An Old Man's Lament for A Lost Ideal

I am weary of politics,
its plastic people 
and the endless lies,
the glorification 
of the outrageous antics 
of the rich and famous, 
the intolerance 
and exclusivity preached 
by most religions, 
sensationalist media 
who seek to deceive
and divide for the sole 
purpose of ratings.

I am tired of excuses 
and the way in which 
honest people are exploited, 
the power of big corporations
and angered by the mistreatment
of our planet. I am sick
of the promises made 
by a world addicted to wealth
and the necessity to own
the latest must have gadget
and the modernist doctrine 
of the primacy of the “self”.

We have lost our way
by abandoning the sacred,
the soulful connection
to the earth and what lay
beyond. My old and perhaps 
naive mind imagines an ideal
where the world and life is not 
configured to serve our most 
unholy needs 
but to those that will lift us
towards the greater good.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

M  Avatar
November 18, 2024 at 2:49 PM
Amazing poem Paul ....l feel the same 'weary of, tired of and sick of' but l could never ever write or express it as you have....so wonderfully, effectively and powerfully! You are a legend my friend! Debx
Willason Avatar
November 23, 2024 at 10:13 PM
Thanks Deb...slightly different from my normal tone but one gets a bit pissed off with all the pretence and posturing by politicians and the instruments of our modern society. Lovely to hear from you my dear friend...do apologise for the delayed acknowledgement... Paul
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace