Putting People Down

Lovers have each other so they, 
will never have to be alone.
A king has his tall stone castle, 
where he can sit upon his throne.

Musicians have their instruments, 
and a singer will have a song.
Religions will have holy books, 
to teach them about right and wrong.

The poets have their words to give,
the baker has a cherry pie.
The dreamers have their dreams to dream, 
pilots fly their planes through the sky.

The artists have their paint brushes, 
and sculptors have their marbled rocks.
Teachers have their eager students,
tinkers have their toasters and clocks.

People come in many colors,
and in every shape and size.
But I can’t help but wonder when, 
we’ll ever come to realize.

It’s time we stop seeing the world, 
in black, white, yellow, brown or red.
Each one has a different way,
of how their book of life gets read.

What makes us think that we are right,
while others will always be wrong.
Or that we will know the best way,
to tell people where they belong.

What makes me think that I can tell, 
anyone how it should be done.
When I have so many battles, 
with myself that I have not won.

We must learn to love and let love, 
before we’ll ever really live.
We must stop taking a bit more,
than we’re ever willing to give.

Every person should be free, 
to just let their lives go around.
But all I can see are people, 
just putting other people down.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Lane Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:53 PM
I left you a comment too, Jerry, but it was deleted when 'what's his name' removed it after leaving his nasty words to Jan, putting her down. Sorry people do their dirty work on the poem of an innocent poet.
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 8:12 PM
I did read your comment, Lin. Thanks for dropping by. I am quite used to it and it used to bother me. Now I just hit the delete button and move along.
Kitchin Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 3:47 PM
Jerry, a wonderful poem and message, it's sad that some are taking your poem as an opportunity to continue to put people down.
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:41 PM
Thanks for dropping by Tania. I am sorry for those that are the victims of such nonsense. As for me, I am much too old and life is too short for me to pay attention to such mischief.
Allison Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 3:41 PM
Jerry please will you ignore his comments - he has me blocked so has to find a way to attack - its been the same over the years with 5/6 7 accounts I have lost count.
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:28 PM
Sorry Jan. I appreciate your feedback anytime. Have a wonderful day my friend.
Allison Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:13 PM
what a powerful message Jerry!:-) sadly the trolls seem to lurk under the bridge ready to bite hugs jan xx
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:25 PM
Thanks Jan. I appreciate you for stopping by.
M  Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 7:41 AM
Here here Jerry….sage advice written beautifully! Debx
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:03 AM
Thanks Deb. I originally wrote this one as lyrics to a song with the same title.
Andresen Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:49 AM
- "What makes us think that we are right, while others will always be wrong" ... the best line I've read today, Jerry - ... "all I can see are people, just putting other people down" ... grown people ... that's a shame - Excellent written my friend .... straight from your soul :) - hugs
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:06 AM
Thaks Anne-Lise. Social media and politics seem to bring out the worst in people. If only the world could be filled with poets. Have a wonderful day, my friend.
Alex Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 2:39 AM
"We must learn to love and let love, before we’ll ever really live" - A beautiful poem full of truths.
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:12 AM
Thank you for stopping by my new found friend. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
Rolland Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 3:40 PM
Jerry, you make people and poets, think twice, this is precious indeed, thanks for this brilliant poem, beautifully penned, a good lesson for me have a nice day
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:19 AM
Thanks Yann. I am guilty of pretending my view is the best when it pertains to politics. I try to be good but sometimes it just slips out. I can only strive to be better at following my own advice. Have a wonderful day my friend.
Bauer Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 12:59 PM
wise advice, jerry, conveyed in a masterly way!
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:23 AM
Thank you, Ilene. Now if I could only follow my own advice.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 10:59 AM
Those divisions promoted by the leaders! Love still believes in right. Love how you ended!
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:25 AM
I appreciate your kind words Kim. Have a wonderful day.
One Avatar
October 8, 2023 at 6:54 AM
Great message Jerry and I wish people would follow this great advice.. live and let live.. love not hate.. your poems flows really well..
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:27 AM
Thank you, Silent One. Your comments always give me encouragement to continue on.
Jones Avatar
October 7, 2023 at 8:41 PM
What a great message Jerry. People should lift each other up as the world needs love not hate and judgement. Great poem.
Brotherton Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Thank you, Karen. Now if I could just heed my own message.
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