Bedlam Blues

Cain killed Abel on a Monday night 
Abel didn’t get a chance to put up much of a fight
Cain said, “am I my brother’s keeper?” God said, “yeah,” but Cain said, “nah”
Adam just shook his head and rubbed his jaw

And Adam said,
"Good grief, my oh my
We’ve got a Tom o’ Bedlam, get a load of this guy
Well this is not ideal, but what ya gonna do?
It’s the world we’re living in," well Abel lived in it too

Orestes killed his mama on a Friday night, 
‘Cause his mama killed his daddy, not the world’s best wife
Orestes pleaded his case that what he did was really good
The Fates said, “what the heck is wrong with this dude?”

But Athena said, 
"Good grief, my oh my
We’ve got a Tom o’ Bedlam, get a load of this guy
Well this is not ideal, but what ya gonna do?
It’s the world we’re living in," his mama lived in it too

Genghis Khan burned a village on a Wednesday night
The villagers begged him to put out that light
But Genghis was busy fighting and conquering the land
He had a vision for the world that they just couldn't understand

And his army said, 
"Good grief, my oh my
We’ve got a Tom o’ Bedlam, get a load of this guy
Well this is not ideal, but what ya gonna do?
It’s the world we’re living in," those people lived in it too

Jack the Ripper killed some women on a Saturday night
With a couple of slashes from his handy knife
The world got around through the city of London
But everyone said, “didn’t those women kinda, have it coming?”

And the people said,
"Good grief, my oh my
We’ve got a Tom o’ Bedlam, get a load of this guy
Well this is not ideal, but what ya gonna do?
It’s the world we’re living in," well those women lived in it too

Mark David Chapman killed John Lennon on a Sunday night
After reading the book Catcher in the Rye
He saw what was wrong with the world, too many phonies parading around
And someone oughta put 'em all into the ground

And the papers said, 
"Good grief, my oh my
We’ve got a Tom o’ Bedlam, get a load of this guy
Well this is not ideal, but what ya gonna do?
It’s the world we’re living in," well John Lennon lived in it too
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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

Johnson-Saunders Avatar
May 26, 2022 at 5:14 AM
Congrats on POTW, Lily! I am glad I read your thought provoking poem this morning...a fave for me. Rhonda xx
Ballard Avatar
May 24, 2022 at 5:36 PM
This is an amazing poem!!
Hankins Avatar
May 24, 2022 at 2:29 PM
Glad I found your poem here at P.O.T.W., Lily, because somehow I missed it before. Loved it. Historical and thought-provoking. Well-deserved!
La France Avatar
May 22, 2022 at 2:49 PM
Lily, wonderful and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE WEEK honor, blessing ~ Constance
Blando Avatar
May 23, 2022 at 2:20 PM
Thank you so much!
Calasibetta Avatar
May 22, 2022 at 7:48 AM
Congratulations on your POTD! A well documented and beautifully poetic "political" piece.....well done. :)Paulette
Blando Avatar
May 23, 2022 at 2:20 PM
Thank you!
Gondolf Avatar
May 18, 2022 at 7:59 AM
What a wonderful write, Lily, it gives me something to think about today. Welcome to Poetry Soup! I've enjoyed reading all your poetry this morning and I look forward to reading more. John
Leffanta Avatar
May 17, 2022 at 11:52 AM
I have Fav'd this and am quite surprised others have not! Well done, indeed! Aloha!
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