Self
Censorship
Not to
offend we
bend and
twist
all that we
say,
in case we
might convey
A prejudice,
which
tragically may
prove,
we strongly
disapprove
of being
killed
for
questioning
the
certainty of faith.
We need to
learn,
not all
beliefs
are worthy
of respect
not all
views are equal
when
compared.
And though
we’re scared,
we must
confront
those who
desire
to cast our
freedoms
into the
fire
of their
imagined hell.
© James
Rainsford 2013
Note to readers: Posted as my contribution to Open link night at dVerse Poets.
Thought it appropriate to post this following more attacks upon innocent people by religious terrorists.
Your views are welcome and I'll respond to all who visit here and leave a comment
Kind regards to all at dVerse Poets, James.
I actually feel for our political leaders on this issue because they're damned if they do and damned if they don't.
ReplyDeleteI love the line "certainty of faith." Right there you've hit the nail on the head - if it's certain then there's no need for faith...
... what happened to freedom of speech
ReplyDeleteI like the poem a lot. I'm a religious man, so it would be interesting to hear what you categorize as a religious terrorist. This poem could mean different things for different 'views'. Well done James.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with your premise ... though I expect we look at it from different angles. Well said.
ReplyDeletehttp://wp.me/p1ZKiY-2JZ
really some interesting thoughts james...what do we really say if we must make sure we wont offend someone...or what can we really for surely we can offend if we open our mouthes and what freedom is there in that?
ReplyDeleteI like the poem although I feel that we are all entitled to our own beliefs. Your words are strong here and passionate. Your conviction is like cement as well and although we might not see eye to eye, I'd rather be filled with a different color of passionate faith, than be swayed by every storm
ReplyDeleteYes Gretchen,I agree. We are all entitled to our beliefs. What we're not entitled to, is to have those beliefs respected, especially when they advocate death for apostates and infidels. I also find it difficult to respect those who are willing to believe things without good evidence.
Delete
ReplyDeletewe must confront
those who desire
to cast our freedoms
into the fires
of their imagined hell....strong and powerful write.
I really like these lines:
ReplyDeleteWe need to learn,
not all beliefs
are worthy of respect
not all views are equal
when compared.
Freedom is precious and though we may not agree with each other all the time, I believe in it ~
"And though we’re scared,
ReplyDeletewe must confront
those who desire
to cast our freedoms
into the fires
of their imagined hell."
This is fantastic, James. A lot of truth in this piece.
I think we can question a belief without attacking an person...usually. In this day and age though political correctness has got a bit out of control. But then so have the vitriolic arguments of Left and Right (at least in the US).
ReplyDeleteOnce again, James, you are true to your convictions. I always defer to john Stuart Mill on these occasions. A ood poem and one which needs to be performed - any plans? Soundcloud perhaps?
ReplyDeletethat reminds me of the saying: everyone's darling is everyone's fool.. i think being diplomatic is good but we certainly don't have to agree with everything
ReplyDeleteTolerance can go too far. This is a provocative piece and would make a lively evening's conversation!
ReplyDeletea powerful thoughtful piece james
ReplyDelete"We need to learn,
not all beliefs
are worthy of respect" -
seems very true, and does, i think, require a certain bravery so's not to be cast "into the fires
of their imagined hell" - yeah, definitely powerful and thoughtful, thanks james ;-)
James, I have bitten my tongue, slapped my own fingers and worn an eraser to the nub in an effort not to offend but I can guarantee that no matter what I say or don't say, someone may take offense. Mostly, if my intent is not fouled, I say what I think. Those that take offense are then the ones with the problem. Wonderful work, James.
ReplyDeleteFantastic -- dare to think, question aggressively, remember they want you to obey
ReplyDelete