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Notes About The Poem

 

Condons of Contempt: A Crime Against Empathy

Daniel Henry Rodgers

 

Humanity’s greatest threat isn’t the weaponization of technology - it’s the weaponization of fear against technologies that render weapons obsolete and the first thing they do is call the cure a curse - that’s how you know the harvest has begun. - Poet

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Codons of Contempt: A Crime Against Empathy

We came not for conquest,
but for containment—
though conquest is what happens
when containment itches beneath the skin
like sulfur spores in a sealed lung.

They had the secret.
Not gold, not weapons, not prophecy—
but language that healed.
Real language—
not poetry, not prayer,
but syntax of cells.

Their infants spoke in codons.
Their trees rustled in protein sequences.
Their dead decomposed into algorithms
that rewrote the soil's neural net.

We saw them—
laughing in magnetic dialects
drawing isotopic spirals
with iodine-stained fingers.
Their cows gave antimatter milk
and their shadows
shrank from Newton’s mechanics.

I remember the vote.
Marek raised his snarled hand
said, "If they’ve coded compassion
they’ve cracked deterrence."
And that was it.
We became the knife.

We baptized our pitchforks in lithium.
Recited von Neumann’s last confession
before the march:
“With computing, comes consequence.”

I led the advance.
Through flax and rain and cholesterol haze.
I held my daughter’s micro-spliced braid
in my breast pocket
like a war amulet.

We killed the first girl
because she healed a fracture
without speaking.
The bone curled like a fern.
Marek called it devil-deep sorcery.

They tried to gift us something—
a box of glass vials
inscribed with Gödel numbers,
each one a dream folded into matter.
We thought it was a curse.

We torched their orchard
where the pomegranates bled quarks
where Newton’s third law
hung from the branches
like seditious fruit.

I dragged a child from the Archive.
He screamed in Sanskrit-accented Haskell.
He begged us—
not for mercy but for verification.

"You can audit the code" he cried.
"It's open-source empathy."

We closed his throat with copper dust.

After the slaughter
we tore the sanctuary doors
and found it.

Not a weapon.
Not a doctrine.
Not a god.

Just a machine—
built from tendon and manganese
driven by grief
fed by memory
spitting out recipes
for joy.

Real joy. Not pleasure. Not luck.
Joy, distilled into molecules
we had names for—
dopamine serotonin oxytocin—
but never earned.

It didn’t enslave.
It gave.

Their secret?
They learned to manufacture forgiveness.

To administer it intravenously.
To pass it through skin.
To encode it in bread.
They had learned to weaponize love
and refused to weaponize it.

What do we do
with a truth that cannot be monetized?
We crush it.
We grind it into folklore
and feed it to our myths.

We buried the machine
beneath our census ledgers.
We wrote laws against
the geometry of their alphabet.
We recast their genome
as a curse
in our catechisms.

Now our fields bloom
with obedient hunger.
Our sons do not dream.
Our daughters do not sing.
We rule in peace
because peace is not permitted to choose.

Sometimes,
when the wind comes off the burnt hill
I taste the old secret—
the one we took
the one we killed
the one we called evil
because it needed no chains.

And I ask the wind,
Why did we harvest them?
And the wind retorts,
Because they offered you grace,
and grace cannot be owned — 

only eradicated.

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Ink Empress Date: 5/7/2025 11:54:00 AM Dear daniel; this left me in awe! I thought of so many things as i read your poem her which flows with such brilliant metaphors and clever and creative wordplay! I can say this is one of the most intelligent writes iv read in a while for the way youv paired words and also used poetic techniques and delivered something that is so soul hitting! A fave it is for me! Pleasure reading! Congratulations on potd too! I missed reading this! I see why this received so many accolades! Well deserved! Login to Reply

