The Angry And The Damaged

 

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The Angry And The Damaged

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"It's easier to love and nurture a boy than mend
a man."
Author unknown

"On our way through life, we should always have room for pillion passengers."
The poet, author

"If we're not prepared to help somone who has broken down on the road of life, we can't complain
if they're slowing down the traffic and holding us up."
The poet, author

“What is done to children, they will do to society.”
Karl A. Menninger, psychiatrist (1893-1990)

"Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.”
Herbert Ward

"Issues and struggles can load the gun, and neglect and mistreatment then pull the trigger."

"Early and thoughtful intervention can prevent or intercept a potential or budding harmful intention."
The poet, author

The following poems are very much today's sad reality.

1.  Blank Canvases

A baby’s born — a blank canvas — innocent and vulnerable, fragile too,
Yes, easily programmed and damaged, things going either way for me or you.
Thus upbringing everything, along with influences and happenings,
And why eventually, every heart in this world either mourns or sings.

There’s so many stories out there, the twig having been bent this way or that way,
Thus sad is the background and direction of many, various things at play.
And some dying young like Ricky Nelson, once riding high, then falling from the sky,
Dead at the age of forty five — plane crash — though his life wasn’t all apple pie.

No, a sad divorce, setbacks and comebacks, then disaster, and kids left behind,
But that’s how it goes for some, even stars, despite wealth or some new contract signed.
Their blank canvas having become less like a Rembrandt, more like a Picasso,
It fractured and abstract — and oh dear, how those brushstrokes and dabs of others show.

Yes, perilous is the journey, bad starts oft setting the stage, and why we see
Innocence stolen, wounded hearts, damaged minds, and even blows to the body.
Some canvases not just marred by graffiti, but slashed, the results quick to show,
Or hidden and simmering within, thus no one knowing what’s about to blow.

Oh yes, sad it is, blank canvases not staying blank for long, strokes soon showing,
A Rembrandt or Picasso having been at work, thus good or ill bestowing.
The latter early or later, or misfortune visiting, having its say,
It all on that canvas, remembered or forgotten, once someone’s passed away.

Ricky still remembered, but most soon forgotten having left no legacy,
They simply someone’s loved one, though just as precious, and good or sad memory.
Death always tragic, more so those shortened lives, but more tragic than anything
Are those spoilt or ruined canvases, and why so many mourn rather than sing.

Ricky tall, dark and handsome, a teenage idol of my day, but sad to say,
His life cut short, and the lives of others affected, blue skies having turned grey.
The image on our canvas only finished at death — yes, death the final stroke,
And then that canvas removed from its easel; and gone too, any painter’s cloak.

Yes, three years after his divorce (having been married nineteen years), that plane crash,
Which killed his fiancé and band members too, and thus across his canvas, SLASH!
He on the verge of a come back, and then that fiery end, flames engulfing them,
New Year's Eve, December thirty one, nineteen eighty five, five fourteen p.m.

And so,

As to how the final painting looks, depends on what went on that canvas, and
What we might have added, perhaps as a result, the painting more sadder or grand.
And then there's those slashes, such but life, though of mechanical problems Rick knew,
And how we sometimes aid those slashes, Rick having taken a risk, in my view.

By Lance Landall


Ricky Nelson (1940-1985), American pop singer, musician, songwriter and actor.
Ricky had bought that trouble prone plane off Jerry Lee Lewis. His band members
had complained about its unworthiness, one bitterly, threatening to leave the band.
Ricky was well known for his song Travelin' Man which was a big hit in his day.
Below is a sample:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSz1WafWmCw

This particular poem has been done in a form somewhat like that of the sixties song Ode To Billie Joe
by Bobbie Gentry. A link to that song has been placed under this poem.

3.  To The Angry Young

Dear troubled one (and this from a fellow sufferer), I so desire to relieve that pain within you,
'Cause within my life, a book now in its final chapters, I have felt that same coldness and cruelty too.
Yes, just like you, I’ve walked that same lonely road, thought about ending it all, I being just as angry,
Others unable to understand the turmoil within me (and nor I), not that they tried, quite frankly.

So yes, I can imagine just how you’re feeling, how you may want to lash out — “I’ll show 'em!
I’ll teach 'em!” —
Having been there, done that, their indifference much like sandpaper, and at times, inner rage to the brim.
Oh, how I could’ve kicked back, they so sure that they had the answers-cum-me sassed out, such fuelling the fire,
And I confused, lacking confidence, insecure, even scared — and against me, life seeming to conspire.

I’ve no doubt such harks back to my childhood, but I’m no psychologist, and what do they really know,
Though I guess they've their place, and a caring counsellor too, but the trouble is getting a good one though.
I know that they’re out there, read enough books to know, but they don't seem about — well, at least when one needs them,
Though there are plenty of armchair critics about with lots to say, and who point their fingers and condemn.

Now mind, 'cause if there is help of sorts available, go for it, but there’s no magic wand, kind of thing,
And this why I too, don't have all the answers, and may never have, though very grateful for anything.
But I can say this though, having lived for many years, don’t make things worse for yourself, nor cut your life short,
'Cause you’re too darn precious for that, even if no one has told you so, nor given you the time or thought.

Okay, so you’ve messed up — well, you haven’t got that on your own, friend (and such is no wonder) — yes, me too,
But you have got your whole life ahead of you, so don’t let your background wreck all that, 'cause you will get through,
And still have a good life too, though if you’ve a mind too, and that’s the key, given the past we can’t undo,
'Cause even when we figure out what went wrong, why we are like we are, it still comes down to me and you.

This world's full of the walking wounded, often the result of bad parenting, parents not being there,
They busy with their career, far too tired once home, many working due to necessity, to be fair.
Hence those latchkey kids, mums not there when they’re babes, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, nor there through their school years,
And hence that empty house, they lonely, neglected, and thus feeling rejected, no waiting arms or ears.

So I understand — and oh, how often things compound the situation — and yes, help not always there,
Hence why we wounded often have to make it on our own, but there's something useful that I’d like to share,
And though it may sound corny, it’s a constructive thing, and a friend too, but forgive me, a kind of prayer:
“Help me to be to others what I so desire they'd be to me, but aren’t,” because the answer is there.

