The Black Heart Within

Most religions can be manipulated

into political systems.

(Although, I would avere Buddhism

generally would here be set

somewhat more aside.)

But, to point, some in particular,

have their political system

written firmly within.

Girded in the `Leviathan's` ordered right and light

under foot of regionally spreading might,

averred and affirmed as

the manifest destiny

of that One('s) God's height;

Well proceeding 'The Age of Reason',

any Magna Cartas, Constitutions

and Bills of Rights we

then but topple like

wheat to God's sharpened sickle.

A consuming horde for gold or God

or as often both, that casts aside

differences, compassion,

even acceptance or

a compromise of reasoned tolerance

Are history's Jerichos, Alexandrias

Constantinoples, and Tenochtitlans

prostrate before One('s) God's

unilateral, all consuming oppression.

Observe I, a `Grand Religion` akin to Tamerlane

Attila the Hun, the black plague,

Pol Pot and Bin Laden still

Mildews yet from the Dark Ages molding upon us.

Hypothetically,

(to be saved from beheading)

What if there were

in the political systems

of this planet

One that in its

belief of might-with-right

from warrior swarms

hatched in desert sands

And incubated in

greed for wealth, order

and glory of tribe and kin

Were regurgitated the pabulum

of One('s) God and

One('s) unchanging way?

Now, bowing to One('s) God or

`one nation [*] indivisible`, [1892]

*`under God`, [1954]

with pride of flag and

a patriotism well understood

in the sacrifices of the brave for

The freedom of `liberty and justice for all`

though thought unique

is not either uncommon or

unknown in the city states and the rusted

chain links of precedent empires old;

little remains exactly the same but,

The drawstrings garrote of One('s) God's righteousness.

For all, it is an ancient righteousness kindled

of Oneness both in the hearts

and, brazier fire of mind

as the kindred surety and peace

of an understanding

least able be compared:

so thus, in its Singularity

to be enmeshed not at all as

a fair questioned meaningfulness.

So yes, if as a liberal pagan-ethicalist,

need I must bow held usurped,

an infidel under castigation

at the points of lance and sword;

Need we, in bowing to that One('s) God,

need bow all to the book and baggage

of a jobber, tribal-shrewd,

deluded, most wily last prophet who

Drags his beard along with it too?

(23 February ‘17)