Cleaving

You stripped the jungles of the world
You blew the hunting horn
You chased the beasts out of the field
You pricked the bloody thorn

You drove the leper from the streets
You martyred men of war
You stood on mountains made of steel
Molten, to the core

With words of want you praised your gods
As children took up arms
You cleaved the tumor from the wound 
– The cancer wasn’t gone

You hid the truth within yourself
You never could believe
You were the blight that wrecked the cell
Yourself it was 
You sought to cleave –
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Deschler Avatar
May 3, 2024 at 4:39 PM
People and too much power are never a good mix, unless there's a little wisdom thrown in there, too... Your wise words are thought-provoking, John... Great work!
Oldham Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 11:54 AM
So true, Kelly, We are our own worst enemies - Regards, John
Turner Avatar
May 2, 2024 at 6:14 PM
Mankind, society, cancer indeed. We talk a good game but the but we play like do do. Exceptional writing, John.
Oldham Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 11:53 AM
Thanks, Daniel. Hope all is well! Best, John
Bowring Avatar
April 4, 2024 at 3:32 AM
Very powerful and well written John with great rhyming. A very thought provoking read with profound lines. ‘ you pricked the bloody thorn’ ‘ you hid the truth within yourself’ - great lines. Certainly lessons that should be learned as you said and the sooner the better. Really enjoyed this reflective poem. Thank you for sharing.
Oldham Avatar
April 5, 2024 at 2:56 PM
Thanks, Christina! Appreciate your kudos!
Radice Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 4:46 AM
I always appreciate great rhyming and this - complete with subject - is great rhyming John. Cheers - Gary
Oldham Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 5:56 PM
Appreciate it, Gary. Thanks -
Hind Avatar
March 28, 2024 at 6:50 PM
Raw- sounds like a lesson learned
Oldham Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 5:55 PM
Or lessons NOT learned! Thanks for the comment, Paige. Best, John
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