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Open Poetry #39
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Born Yesterdays
| Open Poetry #39 |
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Born Yesterdays |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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Born Yesterdays If I were born in times of Christ I’d stand, a peasant, ‘midst the crowd, Hide tears as He was sacrificed: This Son of God we disavowed. By hatred’s fervor unenticed, Alone amongst the throng, I’d grieve; For though Heaven be dearly priced, At least a poor man could believe. …Garnering strength, if but to live That in His grace, He could forgive. If I were born to Wilder West Than suited white civility, Should murder itself Manifest A greater race’s Destiny? An ancient spirit need not rest Denied the freedoms of its birth. In death, this warrior’s bequest: The faith no man can own this earth. Though land to trail of tears I cede, I’ll not be severed from my creed! If I were born to Lincoln’s woe-- A nation torn by bigotry, And halved against itself, (as though The measure of a man could be Accounted for at birth).Although All men are equal, we profess, What edict privileged some to know That those they owned were somehow less? Yet such assertions, North or South, Might mark the slug to shut my mouth. Still I was born just decades past, And there in part resides my shame. I face the world with eyes downcast, A hollow man bereft of name. The last be first, the first be last, I know I’ll die in either case, Indifferent, a resigned outcast, A man who never knew his place… And to a charge I can’t refute: Life passed me by, as I stood mute. Yet it echoes the ancestry Of all I once thought preordained… Moments that define history To me, all seem somewhat bloodstained. Though loss of lives or unity, For me, I know not which is worse, As there is no immunity When outrage seeks a name to curse… No war will raise a single hero From the bottom of Ground Zero. Yes, I was born to corporate stage, Corruption on grandiose scale. A puppet of this brighter age, Where dead men never tell their tale. Though when it’s but words on a page, I wonder still at the truths lost… Will we rewrite the wars we wage – Stand blameless for each holocaust? The wolves watch as the wormwood glows, But where we stop nobody knows. We build our walls in Washington As they tear theirs down in Berlin. We walk the graves in Arlington, Innumerable nameless men. We write history with a gun Then gloss it over with a pen. And when this war at last is won We’ll do it all over again. No peace while profit holds the sway, Our fate: Fight on another day. Or will we somehow rise above What our very nature pervades. Religions based on God and love We turn into bloody crusades. Can wisdom cleanse the conscience of Misguided oaths to coin and blade Or when push finally comes to shove, Will we buy into the charade? Oh, can the Human hope to win, Against the beast that lurks within? I dream in my born yesterdays Of the difference one man can make. But wake with dispassionate gaze Upon a world: intangible, fake! The past come full circle these days, I search a cause worth dying for-- But find no banner fit to raise Within this race of greed and war. All these opened eyes are seeing Is the shame of human being. Michael Anderson |
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| © Copyright 2006 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Oh my--this certainly did not need MY ink, Michael. I applaud your talent, but more, I applaud your courage. There is so much more I'd like to say-but that belongs in a discussion forum. But I can't help but wonder--have you read Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States"? Because I did, and it forever changed my life--as well as my parenting style.  (I toss in some not-so-fun facts from that book when I discuss things with my kids too--and um, that stirred up a few troubles during the course of their "education" too. *laughing*"Will we rewrite the wars we wage – Stand blameless for each holocaust?" The spin doctors are at work even before the stones are cast. We do think alike Michael--and you are more my hero now than ever. You have a gift-- and I'm overjoyed that you are sharing it with us once again. Love to you and yours.  And by the way, besides loving the message of your poem, the execution was flawless! |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Karen, This poem has been sitting in my computer half finished since before I moved to Florida. It was your reference to "manifest destiny" in one of your recent poems that made me dig it out to finish it. I am a believer that if we ignore our muses they tend to find better homes... didn't want to let this one escape. We do think a lot alike. I appreciate you infusing me with the courage to finish this one. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I just backspaced a bunch of crap that I said I wouldn't type anyway--it's enough to just "bump" this--for now. But oh man, you wrote my heart. I hate, I mean really HATE being lied to--and Columbus Day is not a holiday in my home--but a day of humility. (That right there is enough to get me in troube--you should see what I backspaced!  )I'm off to look for maps. Yep. Somewhere, out there, is a map that is geographically correct, and shows how small "we" really are in comparison...in the meantime? back to the top, you!  and oh? I almost forgot--this is why I came back to begin with--that first stanza? My mother told me (too often for self-esteem) that had I been born in the times of Christ, I would have been begging for alms outside the temple. (I required some surgery. Sheesh.) Is it any wonder I'm a mess?  |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
Dear Michael I'm so pleased you finished this and posted... :bravo: this was indeed a profound and eye opening write....you are insightful adding, surely wish you'd write more, your expertise is astounding. God Bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours |
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twinkyfl1 Member
since 2006-12-15
Posts 133florida |
Michael, This is the best piece of writing on the subject I have yet to see, and I have seen a lot due to my activism on numerous political and liberal websites. This should be mandatory viewing for every citizen in our country. The obvious fact that this was written from the deepest core of your being, would be enough to open the many eyes that are still closed, and the ears that remain plugged, and the heart that deliberately remains walled off. Too afraid to face the truth and confront it. This piece gives me renewed hope to fight on another day for our beloved country, just when for the hundreth time I was ready to give up in despair. A simple thank you seems almost inadequate, for bringing this to our attention in such a personal way. Nevertheless, thank you. |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Oh, can the Human hope to win, Against the beast that lurks within? You have asked so many questions that shouldn't be difficult to answer in this well written poem Michael. I just read your poetry with my jaw hanging on the desk. I have to agree with you and Karen, it is horrible to be lied to, and don't think we will ever see the end of it in these greedy times. Glad you finished this. |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
mike - one of the things i've always appreciated about your writing is that it never fails to spur my mind into motion. no matter the subject, the wheels start churning... your talent is boundless my friend. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Thank you all, your compliments are humbling, especially for a piece I struggled with so much. [This message has been edited by Michael (12-29-2006 06:45 PM).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Oh, can the Human hope to win, Against the beast that lurks within? I hope so... I truly hope so... That there are poets like you who don't stay mute improves our chances. *S* Excellent write!! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Struggle? Your theme is by definition a struggle, m'friend. You, however, have brought it before a light it needs to allow mankind to see... Happy Holidays to you both...  |
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kaila Junior Member
since 2006-12-24
Posts 37PA |
You have scanned centuries and philosophies,giving answers within the questions. I applaud your phrasing, your poetic tension, your creativity, your courage, your ability to give words to what so many think. Thank you for a wonderful poem. kaila |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
damn...now this should be published! |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Suthern, sound like the wishful thinking of all poets... I do so hope you are right. Nan, great to see you. How've you been? Happy New Years to you as well. I resolve to drop in here and see you all more... and probably actually get to this time. Kaila, you honor me with such words. Thank you. Dixie, well I will submit it to the Main Passions Forum, when Ron has it up, how's that? Reaching beyond that for publication will just have to wait until I die. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
And there in part resides my shame. I face the world with eyes downcast, A hollow man bereft of name. The last be first, the first be last, I know I’ll die in either case, Indifferent, a resigned outcast, A man who never knew his place… And to a charge I can’t refute: Life passed me by, as I stood mute. Michael, I do believe it is you who inspire. I have to agree with the others, that should be published and while it is too late for this new year, perhaps before the next new year, you will issue it to the papers, to some national magazine...as an eye opener to those who get stuck in their own ruts. Thank you for all of the gifts you bring to us. And while you're in the moment, see if there are any other "unfinished" pieces in that computer of yours, for everything you have ever shared with us has become a  .Happy New Year, Poet.  |
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