David Kavanagh | + Follow Poet |
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The Hypocritical Goat

Not to be taken lightly, I burnt all my clothes 
Cut the tattoos off my back, tore pins from my nose 
Foraged for food particles, where wild beasts reposed
Lapped water vapour off thorns, when the thirst arose 

My identity gone, I herded mountain goats 
Built a makeshift altar, one by one, slit their throats 
Looking to the heavens, chanting primeval quotes 
Tell me what to do, this sacrifice I devote 

But silence returned, I knew nothing else mattered 
The goats now all dead, my hands blooded and spattered 
A local tribe watched on, their souls not so shattered 
Idolised me, then to the four winds they scattered 

After two score and ten, they returned unforetold 
Carrying symbols, textbooks, diamonds, and gold 
Smiling in joy, I asked what stories they behold 
All wrote versions of my life in books, but mistold 

Some had butchered nations, said it was in my name 
Others brainwashed little children, feeling no shame 
The rest knocked on doors, telling lies they heal the lame
Scamming billions of sesterces, their one true aim

I condemned the lies, but was a very bad call
They burst into laughter, and pointed to their haul
Just then everything made sense, as I do recall 
Killing goats made me, the biggest scapegoat of all

Copyright © David Kavanagh | Year Posted 2023

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Lin Lane Date: 10/12/2023 3:16:00 AM I just read this and know why I missed it. Cruising followed by Covid but I would need three comment boxes to write half of what I want to say about your lines, David. Oh what genius in your mind you too often fail to post. We need to separate the sheep from the goats. Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 10/12/2023 9:09:00 AM Yes he most certainly would fall into that category, I myself have no allegiance to the hypocrite, who jumps on bandwagons and bastardises everything he touches, for what it’s worth I believe he’s banking on Christian tolerance, and uses it to blindside the good Christians on this site, I’m agnostic so don’t feel bound by religious tolerance! Hey I like the new Avatar you look great! Lin Lane Date: 10/12/2023 6:42:00 AM Manipulation is the appropriate word for those who say they are doing God's work but have the agenda of creating their own herd of followers. Goats who act like rats following the flute of the Pied Piper... I'd call that one a Bully Goat. I have background information that those who believe his BS are not privy to. I'll not throw stones at him the way he has at me. That's not what a Christian would do. David Kavanagh Date: 10/12/2023 6:35:00 AM Heya Lin, high praise indeed, which I never take for granted from you, I’m delighted you can read so much into my hypocritical goat, I needed to write this one and spell it out once and for all, the manipulation by people of their gods name, to further only themselves and their money making agenda, cheers David

Tom Cunningham Date: 9/10/2023 6:04:00 AM I don't know where they get the idea to kill in God's name, Ignorance and follow the crowd comes to mind, even the crusaders were at it. I've yet to come across any religious book that says kill your fellow man. Tom Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 9/10/2023 6:42:00 AM That indeed is my poem in an nutshell Tom, it’s the maniacal interpretations by greedy manipulators and liars that cause all the problems, and it’s still going on, even on the soup here today, cheers David

Christopher Flaherty Date: 9/1/2023 1:46:00 PM Killing goat's made me The biggest scapegoat of them all Makes absolute perfect sense Brilliant love it David Sir Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 9/1/2023 2:05:00 PM Ah my main man is back, I hoped you might read this one Christopher, knew you’d make perfect sense of the irony in that last line, yeah they’ll piss on your back, and tell you it’s raining, listen to them enough and you might even believe it too, that’s what they bank on, cheers David

Sotto Poet Date: 9/1/2023 6:52:00 AM Your poetry, dear David, is truly remarkable. It adeptly captures the intricate process of belief change and the subsequent blind adherence of the masses. I must commend you on the powerful voice that reverberates throughout your poem. Only to be shattered by the revelations of the malicious intentions harbored by those who exploit religion for their nefarious deeds. Your eloquence and the unexpected denouement serve as a milestone for those who possess an open and enlightened mind. Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 9/1/2023 8:33:00 AM Thank you Lasaad, Open mindedness is indeed the essential ingredient, for seeing through the malicious intentions of conmen and hypocrites, they will use every trick in the book, to try accost and brainwash people when they are suffering loss and vulnerable, I appreciate your open minded critique, cheers David