You see, people may never be there for us like they should be, and many simply just don’t understand,
Nor care, and therefore, we wasting our time feeling angry, rather than getting what we can from life, and,
Putting our own experience to good use by reaching out to fellow sufferers, we near at hand,
Rather than letting our wounds spoil the rest of our life, or see us take our life, when hope is near at hand.

And that hope's found in healing that comes from our caring for others, 'cause there’s no hope in being angry,
And all it does is finish the job that the wounder started, or worsen our battle, so pointlessly.
Sure we’re somewhat handicapped, but not without ability, and nor incapable of victory,
Thus refusing to be victims, throwing off that mantle of oppression they placed on us so cruelly,

   Even unintentionally.

Yes, I know how much such hurts and hampers, and it’s the reason for our behaviour, but it's no excuse,
'Cause two wrongs don’t make a right, we not indulging in the same folly which will increase, and not reduce.
It’s best we cut our losses, make the best of a bad situation, thus turning the tables on fate,
'Cause life’s an opportunity many don’t even get, far too precious to waste on anger and hate.

Despite those things that can dog our steps (more so if we let them), we can still rise above it all, and should,
Seeking what will aid us on the path to recovery, and when we do, success being the likelihood,
'Cause as they say, where there’s the will there’s a way, and wounds common fare, and thus something dealt with on the way,
And such how we achieve happiness regardless, joy amidst the rain, and how in life’s puddles we play.

So don't nurse your wounds, nor become the prisoner of your background or the hostage of your thoughts, and please
Don’t take it out on others, 'cause they've often wounds of their own, some sad background which their joy seeks to seize.
And as I mentioned, it’s pointless to add to our load, more so when there is hope at the end of that road,
Which one may not think at the time, but trust me, I’ve been there, and all of which my attitude overrode.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 21 July 2023.

4.  Some Legacy, Harry

In the years to come, Harry, your kids are going to have to live with it all,
The results of your decision, that book, those interviews, that self chosen call.
Yes, the likes of that Jeremy Clarkson comment, those harsh Newspaper headlines,
Accusations of false statements, revenge, money making — all concerning signs.

Yes, that shame you’ve brought on your family, those strident attacks on royalty,
All of which your kids are innocently caught up in, the denials, the spin.
It about to follow them all their life, that certain sad notoriety,
How you took it all to the world, dished the dirt, betrayed others and family.

Oh Harry, better to have walked away, left it all behind, and wished them well,
Thus just getting on with your life, not leaving your kids a legacy of ill.
Because how might all that poison, bad blood and so on, affect them in time, and
They resenting it all, not dealing with it well, life dealing them a harsh hand.

When we dish the dirt, it speaks less of us, follows us around, often for years,
Even all our life — our kid’s inheritance — hence those spoken  of fears and tears.
It not fair to them, Harry, and why we’re better to cut our losses, move on,
Life too short, thus years of greater happiness and joy, and for your kids too, gone.

Such has consumed too much of your life already, when it needn’t have, Harry,
You far too concerned about you and yours, and hurt should more maturely carry.
And that’s what your kids need to see, but aren’t; as many against you as for you,
And why I believe you’ve blundered, Harry, and the one that you have married too.

Even when we patch things up, Harry, the odour can cling, and some dirt remain,
Thus blighting nevertheless — yes, it all still out there in the public domain,
Along with the likes of that South Park lampooning of you both, hardly to your gain,
The damage done, you having made a fool of yourself, and there goes your kid’s dad,
And that’s where it’s at, Harry, and why what you and Meghan have done is very sad.

By Lance Landall


Thus Harry may have foolishly spawned the new expression:
"You're not going to do a Harry on me, are you?"

You may also wish to read my poems Family Is Family, Spare, and Come On,
Harry which can be found in my Special Poem Cluster, sigment one.

5.  Troubled Childhoods, Killer Putins

Those who investigate, know that Vladimir Putin is evil incarnate,
As was Hitler, and there’s many others, who the worst of evils perpetrate.
Some gone, others still alive, and oft having one thing in common, sad to say,
A troubled childhood, emotional damage, which saw them go that tragic way.

And oh, how millions have suffered as a result, just like we’ve seen in Ukraine,
Putin having unleashed his inner devils, not just there, but during his reign.
Yes, poisonings and you name it, and hence why what’s done to kids, we need to mind,
Because they may do it to society, and that they do, we often find.

And what disturbs me too is, those kids growing up without a sound foundation,
That moral compass, set of rules, necessary for correct navigation.
And their world being confused now by all those errant social engineers, who
Always think they know better, and this, despite all of history’s tried and true.

It thus troubled childhoods or distorted childhoods, and how the twig's being bent,
Their ills coming in various forms and degrees depending on how things went.
Many potential time bombs that don’t get set off, and then there are Putins, who
Time and opportunity lets loose, and hence those devilish things that they do,

And why I thank God that out of the millions on Earth, they're comparatively few.

So like I said, we need to mind, kids easily damaged, like those in Ukraine,
Who such horrors should never see, and who in time, could begin their own cruel reign.
Perhaps in their home, community, a short reign possibly, perhaps an hour,
A knife or gun in their hand unleashing that same wicked, Putin-like power.

And when they do (and it's the same with Putin), they should face the music, but hey,
We needing to deal with the root causes so that less Putins will come our way.
All why kids need love, affection and security, minus the confusion,
So much being turned upside down today, and further trouble the conclusion.

Putin's a cold-blooded killer with psychopath characteristics, and who
Has targeted innocent citizens, staying or fleeing — yes, children too.
He as cold as a reptile, a damaged boy who became a cruel, wicked man,
A manipulator and controller, which childhood trauma and abuse began.

Yes, troubled childhoods, killer Putins — well, that's certainly what has happened here,
And what's happened before and will happen again, and why we need to take care.
We thus minding what's done to kids, what they're exposed too, and what they're watching too,
And minding what they might be missing, like love, those necessary things they're due.

By Lance Landall


Putin indeed had a troubled childhood which has propelled his evil deeds
as it has the deeds of others like Hitler, Stalin and Mao Zedung.

6.  The Wounded Wound

Yes, the wounded wound, and given how many are wounded, it’s a big worry,
Things bad enough now, and sure to worsen, and such seemingly in a hurry.
It not just child abuse, but the trauma of wars and those repressive regimes,
Where dreadful things happen, and where people are left with deep scars and horrid dreams.

