Poetry – Money down the drain – a poem about the insanity of war and religion.

Posted on by Opher

P1020850

Money Down the Drain

Everywhere I go around the world it is the same story. There are citadels, fortresses and castles, an arms race, defences, warfare and violence.

Most of our resources are put into war and weaponry.

All over the world we are building civilisation and knocking it down. We squander all our resources. We burn and destroy.

Everywhere I go around the world it is temples, mosques, synagogues and cathedrals, as each religions tries to outdo its rivals in lavish splendour; as if they need to prove their story is the best. It must be right because you only have to look at the wonder of that huge edifices built in whichever god’s name.

The hours spent in worship. The sacrifices made.

We never learn from history.

Germany and Japan, reduced to rubble, rose as pacifist States who, instead of squandering their resources on armies and weaponry, put their wealth into their economy.

Once we have outgrown the primitive notions of tribal nations and superstitious religion, we can begin to build the glorious architecture and art of the future.

It is time for us to think globally – one people – one world – one solution.

A world governed rationally. Our resources used to solve problems instead of creating them. An end to hatred, racism, sexism and poverty.

A global protection of the environments, peoples’ rights and freedoms.

We need to stop throwing money down the drain. We need to stop the power-mad religious leaders and politicians leading us into division, hatred and war.

One world – one people – one solution –

 

TOGETHER.

Money Down the Drain

 

Fortresses missiles and castles,

Armies, tanks and planes –

What a waste.

 

Armour, bows, lances and bombs,

Nations, tribes and religions –

How stupid.

 

Instead of working together

To solve problems,

To build a better world,

We channel our resources

Into war,

Into defence,

Into hatred, worship and violence.

How ridiculous.

 

Power and politics,

Deceit, territory and ownership;

Rhetoric and rabble rousing,

Fascist supremacy –

How sad.

 

Why don’t we put all of the rubbish aside

And use our energies for better purposes?

 

Opher 29.1.2016

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35 thoughts on “Poetry – Money down the drain – a poem about the insanity of war and religion.”

    1. Oh yes – frequently. But I’ve spent a lifetime shouting. You might have noticed that I am a bit opinionated. But if nobody tries then we allow the scoundrels to get away with it all. What else can we do?
      Sometimes I feel very down, upset and despondent. But then you have to have hope. There are a lot of good, caring people out there. We can make a difference. I have to believe that.
      I’ve just been on Radio Humberside for half an hour talking about education. You might be able to hear it on the BBC iplayer. I was the Andy Comfort show between 3.15 and 3.45. You can get it on the computer.
      I never stop trying.

      2. I am frequently told I am. (mainly by Liz) I, of course, believe that I am merely speaking my mind in a quiet, rational manner.

    1. I think that if people care they are passionate. If they see things that are wrong they get angry.
      I’m more worried by people who don’t care about anything or anyone. I may be wrong sometimes but at least I believe in things passionately and am prepared to put my mouth where my thoughts are.

    1. I’m always in trouble. When you push people push back. But I don’t mind that. I believe what I stand for. I might be wrong but it’s how I feel. (I do listen though – I do)

      2. It sure can. But as long as it is not personal it’s OK. I’d rather have a reaction than no reaction.

    1. Hopefully. That’s why I write.
      I don’t care if they agree with me or not. I just want people to think.

  8. Great poem. Opher, you sound so much like Plato who is feeling discouraged these days. How do you hold onto your enthusiasm?

    1. I’m sorry to hear Plato is discouraged. His music and poetry are so good. But it is so hard to get through to people these days with anything that has content. They do not want to think. It has to be uplifting and superficial. I’ll have to have a word with him.
      I feel that you have to keep plugging away. If we do not then the world becomes grey and the bastards win. There has to be more to life than celebrities and soaps.

      1. That’s an insightful way to put it: the world becomes gray. And you’re totally right. People want everything they see and hear sanitized these days, no matter how often their glued to news stories about violence, etc.

  9. Thanks for the heads up (horrible phrase, what am I like? – aargh, it’s getting worse!) about your Radio Humberside appearance – just listened to it and was delighted to hear you articulating the case for proper teaching so fluently. In these days of soundbites and slogans, it’s great to hear an argument unfolded from within like that – heart and head in tandem, I’d say. I’m sure many listening would have agreed and been encouraged by what you said. I was an English teacher for 6 years (1972-1978) at David Lister High School in Hull where the Head was the renowned Albert Rowe – he’d left when I got there but every English classroom had multiple copies of his book English Through Experience! We ran 100% coursework syllabuses – contrary to later disinformation, kids couldn’t cheat their way through them, no league tables so we weren’t under pressure to fiddle results so they got what they deserved! – and I carried these over to Nottingham when I became HoD. Great days, real teaching of things you were enthusiastic about, we did school plays, poetry performances – had Adrian Henri to one – I won’t go on because I get a bit sad because it wasn’t so good by the time I retired! Ah well … by the way, I haven’t forgotten the secular psalm idea, just reading the travels of the haiku poet Basho, good stuff, as you said on RH it’s good to keep active – you came across as an excellent role model in that respect as I’m sure some of your ex-pupils would appreciate. All the best, Dave.

    1. Dave – thank you so much for that. I’m glad you liked the radio thing. It came a little out of the blue and I always want to go back and do those things better. You are much too kind. There were so many ‘things’ and poor word choices. It’s the pressure of live radio. I missed so much out. But there you go.
      Interesting to hear of your teaching career. David Lister school is one I know off but not too well. I nearly took a job at Orchard Park and did my TP at Andrew Marvel. It’s good to think back on all the great times teaching. I too did a number of concerts and performances at school. The kids were brilliant.
      Not read any Basho. I believe I have a book somewhere. I might dig it out.
      Thanks again for your over-kind words.

  10. Oh and while I remember, here are 2 ideas which seem relevant.
    You don’t make things heavier by weighing them.
    You don’t learn to ride a bike by taking it apart and looking at the pieces.

      1. What you said came naturally and was unforced and it was all the better for that. It suited the message, linked things up organically and was the opposite of glib – educational in the best sense!

      2. Well I’m glad it came over that way. When you are passionate about things it sometimes comes out wrong.

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