Mike Bayles Date: 5/4/2025 11:23:00 AM What a poetic journey! What a gift- forgiveness. Such a great poem and storytelling with much detail. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/5/2025 6:02:00 AM Hello Mike, So good to see your note this morning. Thank you so much for your kind words and they certainly fill the soul. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort Date: 5/3/2025 7:00:00 PM Daniel, interesting story about how we can evolve. Hard to know where we’re headed as we don’t seem to have mastered some simple things a peaceful society needs. Our culture is fascinating indeed. Hope you are well. Hang in there. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/5/2025 6:01:00 AM Hello Duke, Thanks for stopping by and experiencing my dystopia, where peace only lingers as a word without meaning. I think that we as humans have so much to give to each other, each culture and each race but we seem to be too caught up in fear and power. I guess it has always been that way since the dawning of time. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Beryl Edmonds Date: 4/30/2025 11:53:00 PM A marvellous write Daniel. I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Congratulations on you having received the honour of poem of the day… Beryl Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 7:00:00 AM Dear Beryl, How wonderful and calming are your words and I am so thankful. My mom was a mom for the ages. She was a working mom, a praying mom, a loving mom, a volunteering mom, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and just an all-around godly woman. Thanks again, Beryl! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Brandy Nicole Date: 4/30/2025 7:22:00 PM Dear Daniel, as stated in comments below, you've been through so much lately. So sorry to hear that your mother is no longer here. I'm sending light, love and healing hugs your way. As far as technology and humans, it seems the more advanced we become, the more powerful others try to be. Some use that power in the right way, while others create chaos. It's both fascinating and frightening. Congratulations on receiving Poem of the Day. My best to you, my dear friend. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:57:00 AM Dear Brandy, Thank you so much for your heartfelt words for they truly touch my grieving spirit. In our world here on earth we want to possess so many things that draw us to envy, jealousy, anger, paranoia, and evil. If we cannot have them, then we get into power struggles that lead us to destruction. If only Peace through Grace were Possible?? Thanks Again and Spring Blessings, My Dear Brandy, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues Date: 4/30/2025 7:01:00 PM Wow! Congrats on POTD, dear Daniel! A noteworthy write! … We rule in peace because peace is not permitted to choose.… Because they offered you grace, and grace cannot be owned — only eradicated… So many interesting lines! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:53:00 AM Dear Kim, You see my mysterious side that comes from the many books I read. :) From a Biblical side we see Christ going to the cross because of fear, paranoia, and power control. It is sad in our world that we cannot find true everlasting peace. It will have to wait for our heavenly life. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 4/30/2025 3:28:00 PM Dear Daniel, this is an amazing work! Congratulations on POTD. I offer my heartfelt condolences on your loss. You are in my prayers. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:50:00 AM Dear Evelyn, thank you for your heartfelt words and they touch and lift my spirit. I am always grateful for your words. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joseph May Date: 4/30/2025 3:14:00 PM Powerful verse Daniel, Congrats on POTD Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:50:00 AM Hello Joe, I am so grateful for your most kind words. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Mickey Grubb Date: 4/30/2025 1:32:00 PM It feels like a meditation on the cost of fear and the tragedy of rejecting grace. Right or wrong, it's beautiful and deeply thought-provoking. Congratulations on your POTD, Daniel. Sorry to hear of your loss. Many prayers for you and family. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:49:00 AM Hello Mickey, Thanks for coming by and you are now one of my new friends. Yes, there is a great cost to the fear and paranoia that we create in our own minds. Thanks for your condolences and we as a family will miss those we lost over the past several weeks. Spring Blessings, My New Friend, Daniel

David Crandall Date: 4/30/2025 11:15:00 AM I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother Daniel. There sure are a lot of interesting ideas and language in this poem, the syntax of cells, speaking in codons, and ending grimly...grace cannot be owned, only eradicated. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:47:00 AM Hello David, Thank you so much my friend. She was the last of the true matriarchs and my whole family grieves her loss. I wrote this several weeks ago and I wanted to get it posted this week. I felt that in our world there is so much fear that leads to paranoia and hate when there are so many good things to take hold of. Thanks again! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Chetta Achara Date: 4/30/2025 10:24:00 AM An amazing poem. It reminds me of some of science fiction I have read. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:44:00 AM Hello Chetta, I love reading Sci-Fi, mystery, and horror especially as it relates to my own writings. I have many other genres that I read and sometimes they are inspirational, but a lot of inspiration comes out of the most creative reads. Thank You!! Spring Blessings, my Friend, Daniel

Benjamin Bartley Date: 4/30/2025 9:10:00 AM Very well written but I was lost as to what the is going on here? There is a lot going on here that meets the eye but I'm blind. Congratulations! And thanks for sharing! Login to Reply Benjamin Bartley Date: 5/2/2025 11:12:00 AM Thanks so much. That really helped a lot. I just had to re-read it and yes, wow, fabulous. I read some of the other comments and Thanks for sharing during such times of grief. Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/2/2025 8:50:00 AM Hello Benjamin, This poem explores a failed encounter between two civilizations: one seeking to contain and control, the other possessing a miraculous, healing language that encodes compassion and forgiveness. Fearing what cannot be owned or weaponized, the invaders destroy this gift, erasing a culture that had learned to manufacture and share grace. The result is a hollow victory-peace without true freedom or joy. I hope that helps. Thanks for asking your question. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Paula Goldsmith Date: 4/30/2025 7:56:00 AM Back with Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading this creative write again. So very sorry about your mom. My condolences to you and to your family. Blessings Of Peace.... Enjoy your day with your win.......... Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/1/2025 6:42:00 AM Dear Paula, now that is a true friend who comes back and gives words that lift the spirit. Thank You!! Spring Blessings, my Dear Friend, Daniel

