The God of Greed

The god of greed, of power and of haste Has wrought in silence all the joy of Love From hearts of men and, in his anger, placed His shield of gold upon the throne above. Far down below, among the crowd dispersed By petty brawls, debate and brutal screams, His slaves sweat out with every breath immersed In search of treasures and of silver streams. The clever lord smirks slyly on his seat, Amused that his devices are in swing To daze the race of men. Let them repeat The wrongs which, when committed, make him king! Despite his mighty craft, the master does not know That somewhere far, well hidden from his stare, A greater force, well known to be his foe, Is stronger still, all-wise and truly fair. This power trumps the lies and masquerade Which avarice and fraud have set in place. This ray of light, which does not fear the blade, Is earnest Love, immune from all disgrace. In her angelic shrine, she is unmoved By selfish men, and boastful malice shown To those who prize their honesty, who proved That honest life is often life alone. Unseen and quiet, she descends to aid The weary and aggrieved, who lose their way, Who stumble blindly and whose powers fade As they traverse the world in gloom and disarray. The haughty master sees but worries not, His aimless servants droning on bewitched, But in the purest heart there lies a plot Which, every minute, is by Love enriched. With time and faithful patience, devotees Of truth, humility and unrelenting grace See, deep within, a vision which foresees Relief from grief and justice for their case. And thus, although the selfish men at large Live out their days in lassitude or pride, A few remain in the majestic barge Of those who prove that kindness has not died. Such is the world: a place of right and wrong, Where those in power laugh—though they are blind— And those who seek the truth are bold and strong, Though very oft to silent pain confined. O, reader, if you’ve loved and grieved, Allow these humble words to urge and plead: Though you were slighted, or indeed deceived, May you forgive the world and be forever freed! Find my poems and published poetry volumes at www.eton-langford.com