I think it’s time we have a poem.
I have just been on a journey through Australia and then a cruise back through Indonesia, Java, India, ………. I’ll tell you all about that later. I took a few photos.
One of our stops was Israel. We visited synagogues, churches and mosques. I was busy putting hats and shoes on and off. I was also noting the way the three different religions all tried to outdo each other with their hair and clothes.
So I wrote a poem about it.
That’s what it’s all about
You put your hat on
You take your hat off
Off on – off on
Easy to get wrong.
You do the hocus pocus
Wail and shout
And that’s what it’s all about.
Oh hokus pokus pokus
Oh hokus pokus pokus
Kneel down
Genuflect
Blah blah blah
Take your shoes off
Put your shoes on
Off on – off on
Easy to get wrong.
You do the hocus pocus
Wail and shout
And that’s what it’s all about.
Oh hokus pokus pokus
Oh hokus pokus pokus
Kneel down
Genuflect
Blah blah blah
You put your shawl on
You take your shawl off
Off on – off on
Easy to get wrong.
You do the hocus pocus
Wail and shout
And that’s what it’s all about.
Oh hokus pokus pokus
Oh hokus pokus hokus
Kneel down
Genuflect
Blah blah blah.
26.4.2017
That’s what it’s all about
Jerusalem – a cauldron of hate – as three different branches of the same religion vie for dominance. Synagogues built on top of the holiest temples. Crusader churches built on temples and synagogues. Everywhere desecration, disrespect and intolerance, intransigence and fanaticism as everyone becomes more extreme in costume, behaviour and attitude, clutching holy books, reciting text, praying and genuflecting, holy books stuck to their heads, shawls, beads, crosses and medieval costume.
In amongst it all is some great history, wonderful architecture and brilliant art as each religion strives to outdo the other and pours their resources into proving they are the best.
As I stepped from church to temple to synagogue I found myself putting hats, shoes and shawls on and off as each branch interpreted the word of their god in different ways. Yet it is the same god!
I found it bizarre.
As an antitheist I thought the fanaticism exemplified everything that is wrong with religion. I was particularly disgusted at the little kids being brought into the places as part of the indoctrination programme to produce the next generation of unreasonable devotees.
Is it all a wicked joke?
Ooh I definitely can’t wait to hear all about your travels! Especially India because as an Indian I’m a little ashamed to say I’ve never been to India and I find it interesting to hear about everything there!
It’s sad that people use religion as an excuse to control other people and take away children’s rights to explore and choose what they want for themselves.
I shall do a series of blogs about my adventures. We had an amazing time. India is colourful, busy and special as you will hear in due course.
Yeah I can’t wait to read those! Travel posts are so interesting! 🙂
I’m busy finishing the two novels I have just completed. I’m working on the Sci-fi one at the moment. It is taking up a lot of headspace. When I’ve finished that I’ll make a start. Sorting out the photos is a bit of a task in itself. I think I took 5000 round the whole journey.
Sounds wonderfully exciting, colourful – look forward to sharing your journeying
It was awesome Raili. I am looking forward to finding the time to tell it. I seem to be flooded with things to do. I have these two books to complete, a bunch of others to sort, my music room is being built, a new house to sort. It is consuming me.
One step, one note, one word, one plank at a time 🙂
I know. I’m trying to take it in my stride. My days lack enough seconds.
Gosh, I know that feeling!
I’ll try not sleeping!
Ever hear Tom Lehrer’s Vatican Rag?
I love Tom Lehrer. I must check that out. Thanks for reminding me.