Writen by Harris Ismail
Phoenixes are bold,
but a raven is equally dangerous;
the sky is a battlefield
for the wild and untamed monsters,
even a lion can’t conquer a dragon.
Pegasus is wise –
stay high and low when the flight becomes deadly;
maybe the human realm can provide a home:
its better to risk homage
than the falcon’s claws;
so, the belief spreads wide.
Humans are an intelligent lot;
their imagination builds and destroys,
their fights are puny but scandalous,
their gods and God
fight for them equally;
but ambition mixed with religion
creates havoc
even in the angels’ midst.
How peaceful the sky was
until humans entered the untamed wild!
An ox can only plough,
even a mule is envious
of a broken horse:
prestige is hard to come by,
the weight isn’t a problem,
but a family deserves a meal –
even rotten bread acceptable.
Whether artificial or real,
the lion’s master is supreme;
the jungle is now a rat’s kingdom,
lest how does one survive the fires
on the battlefield
of the supremacists?
It’s better to be under and docile
than agile and idealistic;
leftist rebels never go far.
The old age is back –
only weaponised ideas are acceptable;
otherwise, stick to tyranny and “free world” ideologies.
The head is better off on the shoulders,
even the eyes won’t see the blade come:
Gods strike from the rear while
soothing from the front.
Dreams are nothing but illusions
in the face of a dreamer;
brethren save foxes for brotherhood
but handle the razor for the dark angels.
The bravery of Alexandria the Great
and the accomplishments of the great General Napoleon
have all become a mockery
by the so-called gods;
literacy has become a threat
in the world of swords over pens;
though even a pencil would have been better
for the dignity and honour
of the peasants and veterans
of a damned society.
Gods know no pain,
the god maker chooses wisely
the relentless warriors of faith
blinded by too much of light:
maybe religion is a sham
to deprive the weak of a cause
and create a dream of betterness
in a raging storm.
Surely, the oracles of old
foresaw a different future
and our prophets of righteousness
deviated from that foreseen path;
still a path is only worthy
as yet it sticks.
Give me liquor brother,
dreams weigh me down
to free a people consumed by righteousness and strength,
I want to create renegades steered by love;
maybe then, dreamers can have a go
at the double-edged swordplay
and learn the rules
of the righteous.
© 2022 Harris Ismail
All rights reserved.
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Meet the writer:
Harris Ismail is a Kenyan poet who evocatively uses words to paint human feelings and associations with intentions of inspiring his readers and prompting positive changes in the society. Click here to connect with him on Facebook.
In this jeremiad poem, Ismail reveals how skew human beliefs and selfish ambitions affect their coexistance and lifestyles. He bemoans violence, heresy and the overstretched struggle for power and recognition at the detriment of social norms and welfare.
In an endeavor to patently divulge these powerful ideas, Ismail highlights some historical, spiritual and mythological byspels of battles and draws a sharp contrast between them and the current humans’ untamed responses to conflict. According to him, humans crossed the boundary when they dogmatically entered a supremacy battle that is not akin to their kind. And the result of it is a life wrought with endless physical and ideological wars. What an ingenious line of thoughts!
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Laminsa Indies 
Oh marvelous, good job bro. Keep inspiring others. I second. The writer of this piece has such an acumen for details and history. Thumbs-up to him.
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O James, thank you so you so much for such an uplifting comment. Yes, Harris has a strong acumen for history and literature and an understanding of the correlation between religion and conflict. I second. 🌺💖
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Oh my son, what a stride of effort! Your clever efforts put smiles on my face daily. Keep up the good work. This is a talking poem, touching to the core. Congrats to the writer.👏👏
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Thank you so much, mum. It’s very comforting to hear you say these words. I’m glad you enjoying this one and found it talking 🤗🌺💖
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This is plausible, lil brother. Derserves my approval in every way. Your benevolence takes me by great admiration. This is such a stunning peace, revealing and admonishing in every bit. Human intelligence and religious heresies have made the world a burning place for all. Thumbs-up for this clever writer and for you for publishing this great poem. MICHIGAN, USA.
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Most welcome, sen bro. Your words are magical and encouraging. It’s my utmost joy you loved this piece. Many thanks to you for your presence 🙏 🌺
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Pleased.
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What a fascinating poem!
Indeed,ambition mixed with religion creates havoc (1st cor 9:25)
The use of figurative language and vocabulary is indeed incredible.!
Keep up bro💯
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What a great way to review it, Brother Isaac!! Well said. Many thanks to you for your support, always. 🌺🌺
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Such a profoundly critiquing piece. Wonderful!!
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Many thanks to you for your kind comment. 😊🌺
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What a great dispensation of thoughts, Harris. Your poetry mirrors our society in an intricate manner. “The bravery of Alexandria the Great
and the accomplishments of the great General Napoleon
have all become a mockery
by the so-called gods”
Wonderful!!
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I agree, this is indeed a real mirror to the society, dear. Marvelous thoughts! Thank you 🌺🌺
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What an intensely powerful and profound piece of writing… Brutal and visceral and unrelenting. Incredible talent. This poem needs to be read by the masses, it’s that important. Please give my best regards to the author. 🙂
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Many thanks to you, Mike. Oh what a lovely way to put it. I’m sure Harry would be glad to see this. Thanks for this immeasurable tone of kindness. 😊🌺
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Really powerful images and emotions well captured!
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Thanks a great deal, Jaya, for taking time to read and comment… I’m glad you enjoyed, dear. 😊🌺
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Such an amazing poem..great effort👏🏻
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Thank you so much for stopping by to read and comment, and for your following too. I’m glad you enjoyed. 🤝🌺
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Yes, keep writing✍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👌🏻
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🙏🙂🌺
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Wow! This is incredible, I just loved reading it. It is raw and honest, well done Harris. Dearest Lam thank you so much for introducing us to an amazing poet, you my friend are doing an amazing job and it is laudable. 👏👏👏👏💖
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Thank you so much, Daph dear. It’s profoundly heart-warming to know that you enjoyed this piece. I know Harris will be glad to see your compliment. 🌺❤🌺
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You’re most welcome Lam! Keep on being as amazing as you are. ❤️🤗
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You too, dearest Daph. ❤ 🤗🌺
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🥰❤️
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thank you so much for sharing this incredible profound and powerful piece Lamittan. 💖💖💖💖
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You’re welcome, Cindy dear. Thank you too for taking time to read and leave such gratifying compliments. 💖🌺💖
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You’re so welcome! 💖
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Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
Powerful poetry shared by a talented writer.
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Many thanks for your kindness.
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This is powerful poetry my friend.
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Indeed, Harris did write it with great cognizance of the happenings in this society. I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for reblogging. 🤝
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Harris did an outstanding job Lamittan.
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Sure he did. I’m proud of him too. ✅✅
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