Last Call

Songs unsung will disappear, 
as breathless as a stone, the fear 
of Armageddon fills the air 
and gathers strength against the prayer 
that withers, fizzles into naught, 
despite the lessons we were taught, 
to love our neighbors as we would 
be loved by them, the greater good. 

Or take His name in vain, the strain 
of blending with another's pain, 
the art of empathy forsaken, 
errant paths so quickly taken; 
thoughts are squandered, so are souls 
who glorify malicious goals 
and chase false dreams to sand consigned, 
the facts misjudged and misaligned. 

Cause and effect, the laws of nature, 
whom to kill and whom to nurture, 
whom to crucify or kiss? 
the measures of our helplessness. 
There is no try, there's only do, 
and I expect the same of you, 
to strip away dishonesty, 
the trademark of our misery. 

To live in love and purity, 
to nullify our enmity, 
we join together, hand in hand, 
no hurtful lies, no contraband. 
The answer lies among the stars 
unnumbered in the universe, 
a child's first breath, the blushing rose, 
where hatred cannot interpose.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Onclaud Avatar
March 20, 2016 at 1:21 PM
enlightening my senses with your soulful verse, keith... so true, the last four lines... wonderful; huggs
Bickerstaffe Avatar
March 20, 2016 at 1:55 PM
Thanks nette! A review from you is a treasure to me. Warmest wishes, Keith
Buhain-Baello Avatar
March 19, 2016 at 10:31 PM
A very lyrical and magnificent poem with excellent content and impact, so well written. I like your superb use of enjambment and very vivid phrases -"thoughts are squandered, so are souls who glorify malicious goals and chase false dreams to sand consigned, the facts misjudged and misaligned. " Awesome!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
March 20, 2016 at 1:14 PM
Thanks for quoting some of my favourite lnes! I am most grateful for your kind remarks. Best wishes, Keith
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