ABOUT THINGS

1

What you believe is subject to the program in your brain,

For there it was created and there it will remain.

Tis like a can containing water; it is empty when it’s dry,

But it needs water to be added, the dryness to deny.

The water may be muddy or the water may be clear,

But it contains a small ingredient of what is known as fear.

If you can’t live without it, though tis true that others can,

Then you are not what you think you are; you are a different man.

To the one who is not programmed to think he's inadequate like you,

If he does not cower and confess himself to a self appointed few.

You are a robot and your thinking has been programmed by a cult,

Your beliefs and your prejudice are the obvious results.

You believe you are inadequate without the Church that holds the key,

To the door you'll never open thus you never will be free.

2

There are lots of people hiding in the shadows of the church,

Some there to conceal their burdens others there to do research.

Some think they are quite special in their ancient ritual gowns,

Some, although they teach belief, wear guilty facial frowns.

All have one thing in common they are phony little men,

Who cannot face the world alone or religion gives to them,

Advantage over others because they are members of a cult,

That promotes them over others who they never will consult.

They condemn each other’s doctrines as they struggle for the power,

To Lord it over all who think “tis the coming of the hour”,

They are all praying to the same God with their selfish little pleas,

Making sure that all who watch them see them on their righteous knees,

For they do not pray in silence as their God said they must do,

But show others how they love him because it simply isn't true.

3

A family shares its burdens, its differences and its muse,

One compliments the other and scorns them when they abuse.

We don't differentiate nor isolate nor treat a brother wrong,

Because, due to love and understanding, to the family we belong.

We can hurt each other easily, we who share our inner thoughts,

Most times because we're angry we might make some ill retorts.

But there is never any malice and no jealousy and hate,

Though we have our own perceptions and impressions to relate.

We don't force upon the other what we think is justly right,

But speak openly and honestly without nastiness and spite

For a family is not selfish for it is a group that supports itself,

With sincere concern for others, for their feelings and their health.

So gentlemen and ladies, you special folk all gathered here,

Just remember there’s no prejudice, no preference and no fear.

4

To be a writer of good poetry you must know of pain and woe,

Of happiness and sadness; both of these you must know.

You need lots of understanding and the will to express your whole

You need courage of conviction when you bare your inner soul.

You need not be a scholar, a scientist, nor a King,

But you need to have the courage to challenge everything.

You must question what you believe in test your inner doubt,

Be prepared to suffer scorn from the ignorant and the lout.

There'll be those who will envy almost everything you do,

And those who will hate you because you are you.

The Poet is like soldier who has lived through the sin of war,

But returns to spread the love he didn't understand before,

Good or bad the poet, suffers every word he writes,

And like every one who seeks the truth has many sleepless nights.

5

If I was writing here the Bible or a chapter of its text,

I'd not be thought of as special but a man obstinate and vexed

For what poets write are verses that the status quo resists

For tis feared they may well influence the will to desist ,

And help folk think a little differently than they thought before,

In fact discover their own qualities and the courage to be sure.

Be the person they were born to be without oppression and control,

To make their own decisions and play their chosen role.

To marry where they want to and when it pleases them,

Without the intimidation and the ritual from greedy little men,

Who use the Church and Gods great power for monetary gain,

And in their sickest moments cause a great deal of pain.

For it is not about sweet Jesus, about love and moral things,

It’s about dictatorship and power and the control that it brings.

6

You know some write for fame and fortune or for popular review,

Which means they write the kind of poetry that isn't necessarily true,

But contains a lot of images that are popular though are trite,

So they sell a lot of books written for the vogue of their delight.

The poets who are thoughtful and write truth are seldom read,

Until their lives have long been over and they are all lying dead.

Because if such folk were living to challenge our beliefs,

We would not be so forgiving we would treat them like handkerchiefs

Because most folk defend the assumptions that occupy their minds,

For they cannot face the clearer truth that the thoughtful poet finds,

That raises doubts where righteousness was selfishly before,

Controlled by speculation and the doctrines of mans false law

So remember if you are a bard you've got little chance today,

Of convincing many people that there is truth in what you say.

© Colin F Jones 28 October 04