Paul Willason Poet Free verse

The Wholly Incomprehensible

There we were
all lined up, the girls
dressed like little brides,
the boys in white shirts
and ties, hands joined
in a slow shuffle towards
the wholly incomprehensible.
At that age you believe in
anything you're told
though it was not belief
that was the problem
but the penalties
for not believing that
set a horror loose
to crush our little souls.

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sara Etgen-Baker July 26, 2025 at 4:19 PM what a frightening and sad situation! I can't imagine anyone destroying a child's innocence. Nicely done, Paul. Wishing you a pleasant evening, Sara Paul Willason July 26, 2025 at 4:54 PM Indeed...invariably the scarring is permanent. This type of abuse remains an indefensible legacy of all religions that have a "believe or be punnished" clause. Value your comments Sara, Thankyou, regards Paul

David Kavanagh July 26, 2025 at 11:25 AM Been there done that one Paul, the penalties were indeed severe, and I’m not just taking about eternal punishment in hell, such a shameful crime to force this upon children with beatings if we stepped out of that line of innocence you so well describe here, so much said in this short piece, will resonate with anyone that lived through it, cheers David!! PS love the title! Paul Willason July 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM I find this type of chilhood abuse hard to forgive when, even now, most Christian denominations have hell and eternal damnation still firmly rooted in their dogma and still shovel the shit into the beautiful minds of children. It betrays a cruelty that has no defence. Guilty as charged. Thanks my friend, I know we sing from the same hymn book. Cheers, Paul