But whatever the cause, and be it children or adults, the wounded wound, and
Often inflict just as much damage, or more, hence those cases found in each land.
All why we need to stop the wounding, early harm leading to later results,
Be that a little further down the track, or when the wounded become adults.

By Lance Landall


I have it on good authority that there are many children in child care centres who're showing very concerning
signs, which, by the way, certainly isn't advantageous to any child that you may send there.

7.  Don't Help Tip The Scales

He’s angry, very angry — in other words, smarting badly, dangerously,
'Cause oh, how he’d like to hit back, have them eating their words-cum-paying dearly.
Yes, it bad enough that he has his past to deal with, many issues within,
Without more brickbats coming his way, striking at his manhood, rubbing things in.

Hence his negative dreams, his desire to become powerful, even wealthy,
For money can buy position and clout, reward with a certain potency.
In other words, take care of that ticking “I’ll show ’em” wound that festers and burns,
And possibly in time, via this ill or that ill, a Newspaper headline earns.

And you know, he not an evil person, but one propelled down a certain track,
Which, despite all his good qualities, even glowing, results in something black.
And all preventable but for that indifference, insensitivity,
Those things that made him feel small, a fool, and took away respect and dignity.

And he just one of many, a passer-by that draws no attention, until
His inner rage hits the fan, a final straw flinging random or chosen ill.
And oh, how he’s seen for the evil one he is, or so his despisers say,
Yes, a thoughtless line of them that throughout his life helped to pave that fateful day.

Though for some that day may not come, thanks to inner brakes that just manage to hold,
And that meantime ensure that those inner rages and errant thoughts are controlled.
Well, largely so, some lid letting out just enough steam to prevent a large spill,
But not so with other bubbling pots that blow their lid and predictions fulfil.

So please don’t help tip the scales lest some Hitler be born, folk in the wings already,
And by that I mean, it only a matter of time and opportunity.
For oh, how they’re smarting, voices echoing in their ears and scenes replaying,
And as for any impending ill, well, they’re hardly likely to be saying.

It never pays to re-wound the wounded, though who they are one can’t always tell,
And therefore, we minding how we go, and rather than stirring, seeking to quell,
For humanity is full of such wounds, wounds that are gaping and infected,
And is it any wonder given how folk are mistreated and neglected.

By Lance Landall

8.  Sad Childhoods Aren't An Excuse

Any crime, and unacceptable behaviour, should never be seen to pay,
And hence that swift and strong lesson-teaching response, ’cause such is hardly okay.
Though aware of someone’s sad childhood, and able to see the “Why?” of their crime,
The wounded wounder must still be held to account, and therefore, doing the time.

And this where judges have a certain discretion, but the law is still the law,
And for good reasons. One being, no offenders escaping via the back door.
Victims due justice, 'cause sad childhoods aren't an excuse, but just a reason, though we
Having a heart for the remorseful, 'cause it’s no wonder that such things we see.

By Lance Landall


Soft on crime, watch it climb.

9.  It's Your Choice

“They bound them and shot them, Dad. It shocked and sickened me.
While they lay upon the ground, they took aim, cold-bloodedly.
How could they do such a thing, Dad? It really bothers me.
Are some men born monsters, or is this just humanity?”

“Well, son, some men are simply cowards who just do what they’re told,
They’ll carry out an order as if they’re remote-controlled.
And some are too scared not to, lest they themselves end up shot.
Would you buckle in such a situation, son? I hope not.

Other men are messed up, son, they’re simply ill mentally;
Put them in charge, and sooner or later there’ll be misery.
Somewhere on life’s journey, son, perhaps as a child, maybe,
Things went astray in their head; even genetically.

Some of them are victims too, perpetuating the past,
But as to what exactly triggers things — well, that's a big ask.
There’re so many variables, and we’re rather complex, son,
And who has the time and expertise to deal with it, son?

Some men are opportunists, others err when chance appears,
Giving into temptation, or the pressure of their peers.
Chance can show a weakness, son, that hides beneath a veneer,
And certain situations can see flaws kick into gear.

But having said that, son, we’re all affected in some way,
Thus, in a sense it is humanity, I’m sorry to say.
However, son, we do have a choice, despite our background,
And need to remember that what goes around, comes around.

There’ll always be evil, and evil men, that’s reality,
Hence the wickedness we see that’s somewhat a mystery.
But out of the two forces that are operating, son,
I’m hoping that your choice will never be the evil one.

'Cause even good men can fall, lose the plot, and go astray,
Be taken in by error, succumb, and choose the wrong way.
Sometimes it’s pride, money or sex, authority also,
'Cause some once given power, take advantage, ill seeds sow.

In the scheme of things, good men are few, 'cause most men succumb,
Thereby joining those who march to the beat of evil’s drum.
It takes a certain strength to refrain, son, stand up, say “No,”
Hence why most men take the easy way out — it’s self, you know.

Yes, you’ll always find, son, that self’s at the root of it all,
And that for most, only doing right, seems too hard a call.
But as for monsters, son — well, that’s simply what some become,
Be it via choice, injury, chance, swing of the pendulum.”

By Lance Landall

10.  Wherever Such Paths Cross

Yes, the angry and the damaged, and there’s so many of them out there, sadly,
Wounded, festering and prone to blow, and thus needing attention urgently.
They often adding to their wounds, and wounding others as well, and hence why we
Shouldn’t cause, add to, or ignore those wounds, but respond wisely and thoughtfully.

For some the damage and anger’s come early, for others it’s been later on,
But be it early or later, it’s often how lights go out that could’ve shone.
And flickering lights being a possible sign of danger, not just some sad loss,
Which we may’ve prevented had we stopped, and why we should, wherever such paths cross.

By Lance Landall

11.  Looking Down The Barrel

When somebody takes a loaded gun and goes on a random shooting spree,
Or simply commits suicide, we shake our head and wonder why, don’t we?
And yet, it’s all very fathomable, there is always a reason why,
Even if such alludes us when the exact cause we can’t identify.

Nevertheless, reasons there are, and such are cause for sober reflection,
Be they depression, drugs, influences, revenge, fear, hurt or rejection.
And connected to these examples is the decay within society,
Caused by the repudiation of things once upheld, but not now, foolishly.

