New World Order

The Rulers wield their silver shields,
             wear golden coronets
while warders guard the prison yard,
             boast brazen bayonets
and unicorns flaunt ivory horns
             defending martinets.

While Bankers beam Their self-esteem
             (bailed out of broker's debts),
and Bureaucrats grow rich and fat
             in six-star luncheonettes, 
the deep, devout and down and out
             survive as silhouettes.

The Press take pains to wash our brains,
             Their words have mesmerized.
So, mild and meek, we fear to speak
             in worlds They’ve polarized,
and rush to war, through Satan's door,
             watch cities vaporized.

The Lord of Lore tells tales of war,
             of victories far away,
where eyes stare stark within the dark 
             and death is painted gray
on faces cold, some young, some old,
             in spectral disarray.

We're taught at school the Golden Rule
             for all to live in bliss,
but in the wars on foreign shores
             the only rule is this:
“Yo! You and I must fight and die
             inside the black abyss!”

But well alive, the Merchants thrive
            on sales of armaments
that Barons built (with pride, not guilt)
            to quell the dissidents,
while Partisans are posing plans
             to conquer continents.

And back at home, the rumors roam
             “Good times are soon to come,
despite the breeze on frozen seas
             in weathers wet and numb.”
When we’re in need, They’ll intercede
             with prayers if we succumb.

A Tabloid screams of phantom dreams
             to keep our minds at sea 
and TV skews the evening news,
             ensures we all agree:
“With dynamite we fight for right
             and not for tyranny.”

The brain aborts when drugged with sports
               and fashions of the day,
and sevenfold, men think as told
              and so are led astray;
and like some sheep (unless asleep)
             they baa when they obey.  

In search of sense in sounds intense
             of droning drum tattoos
(the beat sustains the endless reigns 
             which swamp the avenues)
souls, thin and worn, traipse by, forlorn,
             delayed by shackled shoes.

Ten thousand eyes belong to Spies
            who watch us day and night
to track our trails and read our mails
             and say They have the right
to know our thoughts and thwart our plots
             to cease Their oversight.

Behind the scenes, behind the screens,
             the rules are fixed, arranged
(contorted smiles conceal Their wiles -
             Their goals have never changed).
When upside-down, a grin is frown
             and common sense deranged.

Along the roads, the future bodes
             in legends made of dust,
and ashes gray the alleyway
             'neath lampposts scaled with rust.
While Divas dine with cakes and wine
             pale orphans share a crust.

Dead colonies of humble bees,
             a ravaged hornets' hive,
rain forests, dales and minke whales
             soon nothing left alive…        
a world laid waste is to Their taste,
             as long as They survive. 

