinions would be most welcome by the truly enlightened. Protecting the rights of other peoples unwanted children and paying to raise the majority of them through the state will never alleviate the conscience that we offend by our insensibility .!

Reviews

[Charles]

I'm afraid that this is one of those poems (along with the pictures and author's comments) whose moral lesson overwhelms the written word. The only thing I don't like about it is the ambiguity (of course, that might be the whole point of the poem) - I mean, it's hard to tell which side of the equation the author is on, not that it matters for technical purposes. There are a few of those 'strained' lines created to force a rhyme, that I don't much like, and an irregularity in the way the 'God' words are capitalized that is distracting, and a few apostrophes that are missing. The first stanza is the strongest followed at a bit of distance by the third and fourth. Good effort and a bit of morality on the side. :-)

[Donna DeLong Matthews a..]

Sugar... Im not gonna get into this into depth but I will say those who claim to be man/woman of God
are not always a realistic reflection. Anybody can talk the talk but what I have faith in is those who
can walk the walk. I have found in my years that those who stand back an quote scripture are not
always the true reflection its those who live scripture that I place my trust in.

Dont let anyone ruffle your feathers ... You believe what you believe and I will do the same
now I have one that I want you to read with the same open mind and heart that I had when I
read yours.... I will send it to you in a new message I have to go find it

Hugs
D

Hugs my friend....

[Doreen]

A very striking poem. Honest and heartfelt. Kudos! Your Author's Note is a masterpiece.
If we are to be the divine guidance, and point judgment, forcing others out of their right to choose, then why not give everyone a gun and a badge, and call them all cops? Every single person has an opinion - but how is it justified to force conformity based on opinion? I enjoyed reading this very much. Thank you for sharing.

[Mitch*Dandy]

Wow very beautiful poem. The message to me is clear. But as always you have the most great vocabulary that I've seen on writers cafe. You rythem is always so soft and sweet. Very beautiful I say again.

[Jacqueline Lopez]

I like this poem, because you have a lot of amazing lines. This is very nice and I like your rhymes. I love also how you wrote about stuff that's so controversial!

[Tina Kline]

This is one powerful poem and I think so right in what you say. If one is really a follow of Christ then they ought to remember what He says, "He who has no sin may cast the first stone." and "Love one another as I have loved you." I don't really see that happening too much.

One very impressive write here.

[Lilly]

Indeed a poweful poem. Religions can cause conflict but I think when you look at the key moral elements of many world religions - they are the same. Things like compassion, love and forgiveness come up in them all and if people - even those who are not religious, could just recognise these things and act in these ways the world could be a better place... It isn't our place to judge others - and the fact that it is done in such detrimental ways is horrible.

A very nice poem with a great message. This stanza is one of my favourites:
"Take a walk to the washing basin
Look to the mirrored reflection of pain
Soap will never wash away the ignorance
Or the ugly hatred and stench that remain"

[Austin Smith]

One of the most thought provoking poems that I've read from you! My God forgives people and loves those who mean no harm in their personal decisions. The hatred a protesting for homosexuals (especially the guy who actually had to pay for a protest held against his son's funeral) make me grieve deeply for Christianity, and they all need to end; to deny love is to deny God, for God is love, and there truly are homosexuals who love each other (I have one in my family who loves his soul mate with all his heart).
It becomes way more difficult for me with the issue of abortion protests. I think that SOME (not all, but not a few) protesters want to end abortion to allow every living thing to have a chance to live (even though I've had to hear debates on what point a fetus is 'living'. My mom has also put a complication in my mind: the impregnated in the incidents of rape (should they have the right to abort?).
I'm truly sorry for making this a long comment, but I feel fervently for this topic. I'll end it with this statement: I've done things worse then probably everyone I know, so I have no right to judge at all. Writing style aside, you've made a poem deeper than a dark well. Well done!

[LisetteCanWrite!]

Oh you have really written some very touchy controversy! Your image is one that really hits hard along with the words you have woven in this.. and it's a daily personal struggle in beliefs I think for everyone. These things are really a matter of personal choices.. I agree and disagree with many comments on this! That's the biggest issue is really every person is a child to god.. with the ability to freely think and act. The god I believe in is forgiving and I think he like any judge would look at the events and circumstances of each individual. You have alot of truth mixed in this.. with what seems like alot of passion.

Hypocrisy is a human condition.. it's found in believers and non alike.. While the world is flawed.. I can't imagine a world without religion. Like to see less stone throwing and judgement.. but I mean gossip exists in non-believers and I don't think we can completely irradicate judgement... for we would then lose freedom to speak and think on both sides of the fence! This was really thought provoking.. but that is a good thing.. it's the only way things might change. You certainly hit on some topics most avoid.. A+ on that.

[Katie Louise Hughes]

Forgiveness... It amazes me how many people will call themselves religious, yet don't practice forgiveness, and are full of hate, and who are quick to judge others. Thanks for the great poem! Your third stanza stood out to me also. I also didn't quite understand your author's note, maybe I'm to tired to understand. lol