Arthur Vaso Date: 8/31/2023 11:04:00 PM A very, may I say brilliant poem, :) Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 9/1/2023 12:18:00 AM May I say right back, a very welcome comment, thanks so much arthur, cheers David

I Am Anaya Date: 8/31/2023 1:36:00 PM David, biblical! Thank you, I couldn't of written it better. I am one who took my nose ring off and covered my tattoo. I soul-searchered and listened to such hypocrites, it's true. And still the quiet came back, no longer the spiritual serindipity that changed me, when discovering the malevilent side of these users of God for their dirty works. Thanks for having the balls, that I didn't have to put them in their place with brilliance, genius. A fav for me for sure. ;) Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 8/31/2023 3:25:00 PM Always a good idea to research everything we write Anaya, hey if you want to know about my name it’s in (my animal instincts) acrostic lol! Now I getcha S the III my old adversary, no doubt he’ll be back for more punishment! I Am Anaya Date: 8/31/2023 2:52:00 PM Your right, it's so over! . :) I must add that I've been doing research on my name, for Suzettes challenge, and yep, it means God Answers, if that's not serendipity! I'll have to create around that. Your name should be most interesting. David Kavanagh Date: 8/31/2023 2:26:00 PM Thanks so much Anaya, I think you have got proverbial (balls) judging by what you’ve just said, sometimes someone has to say it the way it is, none of us want to be manipulated by these liars any longer, they have nothing to offer, just threats of eternal damnation if we don’t give them credence and money, there are so many kind, decent, religious and spiritual people on this soup, that are being accosted by recidivistic hoaxers, who manipulate the book for their own ends and pleasure, S. III not sure? I’m delighted with your comment and Fave, cheers David

Vijay Pandit Date: 8/31/2023 9:50:00 AM Brilliant poetry my friend. You nailed it--how beliefs evolve and masses follow naively. I like the potent voice of your poem! A FAVE from me, David. Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 8/31/2023 10:20:00 AM Thank you Vijay for seeing the truthful message within this poem, beliefs do evolve over time, also are constantly being manipulated by certain people to suit their own greedy needs, I appreciate your comment and Fave, cheers David

Michael Tor Date: 8/30/2023 7:46:00 PM David they prey on the hurting, the ill, the lonely but do not be fooled my friend for one day they themselves will be truly judged for their evil deed because whether they believe or not there is a God who is righteous and sees their indignation. Love your theme David as always thought provoking my friend... Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 8/31/2023 12:28:00 AM You’re so right Michael, always the most vulnerable people are taken in by these parasites, they bend religion to suit their own needs, which is your money and estate, whilst living hidden lavish lifestyles themselves, thanks so much for stopping by, cheers David

Yann Rolland Date: 8/30/2023 3:53:00 PM beautiful language, unexpected ending for sure but a landmark for the/ openminded thanks a lot Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 8/30/2023 3:59:00 PM Always keep the mind open Yan, Thank you so much for having one, and for your uplifting comment, cheers David

Jan Allison Date: 8/30/2023 3:42:00 PM thought provoking piece David, so much hypocrisy, often in the name of religion:-( hugs jan xx Login to Reply David Kavanagh Date: 8/30/2023 4:13:00 PM Amazing isn’t it how it’s always the ones most vulnerable in society they single out and try prey on, ;.) Jan Allison Date: 8/30/2023 3:59:00 PM I agree with you David or to make themselves look Mr or Mrs Big and have the sheep hang on to their every word:-( David Kavanagh Date: 8/30/2023 3:49:00 PM Most religious people are very honest and good natured Jan, it’s a shame the hypocrites barge in and try use them to make money, cheers David