Allegiance of Mini-Kingdoms

Let me begin by declaring
a well known cliche:
our skin does not define us,
nor does our place of birth
define our worth.

And yet we are scattered
across the globe,
sometimes whole oceans,
separating us.
We see countless borders
that man has made
serving the purpose
of temporal order.
And what a fickle creature
is this race of Man.
With flags speared into the sand,
time and time again.
You wonder what it's all coming too,
to what possible end?
Taking ganders at the past,
looksies at the ancient,
never hurt a soul.
If we don't know the origins
how can we hope to devise a goal?

Some say these lines in the sand
divide us so - but is this true?
Does it not show respect for your fellow man:
your way is not my own,
but, please, if you will,
let me share my truth
and you do the same.

I believe in the Sovereignty of Nations,
the Allegiance of mini-Kingdoms.
I believe that Charity, however well spun, with the best of intentions,
cannot be coerced with sticks and stones,
that archaic method - it must be written on our hearts,
on our very souls. Not in the Manuscripts of Man
will you find such power as the one pumping in our veins.
To Salvation's Sky, to our Savior's Loving Stare,
Rules and Regulations will never take us there.
Legislated Robbery does not compassion make,
for it only serves to pin
Neighbor against Neighbor,
Gender against Gender.
How can human freedom be so readily forsaken
with the perilous pens of other fallible men?

We are One People,
One Race, flying the
banner of peace and love.
No one desires war,
no one willingly
looks for discord.
And yet here we are:
fighting battles
that none can afford.
The chaos of the earth
is the collective reflection
of the Human Heart.
If you want change to occur
that's a fine place to start.




NOTE: I like to think of myself as a hardcore libertarian with a strong moral fiber. I don't always agree with the absurd antics of others, but recognize that people have a right to make their own bad decisions.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 4/25/2020 6:23:00 PM
Hi Tim: If I can use a cliche... I have always thought you were ‘wise beyond your years.’ Greed and lust for power are the insurmountable forces that drive war and those decisions are often made by one leader and upheld by indoctrinated followers. I think Peace is our natural desire and that wars are inflicted on us. The human spirit always triumphs over hardship. SuZ
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Hicks Avatar
Timothy Hicks
Date: 4/29/2020 7:24:00 PM
Very true, Suz (and thanks for trudging up old works). Makes one wonder where lust for power and greed come from.
Date: 11/27/2014 1:11:00 PM
May I start by quoting what you say in the note: "people have a right to make their own bad decisions" ... so right, but not to the detriment of others! The poem is excellent...powerful and thought evoking. Man-made divisions come from human nature; they are there to stay; we live in the hope that there will be restrain, dialogue, compassion and understanding. Let us all give a helping hand. // paul
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Callus Avatar
Paul Callus
Date: 12/1/2014 10:20:00 AM
Hi Timothy....no, I would not want to force anyone to stand in the same place as me! We have to admit that there are people who make bad decisions to the detriment of others....I might decide to blow myself up (bad decision, I would say) and blow up the ones among whom I stand!
Hicks Avatar
Timothy Hicks
Date: 12/1/2014 1:26:00 AM
As my dad used to say, "You can hit a dog over the head, with a beefsteak - or you can lead it on in the correct path."
Hicks Avatar
Timothy Hicks
Date: 12/1/2014 1:25:00 AM
Using your freedom to the detriment of other's freedom isn't liberty at all - it's just self-defeating. I believe you are one of the most levelheaded and reasonable poets, I've met on the Soup. You have a place where you firmly stand, but don't force others to stand in the same place.
Date: 11/26/2014 9:43:00 AM
We even plant those silly flags on the moon. We think that flags unite when in fact they are a monument to differences. I enjoyed your poem Timothy.
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Hicks Avatar
Timothy Hicks
Date: 12/1/2014 1:22:00 AM
Differences are okay - but division is not. I'm not totally sure how America can "claim" property of the moon. You're right, those lunar flags are silly! Glad you enjoyed!
Date: 11/26/2014 8:38:00 AM
such powerful beliefs timothy very beautifully penned i believe we came naked clothed by the warm hands of love we go the same way we all know in the end right and wrong truly golden pen
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Hicks Avatar
Timothy Hicks
Date: 12/1/2014 1:19:00 AM
Liam - I enjoy your poetic comment, full of insight. We all know the difference between right and wrong, unless of course, our conscience has been seared with a hot iron. Self-examination is a good practice. Thanks for visiting!
Date: 11/25/2014 10:43:00 PM
Great sentiment well said in this remarkable poem.
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Hicks Avatar
Timothy Hicks
Date: 12/1/2014 1:17:00 AM
Thanks again Dan, for your gracious visit.
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