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. :-)

[Ferg]

Judgment is not ours to make, but God's alone. Our only concern should be to love others as God loves us........somewhere along the way, the world went awry and tried to take over the the judgment and abandon the love........You've clearly stated this with just the right amount of venom!

[SK Woodiwiss]

Judgment evokes judgment and so this work reveals. Vicious circle upon vicious circle, pointed fingers and self righteous contempt on both sides. But what becomes of the real cause, the real hurt the lost lives? Lost in contempt on both sides. Christ said, He would not condemn us, and He is right - He knows us so well - we have each other for that.

[Frantzuu]

wow this is awesome, Your writing style is so different in a very good way, it's descriptive, and mysterious at the same time. Idk, i enjoying reading your work. very strong write.

[An owl on the moon]

This is truly insightful and powerful, giving us a view of what has happened when we turn the love of God into our own place of judgment and hate. May we learn to love our neighbors as ourselves and perhaps society will see hope thriving...

[Scarlet Pulse]

An interesting and powerful poem. I take it was written from opinion and strong belief. You use wonderful language consistently. As always beautiful form, and an abcb rhyme scheme. Great.

[WriterSki7]

Yeah; truth in every word.
I could debate with you all day on the topic (even though I agree completely with it). It was people like these that made Christianity hollow. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Personal opinions aside, the poem in and of itself was good. A classic example of ABCB rhymes.

[M.S Solis]

this was beautiful and so very true in a world where beliefs are like naps, you forget and awake when somebody touches you... keep up the good work and keep on believing because this world is slowly making its own religion..

[Raivenne]

A very powerful and passionate write. You voice the frustration of many in these conflicting times and you voice it well. However, I do not agree that God "needed lowly me to punish the unclean". And by "me" I mean humankind as a whole, not just you and/or I. He demands our faith; He insists on our ministry of His word to guide others, He absolutely wants out love. Still, even the bible advices, not to cast pearls before swine. Some simply do not know when to walk away and leave it in His hands, To presume we (Man) have the right to punish those not up to religious par because we feel HE is not involved (aka punishing them) enough is one heck of a conceit. We may be made in his image, but we are not Him. Judgement and the punishment of the sinner thereof is His domain. After all, for those who believe, there is a system in place to address this, the punishment of hell. And for those who feel it's up to them personally to punish "...let he who is without sin..."

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

There's a lot of thought in this piece. The arguments are very well placed.

[snapstache]

I agree with Cattie Rain in whole.
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