This is my unworthy comment on the pointless slaughter of Gary Newlove by a "cider-fueled" mob of youths in Warrington.
Some may find this piece inappropriate, in that I compare it to what I see as another (though apocryphal) pointless murder some two millenia ago. I apologise if I offend anyone's religious sensitivities.
For those unaware of this particular example of societal breakdown:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7176471.stm
My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Oli
Those cruel, impassive blows that fell
sent four with cider breath to hell
to fatherless abyss three daughters
one unmeant martyr to the slaughter
to solitude one shattered bride
saddened hearts – unspecified
to ill fame one community
nil reasons, how could any be?
a million souls desensitised
one pointless hero lionized
did one man come to end all this?
in human form antithesis?
two thousand years, one saviour failed
another nail, another nail
Oli 18/01/08
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Written by Fledermaus (3281 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
I don't know the story behind it, but I can imagine as there have more than a few fatal beatings by drunk mobs in the Netherlands too. I don't think it's exactly comparable to the death of Jesus, but it does show there is a lot to be done before the world becomes a better place...
A good poem. |
Thanks Batty...
Written by Talisker (1326 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
I would argue that essentially, all violent, unnecessary deaths are comparable.
Many claim that Jesus came to free mankind from evil. My argument here is that if that is so, he failed.
Those "of faith" will have a different perspective. And so it goes.
Oli  |
Written by stevetroster (1549 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
You have coaxed me from my shell, on your head be it.
I feel that FM missed the point of:
“Two thousand years, one saviour failed,
another nail, another nail.”
Perhaps another nail in the coffin of religion?
If so, I can only share the sentiment.
Nice work, Oli.
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Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3351 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
A very thought provoking piece and an interesting, and unusual, comparison. I do agree that the pointlessnes of the man's death is bewildering. I'm not sure it was the same evil that killed Christ, that was deliberate,ritualistic murder by an oppressive regime and Newlove was killed by stupid drunk kids. Evil? yes but on a different scale. The boys were no better than feral cats.
Yes of course Christ failed if that was his intent and it may well be another nail in society's coffin. I do respect your view and was struck by the poem but I can't quite see the similarity- one was the result of evil and the other the result of a society in meltdown and kids like that are the symptom of it. Evil didn't create those kids- we all did
jane |
Written by Josie (2785 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
| Yes, Oli, this news shocked me beyond words, and the thing which comes through very clearly in your comparison is man's inhumanity to man. Jesus came on this earth and his main message to mankind was "Love your neighbour as yourself" - and if they don't heed this message it is not the fault of religion in any way. It is the fault of mankind not to listen or heed. The comparison is that it seems that two lambs went to the slaughter by the hand of human beings - and very wrong it was on both counts. This doesn't open a door for replies like "another nail in the coffin of religion" by stupid people. I would say, as a Christian woman, that your words were well said. Good. |
Written by stevetroster (1549 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
| “Stupid people?” Blind faith! Stupidity personified!! |
Written by Phil (6713 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
Not unworthy, Oli - just a fear of not doing it, or him, justice I guess. For what it's worth, I thought it worked really well. I had a bit of a problem with line four - but that's the fault of too much beer and a problem saying repeated Ms when my lips are a little floppy.
I didn't think you were comparing to Christ either - rather making a link. It did occur that the ending could make the beginning of a very different piece. I'll not enter the religious row, I've made my feelings plain before. I had an uncomfortable religious moment that related to this in a tangential way earlier this week. I'm still calming down.
You have shown in the past that you have a light and sensitive touch for this sort of thing . This was different in that it had some bite. Not light, but still sensitive - quite plaintive too.
Take care,
Phil |
another nail
Written by beatricelouise (215 comments posted) 18th January 2008 |
The story completely hooked me. I read the story before I decided to give a review.
I think the poem is beautifully written, and the end of the lines with rhyme are good.
There is a lot of emotion in this headline news item. It is going on all around the world. The youth are seemingly out of control.
Jesus came to give us the strength to undergo our trials. I think some people have the wrong idea of why Jesus came. He came to save the lost, but not to take away our free will. It is not a religious problem that I can see, but a moral issue. There is no respect for our elders any longer. Sorry to say, but we are to blame. We as in our government taking the strap out of schools, and prayer as well.
I think your poem is wonderfully written. I will be embarrassed to post one after reading this one. I appreciate your post. It was undeniably heartrending. |
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