Praying seems hypocritical When one only believes in ones self, Or perhaps not even that. An insult to the power of belief so potent That men would die for an entity Unknown, yet so familiar to them. An absolute conviction that someone Heeds your own trivial existence Is relieving Comforting Yet all the same dismays. “Lord, hear my prayer.” Our children gaze with an adoration, Compelled to worship by the wise, Those who know all and can explain All the horror away As an act of the divine. Wide eyed wonder is their response To a doctrine they cannot recall Let alone comprehend. Accepting Innocent Fervently they show their faith. “Lord, hear my prayer.” Heaven is an expanse of nothing, Stars flaming torches Hovering so precariously Yet ineffective in lighting life’s passage. Looking to the sky I am left blind And cannot see beyond this dark void. Are we but marionettes for the gods? Our world a theatre of the obscure, An amusement A game – Our strings pulled once too often. “Lord, hear my prayer.” Hear Me.
Reason for writing:
All my life I was subjected to a religion against my will - I went to a C of E High School and then a Catholic college. I wasn't comfortable adopting other peoples beliefs. This poem was written as a reaction against religion, yet also a desperation to find something to hang on to, a reason why things happen etc. Comments and constructive criticism very welcome!
Birth sign: Capricorn
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