As sunlight wanes in winter rains 
             and sullen shadows crawl,
the evening ebbs, and spider's webs
             seem tattooed on the wall.
Upon the night the Masters write
             The Final Protocol.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Campbell Avatar
December 28, 2015 at 4:18 PM
This is a lesson in rhyme. Perfect structure, internal rhyme, and sestets instead of boring quatrains. Well done!
Makama Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 4:27 AM
lines with curves of wisdom and landscapes of awe! My mind is in a park of joy to how I manage selecting this page. Keep on writing dear poet and as always, a wonderful 7 without a doubt!
Collins Avatar
June 5, 2015 at 8:38 AM
dearest terry - You are soaring~!!!!!!~ Ditto everything Keith said. Don't toot your horn because you'll need a tuba. I am in awe as though at the stars. Oh what I'm missing!! by being out of the poetic loop. Everything is fine; I'm just a three toed sloth. xxx ooo\ Kathy
O'Leary Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 2:21 PM
Thank you, dear Kathy... I'm sorta out of the loop also... hope things are well...
Ebbs Avatar
May 30, 2015 at 4:24 PM
Powerful, nicely done!
O'Leary Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 2:12 PM
Thank you, Edward! Much appreciated!!!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 29, 2015 at 1:00 PM
7777777 !!!!!!!!!! This is outstanding! A true masterpiece The structure, the inner and outer rhyming, the powerful phrasing and eye-popping imagery... there is not a single hiccup in this piece... the cadence is perfect! I'm actually at a loss for words to give your poem the attention it deserves. I have read it several times and each time I shivered... simply brilliant! It should be posted everywhere to rouse a reaction to these egregious ills. Best wishes, Keith
O'Leary Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 2:05 PM
You're very, very kind, Keith! I'm very flattered. Thank you!!!
Sabre Avatar
May 21, 2015 at 2:34 AM
The truth bites and you expressed it with fervor. Faving this!
O'Leary Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 1:58 PM
Thank you, Gabby... and you're right, it bites!!
Cee Avatar
April 18, 2015 at 11:46 AM
oh wow!
O'Leary Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 1:53 PM
Thank you, Elai! Much appreciated!!
Mumo Avatar
April 17, 2015 at 2:53 AM
I like the structure and the style.7+
O'Leary Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 1:45 PM
Thank you, Hannington... much appreciated!
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 25, 2015 at 3:37 AM
This poem is an epic display of talent and truth that is a Masterpiece! I would have it Poem of the Week! Outstanding Terry! It is going into my fav's. 7+
O'Leary Avatar
July 17, 2015 at 12:06 AM
Thank you Connie! You are always so kind... lovin' it... ;-)
Onclaud Avatar
March 22, 2015 at 4:10 AM
compelling work expressing the useless, inhuman consequences of war.. very finely done, terry!. huggs
O'Leary Avatar
June 19, 2015 at 8:25 AM
Thanks, Nette!!
Uche O. Avatar
March 14, 2015 at 4:05 AM
Long lamentable art... the sinking world and their trend of siphoning our luck and stars. i see the blood in your tears. you speak our mind, the dying ones.you speak nature's mind too
O'Leary Avatar
June 19, 2015 at 8:24 AM
Thank you, Chidozie! Your comment is a poem unto itself!!!
Kearley Avatar
March 11, 2015 at 2:57 PM
I could have sworn that I commented on this fine masterpiece? Your words are still always something to behold. :o) Great write!
O'Leary Avatar
June 19, 2015 at 8:23 AM
Thank you Dan! Much appreciated!!!
Gray Avatar
February 26, 2015 at 2:28 PM
Enjoyed this epic very much Terry!
O'Leary Avatar
June 19, 2015 at 8:23 AM
I'm happy you enjoyed, William!!
Duncan Avatar
February 23, 2015 at 2:19 AM
Awesomely done Terry :)
O'Leary Avatar
June 19, 2015 at 8:22 AM
Thank you, Debbie!
Fleming Avatar
February 15, 2015 at 1:47 AM
Meant to give you a "seven", mate, but forgot! So i popped back - done it this time. Cheers! :) john.
O'Leary Avatar
February 15, 2015 at 6:26 AM
Thanks again!
Fleming Avatar
February 14, 2015 at 3:36 PM
Fantastic poem! Fantastic command of the written word! Fantastic ideas all linked together in various subplots! Brilliantly thought out! Should be "Poem of the week"!! congratulations! I really did enjoy this read! :) john.
O'Leary Avatar
February 15, 2015 at 6:25 AM
Fantastic praise! (Lovin' it)... Thanks...
Lindley Avatar
February 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM
A super 7 for this one! Truth in verse and so very well crafted! Adding this epic poem to my fav list! Thanks..
O'Leary Avatar
February 15, 2015 at 6:24 AM
Thanks, Robert... much appreciated!
Hunjeri Avatar
February 14, 2015 at 1:17 PM
My favourite lines are the ones above tabloid and tv. And "...rules are fixed and arranged" . The truth is what you speak.
O'Leary Avatar
February 15, 2015 at 6:23 AM
Happy you liked it, Njeri... unfortunately too much truth...
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