“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
Mr. Fitzgerald’s thought not only captures the universal intellectual/philosophical human challenge.
It also presciently predicted our current political/social climate that finds reasonable people — able to respect and appreciate, if not always agree with others’ political, social and religious views and beliefs — at a rare (and, more often, costly) premium.
With that thought in mind, a new poem written for my writers group, for our monthly assignment to create something on the theme of “fear.”
Duplicity
I fear…
The faith of the “faithful”
Who see the face of God only in the mirror
Their blessing a curse thinly veiled
Holy hypocrites
Always praying for you
For me
For all
But themselves
I fear…
The love of the “loving”
Wrapped around everything big, small, even unborn
Except actual breathing souls
Locked behind bars of
Hatred
Despair
And hardship
I fear…
The zeal of the “zealous”
True believers’ furious passion for the Cause
Scale-covered eyes blind to new Truths, rage-plugged ears deaf
To dissonant chords
Diff’rence
Ringing
A death knell
I fear…
October 2016
Fifty and Counting 