Usually, or often, there’s something that triggers these acts that we see,
A final straw that has folk snap, give up — enter us, inevitably.
Yes, so often we’ve contributed in some way, even unwittingly,
Hence why we should tread with great care, lest it be we aid some calamity.

After all, those who’ve been mistreated, or who consider that they have been,
Often hit back, and far more so, when they’re permanently leaving the scene.
I guess they figure they’ve nothing to lose, already feeling dead inside,
And where they’ve no belief in a day of reckoning for all, woe betide.

Yes, such ones inflict all the carnage they can, viewing it as pay-back time,
Their behaviour deliberate, hardly a case of no rhythm or rhyme.
And in their sights, not just random folk, but also those they believe caused their pain,
Or who at least contributed, links in a perceived or very real chain.

Perhaps they were treated indifferently, rather insensitively,
Perhaps they weren’t understood, nor given the time or thought necessary.
Yes, little by little, here a bit, there a bit, things that overtime grew,
Or an injury that deeply wounded, over which they began to stew.

Such people aren’t always evil at heart, but troubled emotionally,
Their lot made harder by circumstances, or a tightening net, maybe.
By that I mean, harder times, misfortune, a more restricted welfare net;
Things that no longer buffer, support, hold in check, but rather, some scene set.

Hence why some do tragic things that we wouldn’t have thought they would have, sadly,
And why we should always treat others very carefully and thoughtfully.
And why all those valuable things we once upheld should be reinstated,
Given all the damage that their wrongful dismissal has generated.

So much can contribute, so much can light a fire within, badly inflame;
A marital break up, a broken home, child abuse, cutting words, loss, shame.
It seems we’re hell bent on hurting one another, and then we wonder why
Shooting sprees and suicides occur — and still, violence we glorify.

Oh yes, it’s all very fathomable, there is always a reason why,
So we’re wasting our time scratching our heads, as there’s nothing to mystify.
Though we may not know the exact reason for many of the things we see,
One thing’s for sure: There is one, one usually smouldering quietly.

So let’s be very careful how we treat others, lest baleful seeds are sown,
For out of such, terrible and tragic occurrences have often grown.
Be they via the barrel of a gun, or a hundred and one other ways,
All of which seem to be on the increase, and more horrific these days.

Yes, those who’re wounded are more likely to wound others, sometimes fatally,
And as long as people continue to be mistreated, this we’ll see.
Seems few want to take ownership for having contributed in some way,
And those things that wound and fester, foolishly continue to do and say.

By Lance Landall


This poem is repeated elsewhere.

12.  Ticking Clocks

Seems that many have a mistaken picture of those who unleash much ill on society,
Be they sex offenders, those who brutally assault and murder, or who injure mentally.
And mistaken it certainly is, for many who commit such offences don’t look the part,
Some even good looking too, and to all appearances, they seemingly sound in mind and heart.

And on the other hand, many who look the part are of no concern, they simply looking so,
Though many who do look the part, do in fact act the part, and why it’s oft very hard to know.
Yes, sure there are those tell-tale signs in many, but in others, they’re somewhat hidden from one’s view,
And only picked up by the knowing, or psychologists, who any understanding pursue.

And hence all those ticking clocks, some obvious and some not, anger, hurt, frustration, obsession, and
Any number of other things going on within, which many people fail to understand,
For unless they’ve been there, sort of thing, had the same issues-cum-background, such they can hardly grasp,
And this being why when many hear of certain heinous offences, they incredulously gasp.

But you know, such isn't all that hard to understand, and why it behoves us to study,
And mind what we say and do, because many are badly in need of help, much healing mentally.
And many wanting help, wanting to be understood, for hey, they hardly chose their injury,
Such usually occurring in the tender years where minds and hearts are more fragile, and very!

And hence that awesome responsibility on parents, lest their child afflict society,
For children need a positive foundation, love, hope, values, direction and security.
And with it, no exposure to the likes of that trash on TV which acts so injuriously,
Hence that copycat behaviour, that growing callousness, that obsession with sex that we see.

But add such to an injured tender mind, violated body, or latchkey situation,
And some ticking clock is waiting for something to move its hands into that trigger position.
And what has some gasp come the six o’clock News is the tip of an iceberg, far more in waiting;
Those baleful influences and sins of the fathers (and mothers too), such accelerating.

And hence why we need to get to the root of things, just what sets a child on a downward path, or
Has someone acting criminally, heading down that age old destructive, callous corridor.
'Cause reasons there are (random behaviour aside), and they usually occurring early,
And over time forming an explosive cluster, which, come any match, look out society.

And who’s child-cum-adult might that be? Well, too many point to less well-off families, sadly,
Which is hardly fair, as it has more to do with parenting and not hardship-cum-poverty.
Hence why criminals also come from well-off families, so much happening behind closed doors,
Along with any bad influences outside the home, which can affect both the rich and poor.

And do, for most children are feeding from the same poisoned wells-cum-rubbing shoulders with ill, or
They being neglected and abused, and discipline and boundaries having long gone out the door.
Yes, morals, principles, standards and values having been kicked out too, and why we see  much ill,
Such blighting both the rich and poor alike, enter those who maim, terrorise, rape, abuse, steal and kill.

Yes, ticking clocks.

By Lance Landall

13.  When Anger Burns

When most get angry over something, their anger is singular, of that moment-cum-current injury,
But when damaged people get angry over something, their anger's oft plural, past and present injury;
In other words, all that anger that’s been bottled up over time is oft mixed with the current injury,
The previous anger being stirred up by the current ill as if in protest at that further injury.

Hence why when damaged-cum-hurting people get angry over something, they oft overreact, blow their top,
They akin to a fermenting bottle of something, or a balloon being filled with too much air, until, pop!
And yes, the fallout can be severe, that pressure within having been there too long, and very deep as well,
And why we should treat folk with care, for who such folk are, or how much pain lies within, we can’t always tell.

In fact, such damaged people need our care and attention before others, for others can wait, but not they,
As such folk have usually been left far too long as it is, and dare we their healing further delay.
For who knows where the hands are on their ticking clock, and what might suddenly happen, be such suicide or
Serious injury coming someone’s way, for those who’ve been mistreated often try to even the score.

