To the Stars

I have some important questions
About the quality of what we “believe”
Are our concepts of who we are
Rooted in our lack of questioning?

The awesome fear of ridicule
The blistering pressure to conform
The inevitable path of least resistance
And the comfort that it affords

Suppose we had always been told
That our savior is Julius Caesar
Would our religious ceremonies now conclude
With, “He came, he saw, he conquered”?

Are we unknowingly in lockstep
Like dancers in a music video?
And is the comfort of being “right”
Worth this atrophy to our souls?

Like a distorted photo negative
Shaping our most repeated stories
Is our perception that we are broken
The fuel for what we “believe”?

As goldfish have known only water
And content in their little jar
If our minds weren’t pointed in the wrong direction
Would we have already been to the stars?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Roske Avatar
March 29, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Thought provoking write - congratulations on your feature this week.
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2012 at 6:58 AM
Congratulations on your premium featured write this week David. Love, Carol
Austin Avatar
March 26, 2012 at 9:37 AM
Yes! And goldfish will grow in proportion to their tank, Someone once told me. I Like your questioning attitude, gets one in trouble with fanatics, though. Congrats on the selection. daver
Cornwall Avatar
March 26, 2012 at 6:52 AM
Wonderful poem and congrats on feature............Patrick
Brown Avatar
May 3, 2011 at 9:32 AM
The poetry here at the Soup today is so diverse. It was a pleasure to read yours David. Have a wonderful day and may you find inspiration to continue writing always. Love, Carol
Kendrick Avatar
May 3, 2011 at 9:29 AM
At some point in time we all have to decide for ourselves what we believe and accept..You have chosen a very good and relevant topic on which to write..Enjoyed reading this afternoon..Sara
Long Avatar
May 3, 2011 at 8:28 AM
this was nice and I have enjoyed reading your write today.. cory
Sweetheart Avatar
May 3, 2011 at 7:29 AM
So enjoyed reading your most creative write David.. simply elegant with great imagery luv.. stars are one of my fav things..too..
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