Lifeboat the Atheist's Dream

Part 7

The Atheist was a Man who thought much of himself
    And would not brook any measure of social compliance.
So no matter the 'who,' he would not suffer their views,
    Dismissing all with an pugnacious air of defiance.

And the thought of some deity rewarding mass fealty
    Based on a groveling fawning dependence.
It would be a cold day in hell when he would as well,
    Worshiping a God who tally's attendance.

On the face of it all, he had not heard the call
    So the Almighty was just a piece of good fiction.
But it was a demonstrable fact, no heavenly act
    Has spared his child from a death bed affliction.

His mind went asunder as he passed out from hunger
    With the Sun roasting his head like a tart.
When he encountered a dream as he slipped into slumber
    Where he was honored for his pagan remarks.

He dreamed such a dream, he could hardly believe
    To the extent they were cheering his name.
He was happily relieved to have finally achieved
    Some semblance of honor and fame.

He sat at a table with a much happy throng
    Who seemed intent on a special reward.
They lauded his skill with a commemorate song
    And a special pudding of bathos and gourd.

There were signs and posters and all manner of banners
    Declaring their hero the 'King of despair.'
And the crowd was elated and refused to be sated
    As they all cheered this felicitous affair.

They grabbed at his hand and patted his back
    And thanked him for their continuing strife.
With the Creator waylaid, they were no longer afraid
   Of having led a meaningless life.

The spoke well of his message of nothing beyond
    And his desire to see this affirmed.
Where they would hear Nature's call, and ending it all
    Would provide a nice meal for spiders and worms.

The Atheist was hoisted and triumphed about
    On the shoulders of an affectionate crowd.
Where his hostility towards Heaven was never in doubt
    With no faith or redemption allowed.

He was given his due as he brought forth the view...
    Being good or bad was just a societal norm.
So they could act as they please with their minds well at ease,
    With no need for earthly reform.

But he was especially proud of the size of the crowd
    And the excitement he saw in their eyes.
As he quietly thought on the views he had taught,
    Giving no sense to their miserable lives.

There were cries for a speech to be clearly expressed
    And he raised his hand to quiet the fray.
And what he would say in this keynote address
    Seemed a little frazzled for this time of day.

"I have been to the moon in a battered balloon
    And found a dove at the end of its rope.
Where we both had a prune precisely at noon
    And washed my mouth with peanuts and soap."

The Atheist stopped with the crowd in some shock
    As his words made not a smidgen of sense.
So to quiet his flock, he continued his talk
    And hopefully correct this minor offense.

"I retired a batter with the use of a ladder
    While being charged for my relevant crimes.
And was emotionally spent as I gave up my rent
    To give source to my story and rhyme."

The Atheist was unsure of what had occurred
    While the crowd had enough for the day.
They all traveled home... leaving the Atheist alone,
    And his dream just melted away.

*Next: The Taking of the Cloak

*For those who may be interested. I will be posting my cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' on my homepage. A new one will appear every second day or so.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020


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Date: 3/21/2021 3:38:00 PM
I read this again and was thoroughly delighted by the use of language. The Tower of Babel came to mind. I think man in his arrogance chooses to seat himself on the throne of God. We could live 10000 lifetimes and our ignorance would still remain our biggest hurdle. I heard it once said that the devil’s greatest deception was to convince man that God does not exist.
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Date: 6/4/2020 8:38:00 PM
You've stuck the dagger in very, very smoothly, Professor! … btw, I not only don't mind atheists; I usually like them. Sincerely … But if/when they try to convert me, my first question always is: 'So what happens to your soul when you die?' 50% actually start telling me about their soul! 40% start wondering if maybe they really do have one. 10% are intellectually honest, and tell me that their bodies decompose and/or evolve, and that's it. Thanks for a great write, David! Best to you! ~ gw
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David Mchattie
Date: 6/4/2020 8:52:00 PM
I respect anyone who can defend their views with an intelligent argument. I read a book by Richard Dawkins? Who was the preeminent Atheist at the time. And he said that not only did he not believe in God, he desperately wanted there to be no God because he couldn't stand the joy and comfort people received from their beliefs. Stay frosty my friend.
Date: 6/4/2020 4:34:00 PM
This is a wondrous piece, my friend! On this pagan planet, I know it passes over cement heads. We think we all are God and He is old school? But of course. Our arrogance amazes me~ watch the news to see how delightful humans have become. Killing, theft, snarling anger. And God is kicked out of the univers by man. Satan having had his way with us! Panagiota xoxo
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David Mchattie
Date: 6/4/2020 8:47:00 PM
Things are a bit of a mess. No doubt about it. But everything will work out in the end. Stay well my friend.
Date: 6/4/2020 7:32:00 AM
For me it takes greater faith to be an atheist. You need to see the wonder of creation and somehow remain unmoved. I found this to be a curios and most interesting piece to read. P.S. the magic eightball in the cartoon was a nice random not so random touch. ;0)
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David Mchattie
Date: 6/4/2020 8:46:00 PM
There is a line from a film where a fellow who is disappointed by organized religion says, "I've never had the courage to believe in nothing." I always leave room in my worldview for the chance I may be wrong on everything. Keeps one humble. Have a great day my friend.
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