Yes,

Too many people avoid such hard to fix cases, which hardly speaks well of them, for how deeply do they care?
Aside from the fact that their indifference amounts to foolishness, for at the consequences they sneer,
Well, effectively, that is — their understanding and compassion stunted, or they too busy-cum-distracted,
Such all adding to the reasons why so many damaged people have very injuriously acted.

Oh, when anger burns.

By Lance Landall

14.  When Helps Not There

There are many who’re in need of help, and they wanting help, but what do they do when help’s not there,
Or at least not as it should be, needs to be? Enter frustration, hurt, depression and despair.
All why many who’re trying to change give up, return to their old ways — they thinking, “What’s the use?”
And given some can’t cope on their own, and make little headway, it’s no wonder that such they deduce.

It’s so easy to bag people behaving poorly, but how many cries have gone unheard, or,
To put it another way, have been ignored? Others not responding to their knock on the door.
All why some who’re feeling desperate turn to desperate measures — and yes, now we’re talking crime,
Which could've been avoided if someone had thrown them a lifeline, or some ladder to climb.

“It’s their problem,” people say — well, not for long, 'cause ignored cries fester, hence some backlash that comes,
And bearing in mind too, that things can become too much for some, and why we need to do our sums.
Otherwise, something unfortunate can duly come our way, or ripple through society,
Such being good reason why we shouldn’t ignore anyone’s struggles-cum-cries and anxiety.

Yes, ignored cries will always impact on society, those pathetic token gestures too,
'Cause little achieves little in most cases — and so many, substantial help need and are due.
And why many who lose heart add to their problems, they feeling doomed anyway, so what the heck,
Given their ignored cries, those sad token gestures, or that help that comes too late rather than quick.

By Lance Landall

15.  I'm A Weary Traveller

Yes, I’m a weary traveller, one who's often in need of a hand,
'Cause my life's been a struggle, and sometimes I feel I’m on sinking sand.
And even though I’m your fellow human, I often feel so alone,
Because the hearts of some people I meet, appear to be made of stone.

Yes, many who could help me, simply turn their back and walk away,
While others make excuses, toss some token gesture, or wrong things say,
Which means my cries often go unanswered, so I try to do my best,
But there are those days when I dearly wish that I could be laid to rest.

I’d rather not ask for help, but swallow my pride? I'm afraid I must,
'Cause so often I need the help of others, though some betray my trust.
I would go it alone if I were able, but there're times I just can’t,
Though when I cry out for help, are people there? Usually they aren’t.

And yes, there are many like me, who just can't seem to get by alone,
Yes, others who are struggling also — and likewise, mostly on their own.
And they too — like me — are seeking help, help that so often isn’t there,
Hence why many fall by the wayside, their burdens just too much to bare.

There're many who could help the likes of us via their time or expertise,
Even via their money or possessions, or whatever else would ease.
However, most of those people don't, won't, or not as much as they could,
And in most cases, I might add, certainly not as much as they should.

All why for many out there, life is a battle, one that never ends,
One that many people don’t understand, looking through their coloured lens,
Yes, many just seeing what they want to see, not what they need to,
Leaving many to struggle greatly, and suffer — and oh, how they do.

And some of them are close to suicide, hence that need to take great care,
Lest what you do or don’t do be their last straw — and you, thereby guilt share.
Not directly (or intentionally), but indirectly, in some way,
And therefore, it really does matter what you do or don’t do, or say.

Yes, some are very badly scarred, ticking time bombs ready to explode,
Or loose cannons, which very thoughtlessly lit, will no doubt fire their load.
And which ones might they be? Well, who knows? So — once again — please take great care,
Lest you light a match, or even become the victim of their despair.

All why it pays to stop and lend a hand, or be a listening ear,
And why it pays to look around you to find who’s struggling, needing care,
'Cause those who are standing near an edge, you could push, or maybe rescue,
Depending on what you do or don’t do, what you do or don’t say too.

Yes, I’m a weary traveller. Is it possible you passed me by?
Perhaps you didn’t see me standing there, or hear me, I wonder why?
Or maybe you did see me, did stop, gave a hand, just one of the few,
Which truly makes all the difference, and why I’m so grateful, THANK YOU!

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 20 December 2021.

16.  Early And Quickly

So many have issues, be it low self-esteem, some obsession, or whatever it be,
Issues that need early intervention, and lest things worsen, affect their maturity.
In other words, so many carry such ills into what becomes a crippled adulthood,
They not having received the help they should’ve, and adding to such, they oft not understood.

Hence why society should be geared up to spot such issues early, thus acting quickly,
For many could be helped, turned around, their issues no longer afflicting society,
And they, no longer dogged by such, and nor their relationships, marriage, or own family,
And thus all and sundry benefiting as a result through acting early and quickly.

But where’s the will, the passion, time, effort and money too oft going elsewhere, and wrongly?
Hence those further suicides, divorces, criminal acts, or whatever the case may be.
And we with blood on our hands, albeit indirectly, our attention having been elsewhere,
And by that I mean, selfishly and thoughtlessly, our lack of care-cum-indifference clear.

Yes, who wants to bother with other peoples’ issues, it seems, and why such falls on so few,
Hence why most people are left with their issues, which somehow, somewhere, sees things going askew.
And no surprises there, for issues seldom resolve themselves, but rather, remain and smoulder,
All being why we shouldn’t wait until such issues become compounded, and such folk older.

By Lance Landall

17.  Punching The Punched

“Here we go again,” Peggy muttered crossly, “Another case of child abuse. How such really angers me.”
Her friend glanced at her in a way that had her wondering. “Well, there’s far too much of it, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Oh, I’d agree alright,” Dawn responded, “And such upsets me too, but then it comes as no surprise to me,
'Cause abused children are oft the product of parents who’ve been abused, and why we need to tread carefully.

There’re those who would string such parents up (if they got half a chance), but that would be acting just as terribly,
'Cause abusers who’ve been abused themselves have somewhat been programmed to do the same, enter psychology.
All why they should be treated sensitively too, though I’m not condoning their dreadful actions, believe me,
But at the end of the day, what’s love? Is it something we only show to the loving? Because if that’s so,

It doesn't sound like much of a love to me, and going by that criteria, how much would people show,
'Cause how many are squeaky-clean when it comes to the way they treat others? Well, not too many that I know.
No, they wouldn’t hurt their darling children, perhaps, but oh dear, most aren’t beyond hurting somebody out there,
Including the likes of those poor parents who have been abused themselves, and whom the tragic scars of such bear.”

