Mankind's Greatest Mystery (Inspired By Chris Higgins)

If 2012 prophesies prove true
And Earth’s life cycles again renew
Mysteries of man will be more than a few

Challenges may await future life forms
With intellects far surpassing our norm
Created to live without doing harm

For if they decipher man’s history
What will they make of our great mystery
The one we refer to as bigotry

Black labs, gold retrievers live side by side
Wild stallions and mustangs on prairies ride
Both red ants and black, free to colonize

Man’s refusal to accept differences
To wiser beings may make no sense
What in man’s makeup can give it credence?

Earth’s subsequent creatures may reproduce
Not needing two sexes to call a truce
So mating rituals may be pursued

A single-sex species might not comprehend
Why women workers were paid less than men
And why “free speech” was not just a given

Questions would most certainly arise
How a believer in God denies
Rights to free worship without compromise

And how could so many wars be waged
Evoking God’s name in death-march crusades
With killing, torturing in every age

Indeed such mysteries in man’s history
Would leave a perplexing legacy
Sure to confound any new species

New cultures may thrive on diversity
Of religion and genealogy
And speak of our inferiority


Note:  This is dedicated to Christopher Higgins whose poems about prejudice inspire readers 
to do more than just think about one of the greatest ills in our society.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Goff Avatar
August 8, 2013 at 7:27 PM
Yes....beautiful Carolyn....Chris was one who encouraged me early on...jimbo
Horne Avatar
April 15, 2011 at 7:28 AM
Thought I'd read some of your old stuff, as I've read all your recent work, of course - lovely poem, Carolyn. I must confess, I don't know Christopher Higgins. Over here, we have a Christopher Biggins - but he's famous for playing panto dames. No connection, I'm sure LOL
Fillmore Avatar
March 30, 2011 at 4:40 PM
Really really enjoyed this poem, Carolyn...indeed what would a world without bigotry look like? Is there anything to this 2012 prophecy...? You cover a lot in this! Thanks for your comments on my stars poem (cannot remember the name of it just now -- you'd think I'd remember names of my poems LOL)...I do remember why it was written: missing the bazillions of stars so clearly seen in the country...they aren't seen in the city much...too many lights! love Carol
Dietrich Avatar
December 16, 2010 at 9:11 PM
Carolyn, I came way back in the archives to find something to respond to and I found this really good peom of yours. I see it got 107 comments. Was it some kind of winner in a special contest at Soup? wEll, I am glad I TRICKED you with my Kia poem. I love doing that to people. LUv, Andrea PS Kia is just so dang Ordinary!!
La France Avatar
November 9, 2010 at 4:14 AM
You would think from history people would learn yet we still see prejudice all over our wold and yes " speaks of human inferiority" wonderful poem, was it for the 2012 contest that never got judged or another contest, anyways whichever, it is a winner to me and thanks for commenting on my poetry ~~
Brumley Avatar
July 29, 2010 at 9:18 AM
Man is a multifaceted creature with sometimes brilliant sparkles, and sometimes archaic ones, but his true nature lies in his heart. And right now he's suffering from high blood pressure and angina! I imagine we will take our place among the Mayans and the Egyptians one day as a matter of course. Thought provoking verse Carolyn.
Green Avatar
March 23, 2010 at 9:34 AM
This was awesome, Carolyn. Absolutely engrossing.
Smith Avatar
February 26, 2010 at 11:42 PM
I am enjoying reading your work tonight. Thank you for all your wisdom. Ellen
Guzzi Avatar
January 15, 2010 at 4:24 PM
Excellent write & message! Go girl! Light & Love
Guzzi Avatar
December 3, 2009 at 7:48 AM
yes all true...now inspire us with the joy of diversity :) Light & Love
Moreno Avatar
September 29, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Chris is a great inspiration, Congrats on making it with you work...Raul
Crisci Avatar
September 25, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Hi, Carolyn! Congratulations on your first round win! Your poem vibrates with so many human emotions that Mankind tries to surpress, and make universal love an impossible dream. But there are those who rebel and compromise, and fight to right what society cannot accept. These ills devide and cause much hurt. Only loving people who believe in fairness and justice can bring changes that will benefit us all. May God bless you always. Love, Andrew.
Peranteau Avatar
September 25, 2009 at 6:54 AM
Carolyn my dear friend,..congratulations on your many first round entries ! They are all so awesome love ! james
Gass Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 8:59 PM
What an awesome poem this is, Carolyn! Congratulations on making first round! Great inspiration and dedication to Chris. Love, Robin
Hickman Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Congratulations on your poem proceding to second round and Thank You for message about my poetry as well,,,blessings..Cecil
Goff Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 4:42 PM
great poem! great tribute! congrats on your advancement into the second round! Carolyn!... jim
Richards Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Congratulations, Carolyn....and good luck in the next round!! love, Carrie
Fish Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Well done, yet again... am anxious to see how we fair but with what we're up against... it's going to be a crap-shoot because there are many very good poems to filter thru. There will definitely be no shame is loosing in this contest. ~<><
Sheart Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Hi Carolyn, My goodness hun, your talent is truly showing with three poems making first round. Congrats again!! Love Light Truth Patricia
Gorelick Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 12:18 PM
NOt one, not two...but THREE poems making it through..you are to cool for words..love, BG
Fraser Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Carolyn, congratulations in getting past round one of the competition, well done you >> James,xx
Segal Avatar
September 15, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Great poem, I think 2012 Is a changing of minds, the way we think!
George   Avatar
September 5, 2009 at 9:42 AM
I too have asked myself- why does this still go on? When will we ever learn? Wonderful writing, Carolyn And thank you for your kind comments.
Turner Avatar
July 22, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Great poem carolyn, I can't wait to read your others and new ones to come..... Cody
Adeite Avatar
July 11, 2009 at 6:15 AM
Hey, I love your theme, thrust & tone.What a wonderful piece! You are such a great poet. Please keep writing & congratulations on your excellent piece being featured dis week. Great you Carolyn. Chris. is a great inspiration overhere.
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