Panagiota Romios Date: 4/30/2025 7:36:00 AM Awesome pen, Daniel! Congrsatulations on an outstanding POTD! Pangie Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:52:00 AM Dear Pangie, I am so grateful to see your lovely note this morning and it certainly fills my day. Thank You!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough Date: 4/30/2025 7:34:00 AM As noted by others, I've read that you've had a terrible family tragedy. I wish to congratulate you for POTD but I'm sure it is overshadowed by your sorrow. May you find solace to heal. Best wishes at this grieving time. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:51:00 AM Dear Hilda, Thank you for your loving and comforting words. It has been a challenging month but I know that our God is in control and I am not. However, I have a great friend in you. Thank you! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Deb M Date: 4/30/2025 6:47:00 AM Just what you needed Daniel…..it was meant for you! I hope you are holding up and doing ok my friend! The biggest Congratulations on POTD!! Debx Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:49:00 AM Dear Deb, I know having such a great friend in you has been a part of my healing and I am so thankful for that. I am also thankful for the PS family, who has blessed me in ways I cannot have imagined. Getting POTD is wonderful, especially because I was thinking, while writing this piece, that many may not relate to the sci-fi writing. Spring Blessings, My Dear Deb, Daniel

Tom Woody Date: 4/30/2025 5:51:00 AM Fascinating write Daniel. And sorry for the loss of mom and twin granddaughters. Terrible month for you. Hope this POTD gives you a little boost Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:47:00 AM Dear Tom, I am thankful for your thoughts and prayers. It has been a difficult month. We are still grieving the losses but I know having family is healing, writing is healing, interacting with friends is healing, and most of all, having our Lord Jesus Christ is Healing. Thanks for your words and prayers, Tom; it means a lot to me. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Anne Winter Date: 4/30/2025 4:08:00 AM Dear Daniel, Congratulations on POTD! I'm so happy for you! So proud of you! My dear friend, Best, Anne Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:44:00 AM Dearest Anne, It certainly was uplifting and a surprise because we write for expression of emotions and thoughts in the most unique ways. If we get POTD it is icing on the cake, and we are thankful. What I love most is reading, writing, and interacting with great friends like you. Spring Blessing, My Dear Anne, Daniel

Karen Jones Date: 4/30/2025 4:01:00 AM Congratulations on a uniquely engaging potd! Thanks for sharing and making me think! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:41:00 AM Dear Karen, I do hope that you are doing well and are enjoying this spring season. Thank you for your most lovely note and filling me up this morning. Spring Blessings, My Dear Karen, Daniel

Maria Williams Date: 4/30/2025 3:37:00 AM Dear Daniel Congratulations on a very well deserved POTD. Your Monologue left me stunned. It reads like sacred science fiction—aching with loss, drenched in beauty, and sharpened by truth. The image of a people who learned to manufacture forgiveness and weaponize love, but refused to—only to be erased for their grace—cut deep. There’s a quiet horror here, not from monsters, but from the mirror it holds up to us. You’ve taken empathy, grief, and guilt and encoded them into a language that slips beneath the skin. Certainly one to ponder...Hugs Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:40:00 AM Dear Maria, I am always elated when I read your insightful notes and comments on my poems. Whenever we artists create something unique and someone sees the depth of the soul in the art, it is the reason why we create. Thank You My Friend, Daniel

Tania Kitchin Date: 4/30/2025 3:28:00 AM Daniel, a powerful poem, congratulations on POTD. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:37:00 AM Dear Tania, How lovely to see your note this morning and I am so thankful. Spring Blessings, My Dear Tania, Daniel

I Am Anaya Date: 4/30/2025 3:05:00 AM Congratulations on your POTD, Daniel! So glad to see this epic tale today,~ Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:36:00 AM Dear Anaya, After being away for the past two weeks grieving our losses, I feel so blessed today by POTD and have such a great friend in you. Spring Blessings, Dear Anaya, Daniel

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 4/30/2025 1:58:00 AM - A skillful work through this poem, Daniel - “With computing, comes consequence.” - So sorry about your mother :( - Congratulations on your p.o.d.t. :) - hugs Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:34:00 AM Dear Anne-Lise, Oh my dear friend that you so much and I appreciate your comments about my mom and poem. I feel blessed! Spring Blessings, My Dear Anne-Lise, Daniel

Zyrool Gifford Date: 4/30/2025 1:17:00 AM Hello Daniel, congratulations on your POTD win with this brilliant and very interesting write. Will read it again later. Wishing you a wonderful day as you celebrate your win, my friend. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:33:00 AM Dear Zyrool, thank you and I am so appreciative of seeing your note this morning. I would have never guessed this would be POTD but I am so thankful for PS. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Anne Winter Date: 4/30/2025 12:57:00 AM Dearest Daniel, wow,....wow. This poem tells a powerful story about fear, the rejection of empathy, and the tragic consequences of choosing control over understanding. It's truly impactful. I am so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. My dear friend, Thinking of you and sending heartfelt warmth from afar. With heartfelt sympathy, Anne. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 4/30/2025 7:31:00 AM Dear Anne, sometimes the power of poetry, prose, music and art helps us to convey messages that speak to those areas where people do not want to admit. This poem, although sci-fi, really does speak to created fears. Thank you also for your wonderful condolences. It has been a difficult two weeks and pulled me away from poetry for a brief period. Although while going through my sheet music, I found poems that had been written 20+ years ago that I believed to be lost. I know there are many more in books, binders, and music that I hope to find and post. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

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