“So what do we do then,” Peggy questioned, “Do we just let them off?”  “Well, I’m hardly suggesting that, Peggy,
But we do need to be looking at more constructive approaches as opposed to punitive ones, surely.
It’s all very well to jump on offenders, but bear in mind that those kids they abused will no doubt err too,
And thus all we’ll be doing is locking up the lot, they all suffering again — so much for our IQ.

It seems to me that we’re either too soft or too harsh, and are unable to do things in a balanced way, sadly,
And too often are simply fixated on certain things, like that 'let’s make prisons tougher' mentality.
'Cause pity help the wrongly accused who ends up in such a harsh jail, given there’s been so many of them,
And why knee-jerk reactions, draconian measures, and insensitivity-cum-ignorance I condemn.”

Peggy found her voice. “I see what you mean, Dawn, we effectively punching the punched.”  “Yes, Peggy, exactly.”

By Lance Landall

18.  Society's Bad Eggs

We talk a lot about putting folk in prison (society’s bad eggs), whom we condemn ferociously,
And admittedly prisons are needed, and many in them very evil indeed, unfortunately.
But to be honest, there’re far more bad eggs walking amongst us than there are in prison, and just as nasty,
Who simply haven’t been caught yet, or committed their crime yet, and some of them don’t look bad or scary.

And all those who do go to prison, very seldom come out better than they went in, unsurprisingly,
For though prisons are necessary, they do little to improve the incarcerated, ridiculously.
And nor does hard labour, for punishment is simply punishment, and unable to change one’s heart or mind,
Which is why rehabilitation is more important than those prison walls that so many are behind.

Therefore, the length of time in prison is far less important than the prisoner’s rehabilitation,
For it’s change that’s needed, unless we’re all about punishment, which just adds to the prison population,
And which also embitters the inmates, the opposite to what is best, unless of course, we just don’t care,
Which wouldn’t say much for us, for either we’re humane or not, our goodness genuine, or just a veneer.

Surely those who’ve a good heart and mind are more interested in a person’s betterment than punishment,
And thus their greater benefit to society, for there’s little benefit where more time in jail’s spent.
And surely they wouldn’t want to make jails tougher either, for too many innocents have been locked away,
And come the future, it could be any one of us, who had nothing whatsoever to do with foul play.

At the end of the day, it’s not about prisons or punishment, but all about changing the heart and mind,
That is, the rebuilding of each prisoner, helping them to put their wrong behaviour and past well behind.
Its better that something good come out of their crime, and there’s nothing better than their rehabilitation,
Whereby, they can make some sort of societal amends, which they can’t if still in jail, nursing retaliation.

And bear in mind, that many who’ve committed crimes, didn’t stand a chance given their unfortunate background,
And that there are those whose crime was not premeditated, and who, very evil offenders now surround.
Yes, offenders who influence for the worse rather than for the better, just another result of jails,
That we really need to be getting folk out of, they readjusted and more sound, no longer off the rails.

There’ll always be those who’ll probably remain behind bars, seemingly beyond redemption, tragically,
But lifetime sentences are simply punishment, and surely very short-sighted, costing society.
Better the offender become a restored and productive contributor, and as soon as possible,
That is, within reason, for punishment only goes so far, and more oft just fuels that prison carousel.

Or is revenge sweeter, currently, and our pain obscuring our objectivity.

By Lance Landall





By the way,

19.  Perhaps I Shouldn't Say This

Oh, that clamour for the death penalty, which, if they really want revenge, say,
Doesn’t make sense, ’cause executing someone is hardly how one makes them pay.
But more solitary confinement, they cooped up for life, oft going crazy,
Which many who have experienced lockdown would relate to, if you ask me.

Oh, how hard they found such, even when having the run of their house and section,
So imagine a little cell, and for life — now can you see the connection?
Come that lethal injection or whatever, it’s over in a minute, and
They hardly being punished, dead to the world, less reason to strike up the band.

And with life in a death row type cell (not that such cruelty goes down with me),
The wrongly accused won’t be put to death, like has happened far too frequently.
And thus supporters and lawyers able to keep up that battle to free them,
Because many who’re innocent, some court or jury has chosen to condemn.

And the death penalty barbaric, a tit for tat scenario, sadly,
We thereby hardly showing a more advanced and enlightened mentality.
And the same when it comes to solitary confinement, neither the best way,
But rather than rehabilitation, there’s that obsession to make them pay.

By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked 5 August 2021.

A book that may change your mind:
Just Revenge by Mark Costanzo, PH.D
Costs and consequences of the death penalty.

20.  Who's To Blame?

It’s so very easy to condemn the perpetrator of a crime,
And such is what we see people doing everywhere, time after time.
And yet, if they were that person, they would be wanting others to be
A lot more understanding, and treating them very differently.

Yes, let's hate the crime, not the offender, whose life’s sadly gone awry,
'Cause but for the grace of God, that offender could have been you or I.
And bear in mind that sometimes things go wrong in the life of someone good,
Who, could they turn the clock back, such is the very first thing that they would.

Plus the brain is very fragile, and hence why injuries to the head
Have seen certain behavioural change that to criminal acts has led;
The frontal lobes especially, which if they are damaged in some way,
Can see even a model citizen going terribly astray.

Yes, the mind is extremely complex, so who knows what really occurs
Within the mind of many people out there, that wrong behaviour spurs.
And hence why we need to be more careful how we treat those who offend,
'Cause their minds may have suffered an injury, and who knows when they’ll mend.

So many who've been hurt while children, hurt today, or along life’s way
Are emotionally troubled, and hence why so many go astray.
Their plight requires our sympathy, our compassion, and our thought and care,
Lest we simply compound their problems, and thus some of the blame then share.

So many people committing crime are propelled or motivated
By some such injury, or frustration, that others have created.
And oft a corruptive influence, or the presence of temptation,
Has given birth to some offence, or a serious violation.

What am I getting at?

