Contagion
There is a war going on. It is fought through costume, spire and minaret. It seeks to convince that a certain message is the only truth. It is fought with lavish structures, rituals and words from long ago. It seeks to give credence to the implausible.
The beliefs spread like viruses.
The believers are clear. Everything is laid out in words of black and white. There is absolutely no need to think.
The virus puts an end to thought or independence. It converts the acolyte into a cog in the wheels of power. Everything else is wrong.
All you have to do is believe. All is forgiven. Eternity is your reward.
What a virus. What a disease.
Contagion
Contagion from minarets and veils
To pollute minds
With detritus
From the Dark ages of fear,
Dispensing ritual
In black and white
For messy lives
Who crave order
In the midst of chaos.
As if not eating pig
Or covering your hair
Would guarantee eternity
And bring pleasure
To a blood-thirsty deity.
But there is magic in words –
Mumbo jumbo –
From the dawn of time
When not believing
Was a crime.
Opher 17.9.2016
If you wish to buy one of my poetry books you can purchase them here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Opher-Goodwin/e/B00MSHUX6Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1474228354&sr=1-2-ent
You’re right Opher, so much harm has been done by organised religion throughout the ages. It is often an ego, power driven, man made organisation that seeks to dominate and control.
I believe there is a huge difference between that and spirituality, which for me is a deep personal connection to Source, God, a Higher Power, the Universe, Unconditional Love … whatever people choose to call it. That I do believe in.
I really do not mind what people believe in just so long as they do not enforce it on others. Belief should be a personal thing.
I do not have many beliefs. I believe in myself in one form or another.
As for spirituality – that is something else altogether. There seems a harmony and connection through the universe. I don’t choose to call it god. I feel it in some people, trees, landscapes, skies, rocks, moons, suns, ancient things, animals and sunsets. I think that it doesn’t matter if you believe in anything or nothing. It’s how you live your life with love, compassion, tolerance and kindness – that’s what counts – experience it, lap it up and live it.