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I Have an Aversion to Prejudice

I have an aversion to prejudice Judging a pond without sampling its ice Consorting with others eating large melons Passersby judged as free men or felons Women condemned as whores or harlots While tormenting men turn the air scarlet Then sit in the pews reserved for the saintly Ogle the preacher’s wife ever so daintily For judgement you see is a way to look down On those, as they pass, on which you may frown Knowing that god has made you superior When in truth you couldn’t kiss their posterior For consciousness doesn’t offer correction Unless you can make a change of direction That is, of course, dependent upon How much of the ice you take from the pond

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Paula Goldsmith

Date: 12/29/2023 10:22:00 AM

Congratulations on being on the "100 Best New Poems" list for Soup. A powerful write. Have a great/wonderful day/2024 writing away.................

Deb M

Date: 11/17/2023 12:41:00 PM

Congrats on POTD John!! Debx

Hilo Poet

Date: 11/15/2023 10:35:00 PM

Amazing, the amount of ice that fits into a lonely preachers cooler--POTD cheers, John. Aloha, William

Arlo Parker

Date: 11/15/2023 8:42:00 PM

My aversion to prejudice is my addiction to prejudice. Harlot Saints humble me. A terrific reminder as POTD, JL. :o)

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 11/15/2023 5:14:00 PM

Congratulations, John on being POTD. I agree sometimes we can judge too quickly and then we are the losers. SuZ

Speaks Volumes

Date: 11/15/2023 4:41:00 PM

Excellent poem, and wonderful sentiment. Couldn't agree more, congratulations on it being acknowledged and rewarded. Best wishes SV

Silent One

Date: 11/15/2023 2:21:00 PM

Congratulations on POTD John.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 11/15/2023 2:10:00 PM

Love it! In its divine, totality. Congratulations .John.)) Celebrate today! Best Wishes, Pangie xxx

Jim Slaughter

Date: 11/15/2023 11:17:00 AM

There is some irony in this, John...isn't having an "aversion" to something sort of like being "prejudiced" against it? I'm with you 100% on this in any event. Congrats on POTD, as well.

I Am Anaya

Date: 11/15/2023 9:48:00 AM

Congratulations on POTD John Lawless! You made me curious, stanza two, in regard to prostitute Saints. Mary of Egypt, Thais, Pelagia, Mary the niece of Abraham, and Mary Magdalene are prostitute saints of medieval legend Hildegard Von Bingen: Why She Is Important - Prostitute Saint Christine De Pizan. Emma of Normandy. Saint Catherine of Siena. Christianity is a religion that promotes repentance and forgiveness, and prostitute saints became the ultimate symbol of reconciliation. Interesting how everything has its purpose. Enjoy!

Mark Koplin

Date: 11/15/2023 9:48:00 AM

Well said! Congratulations on you POTD!!

Bill Baker

Date: 11/15/2023 9:10:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTD, John. Enjoy your special day of recognition, my friend. Bill

Eve Roper

Date: 11/15/2023 8:50:00 AM

Love the first stanza, John. Congratulations on POTD.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/15/2023 8:17:00 AM

Each person chooses their mindset and actions. Self-control and love of others brings abundant life. Some believe their lust brings happiness but it is not lasting, it is on the surface, never deep. Love that second line! Congratulations on POTD!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 11/15/2023 7:54:00 AM

Judgement IS a way to look down, as you correctly wrote, John. But I'd say the judgement of this poem as POTD is looking up! Congrats, Gershon

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 11/15/2023 7:04:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTD win. A powerful write. I find it best to let God be the one to judge. I had this the other day. A group I am in, a lady said, she judges people by their shoes. Really??? Yes Really... Have a great/blessed day with your wonderful win....

Lin Lane

Date: 11/15/2023 6:00:00 AM

I'll not preach to you, John because your lines indicate you already have the concept of bigotry, and I don't want to skate on thin ice. I'll just say, "Congratulations on having written today's choice for POTD.

Warren Doll

Date: 11/15/2023 5:43:00 AM

john, Great write. Congratulations on POTD

Jan Allison

Date: 11/15/2023 5:31:00 AM

Hearty congrats John I am beyond thrilled you got POTD for this gem, I've already seen barbs thrown at me yesterday but i will continue to ignore!:-) hugs Jan xx

Daniel Turner

Date: 11/15/2023 4:21:00 AM

Congratulations John on POTD honors. My son would call you a bigot bigot. (A person who is bigoted against bigots) Have a great day my friend.

Jan Allison
Date: 11/15/2023 5:30:00 AM

lol love that comment DT!:-) hugs jan xx

Charles Messina

Date: 11/15/2023 4:05:00 AM

Great message, John. Congratulations on POTD!

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 11/15/2023 3:59:00 AM

coming back at you, John, to congratulate you on your POTD! A timely poem and poignant reminder of the role fear and prejudice plays in our daily lives. Hoorah for you!

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 11/15/2023 3:26:00 AM

Hi John, Thank you for this timely POTD. It is very cleverly composed and enjoy the honor.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 11/15/2023 3:03:00 AM

John, a powerful poem, congratulations on POTD!

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 11/15/2023 2:38:00 AM

- "the pews reserved for the saints" are not without prejudice - the truth is that the posterior is equal for all people, John - Congratulations on your well deserved p.o.t.d. :) - hugs