Well, many women as good as bare it all (yet aren't prepared to share,
Not that I'm suggesting they should),
Which many men consider as provocative, and cruelly unfair.
And to those men who have a problem, it’s just like red rag to a bull,
And therefore, is it any wonder that the prison cells are so full?

There're many men who may turn to rape via the availability
Of pornographic stimuli that affects them insatiably.
And a sexual hang-up of some sought that's lying within a man,
May be triggered off or fuelled by this material that sense would ban.

Now, I’m not condoning crime, but it appears to me that scenes are set
That soon have certain people failing, and caught in the criminal net.
And therefore, who’s to blame? The offender? Or others who contribute,
And might it be that we're only taking on board what happens to suit?

Surely there is blame on both sides, and yet, whenever a crime takes place,
Who comes forward to admit that they as well, some of the blame should face?
Obviously offenders should be made to pay for the wrong they’ve done,
But isn’t it rich, that those contributing, are seen to off and run.

So much within society is fuelling the trouble that we see,
Such as drugs and alcohol, and that smut and violence on TV.
Yes, there are so many things that are affecting us all dreadfully,
That many people who down criminals have embraced quite happily.

Yes, it’s so very easy to condemn any who commit a crime,
Including all those who are in prison, currently doing their time.
But have we somehow aided offenders, even caused what soon became?
And hence the title of my poem that's asking the question, “Who’s to blame?”

By Lance Landall


Regarding "bare it all," see my article Are Women Blameless? which is on my
page Time To Face Things, second poetry garden, secular section

21.  Who's The Victim?

Even though we should never excuse any wrong that folk commit,
There are often reasons for those wrong things, a complex composite.
Yes, very few are left unscarred by the assaults that this life brings,
Which is why we so often witness many bad and tragic things.

Nobody fully knows why it is that within the minds of some
Certain distortions occur, and why so evil some folk become.
The mind is extremely fragile, and thus is easily impaired,
And who knows why it is that some folk are harmed and others are spared.

In the minds of those who are very young, sad seeds are often sown,
Which can lead to consequences, some of them known, and some unknown.
Such seeds are often nourished by the many wrong things that they see,
That are accepted and applauded throughout their society.

Yes, it’s very easy to condemn someone who commits a crime,
And even more so, should it appear to have no rhythm or rhyme.
But who truly knows what has occurred, or when it occurred as well,
Deep within that person’s brain, and that eventually led to ill?

Hence why there’s a need for caution when we witness a wrong that’s done,
Lest we respond incorrectly, or that person wrongfully shun.
So, even the worst of offenders, let’s not wrongly treat or hate,
And where punishment is needed, let’s also rehabilitate.

Yes, we could well reveal a problem that within our own self lies
Should we rage about another, or delight in their sad demise,
Or should we clamour angrily for their quick incarceration
When they have been a victim too of someone’s evil creation.

Could the victims of a wrong be the products of our creation;
In other words, have some seeds that we’ve sown spawned that violation?
And are victims caused by victims, mostly, often, or just sometimes,
And do we thereby share in the blame for that crime rate that still climbs?

By Lance Landall

22.  Let's Get It Right

The way we treat offenders says much about you and I,
Which here, via my poetry, I’ll attempt to clarify.
To lock folk up in prison, toss the key, or just leave them be,
Is to simply escalate problems in society.

Many who are put away, sometime later are released,
Only to offend again, hence why problems are increased.
This cycle is repeated, thus the list of victims grows,
And consequences ripple, adding to our present woes.

Whether they’re released or not, it’s more sensible and right
To help them become better, to rehabilitate, show foresight.
We all should act humanely, and also an example set,
Otherwise, indirectly, we’ll simply aid and abet.

Imprisonment is punishment enough, it’s certainly not fun,
And nor a bed of roses like so often some have spun.
Many shout, “Make things tougher for those who’ve been put away!”
But were they sent there as well, I’m sure such they wouldn’t say.

Imagine life in a tiny cell, all the goings-on,
Being governed twenty four seven, constantly spied upon.
Imagine kept from loved ones, lonely, no longer free,
Days and days of mindlessness, potential threats, abuse maybe.

Many who’re not in prison are as bad as those within,
They simply haven’t got caught, may look benign, or genuine.
And some who’ve been put away are innocent, shouldn’t be there,
Thus for their sake, when demanding this or that, please take care.

Yes, punishment should occur when people break rightful laws,
And that there’s need of prisons, only a fool such ignores.
But when folk are in prison, let’s not leave them there to rot,
But rather, to each inmate, things that may change them, lets allot.

What about war criminals, political prisoners, P.O.W s, terrorists?

Any human on this earth, regardless of what they’ve done,
Should be treated humanely and justly by everyone.
To treat such folk otherwise, would be to act just the same,
Which invariably would mean, the moral high ground we couldn’t claim.

We must be above reproach when dealing with offenders,
Totally transparent, objective, with no agendas.
Sound reasoning, not emotion, should dictate what we do,
And all paths that veer from such, we shouldn’t consider, nor pursue.

Otherwise, where will it end, so let us take the high ground,
Let us only do what’s right, lest wrong on our side be found.
Yes, how we treat offenders, the vulnerable or sick,
Reveals the truth about us, acts as a measuring stick.

By Lance Landall

23.  It's All About Arriving

Have you ever got really angry over something and badly blown up,
And gone on and on about it, smouldering away, and thus not letting up?
And perhaps those occasions have been quite a few, you really acting badly,
Your behaviour destructive and damaging, hurting others and family.

And the truth is, you really not realising how bad your behaviour’s been,
Having been so used to being you, not fully able to see how it’s seen.
Oh yes, others aware, but not you when it comes to the full extent, and so
There you are, being who you’ve always been, until your true self you get to know.

And oh, how long that often takes, that sad trail having stretched years behind you,
Until the speed got slower and slower, and there having been a change in view.
Yes, you seeing like you’d not seen before, age opening both your eyes and ears,
And then, regretful and sorrowful, you reached that boulevard of joy and tears.

Yes, the joy that came with that change, and the tears that came with that recognition,
You feeling the difference within you, and embracing that heartfelt contrition.
Your growth having come slowly, but at least arriving, and hence that high five,
’Cause at the end of the day, slower or faster, the main thing is to arrive.

By Lance Landall





This poem was penned on 3 June 2022 after the Amber Heard And Johnny Depp trial in May 2022.

24.  I Heard That Amber Heard Lied

Even if Amber Heard has lied, say, going by the verdict of the jury,
Feigning it all, acting revengefully (and only God knows, quite honestly),
One should feel quite sorry for her too, because if the above is in fact true
What on Earth makes someone become like that, thus help and not scorn being our cue.

Wrong is wrong, evil is evil, but hey, lets think in terms of restoration,
Helping her to see, turning her around, not worsening the situation.
She having to live with herself, the bad press and all, it a lifelong sentence,
And Heaven wise, her only hope being an awakening and repentance.

Yes, Johnny Depp having suffered, say, but she too, via hateful public opinion,
Which isn’t worth an Oscar either, not one of us being free of some sin.
Many out there no better than what’s been said of her, yet much they’ve had to say,
When help seems what she needs — a saviour, say, one who’s conversant with fractured clay.

And it appearing that both her and Johnny have issues, damage of some sort,
Thus both in need of help, not that dragging of each other through some public court.
Though having said that, courts sometimes necessary, and woe the one who’s lying,
Because the moment one indulges in such, something within soon starts dying.

Yes, perjury’s no small crime, but it’s what it does to us, and to others too,
It but a mental form of cancer, one that sadly afflicts more than a few.
It but a fool’s game, bound to come back to bite us, and all why we shouldn’t lie,
Though a turnaround and confession bringing remission, lest in that lie we die.

By Lance Landall






CHRISTIAN:





Christian content or degree.

25.  There Once Was A Dear Wee Boy

There once was a dear wee boy, but tragic things happened along the way,
Which left him rather messed up within, and hence certain behaviour, sad to say.
Yes, he a much loved entertainer, extremely talented and likeable,
But he dying accused and alone, the end of his life just as horrible.

Well, there’s many tortured people out there like him, they what some would call a mess,
Dear wee souls who’ve become a sad picture, though admired for their cleverness.
And God choking up over them, it breaking His heart, and it should break ours too,
’Cause we should have that same love and care for them that He has for us, through and through.

Everyone’s a precious soul, so God not writing anyone off, and He
Wanting to help with any mess, which we should be helping with too, thoughtfully.
Many out there not altogether bad, more messed up, hence things they do too,
They so in need of both Someone and someone, and why I’ve mentioned this to you.

Yes, there once was a dear wee boy (or girl), someone’s child, but damaged they became,
Another wounded soul wounding them, perhaps, ’cause it’s known the wounded maim.
Yes, be it mentally or physically, or both, and very sad it is,
But even more so when they have that same talent and likableness as his.

When a dear wee boy or girl enters this world, and given how short life is too,
Nothing harmful and deliberate should mar or hamper them, and lest ill brew.
Oh, how precious those wee ones are, and precious they should remain ’till their life’s spent,
And God desiring it no other way, and why “Mind those little ones” He meant.

By Lance Landall


Addded to 18 August 2021.





Christian content or degree.

26.  Don't Multiply Your Pain, Nor Shorten Your Chances

Anger’s very bad for us, and so is nursing our wounds, and this all why we
(Given the harm mentally and physically), should deal with things more wisely.
The truth is that we’re hardly living in a paradise, but on planet Earth,
Where, thanks to a fallen angel removed from Heaven, ill and evil gave birth.

And so suffer we will, one way or another, until that coming rescue,
Where Christ returns for those brave souls, who, despite their pain, the best and right thing do.
Yes, they bearing things in His strength, forgiving their accusers and abusers,
So unlike the foolish one who that healing and life-changing path refuses.

And thereby, the latter multiplying their pain, and shortening their chances,
’Cause anger only festers and rots, and negativity hampers answers.
It’s better to cut our losses, make the best of what’s left, ushering in hope,
And where still suffering from the hurtful effects of ill, Christ helping us cope.

At the end of the day, the trick is to lessen, not add to our woes, and thus
We following that healthy and far more hopeful meantime advice of Jesus.
’Cause despite any new life that’s to come, we’ve this current one to deal with, and
The better we deal with it, the brighter things will be, though not all goes as planned.

Hence why we need that hope and trust in something beyond us, the answer not here,
Planet Earth in its death throes, and thus a lack of hope and trust leading to fear.
Nothing’s gained without some effort of some kind, and here, letting that anger go,
Thus dealing with damage rightly, baggage both pointless and troublesome to tow.

And Christ not wanting that baggage turning up in His arrival lounge, which means
It needs to be left where it belongs, with that devil who badgers us and schemes.
He wanting us to multiply our pain, wanting us to shorten our chances,
When all we have to do is leave things in God’s hands, ’cause He’s the one with answers.

And the biggest answer being that rescue of His, which first starts in our mind,
We thus freed from the bondage of anger and resentment, that which makes one blind.
We no longer controlled by an inner rage or any wound, but freed to fly,
And even higher we’ll fly when our returning Saviour appears in the sky.

So please don’t multiply your pain, shorten your chances, thus hurting others too,
Like your loved ones, say, who their very own testing trials might be going through.
The wounded too often wounding, and thus adding to all the evil and ill,
Rather than breaking those harmful, self-defeating cycles, which I pray you will.

It’s bad enough when others hurt us, but crazy when we hurt ourselves, and so
We turning the tables on ill, and thereby, making a friend out of some foe.
In other words, growing from the experience, and even far better still,
Able to see God’s love working those sad things for our good, which means all is well.

So please don’t multiply your pain, nor shorten your chances, but let it all go,
We often the victims of victims, those who have also suffered via some foe.
Satan seeking everyone, and though he may use others, don’t let him use you,
’Cause all he’ll do is multiply your pain and shorten your chances, life-span too.

But God waiting to lessen your pain, heighten your chances, and lengthen your life,
Eternal bliss beckoning, and freedom from suffering, worry, hurt and strife.
It’s up to you, ’cause God won’t force, He simply waiting until you say, “I do,”
Your chances then greater come Heaven and Earth, and this decision you won’t rue.

Yes, troubles come, troubles go, making or breaking us, we rising or falling,
On one hand Satan distracting, diverting, and on the other, Christ calling.
Yes, on the one hand Satan tripping us up, and on the other, dear Jesus
Waiting to offer us a hand up, and always seeking what is best for us.

By Lance Landall

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