Poetry With A Mission



...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

Bottled By A Bottle

(Do you like it straight?)

They’ve been bottled by a bottle, are often seen plastered, smashed, sloshed — not tipsy,
But hopelessly intoxicated, drunk, blotto, having boozed themselves silly.
And apparently proud of their stupidity; pub crawling repeatedly,
Throwing up on the street, abusing passersby — or later, wife and family.

Yes, bottled by a bottle, a liquid that ravages, shatters, befuddles,
A substance that has them uttering profanities, leaving smelly puddles.
A drug that strips them of dignity, and has them acting abominably,
A brew that has women degrading themselves, and men acting far from manly.

Once imbibed, it beclouds their judgment, hence how they end up acting like they do,
And how they become addicted, hooked, soon craving this unnecessary brew.
And to make matters worse, some drive under the influence, would be assassins,
Who also rob others of hospital beds, needed healthcare and medicines.

Yes, bottled by a bottle, which effectively ends up bottling others too,
They being, those on the receiving end of the carouser’s duplicitous brew.
One that’s often a lethal cocktail, a health robbing mind-bending combination,
A bubbling cauldron, one warranting a skull and crossbones classification.

Seems many can’t do without their beloved booze; even its health properties tout,
Whilst conveniently leaving its bad properties and negative side out.
“It’s fine in moderation,” the deceived say, but how many drink moderately,
And what’s their idea of moderate, given that one drink alone acts destructively?

Personally, I wouldn’t touch the stuff, nor let others somehow pressure me,
For one’s grey matter is far too precious to be pickled so injuriously.
But who needs it anyway, given there’re other drinks, and healthier drinks around,
And given that far more constructive ways of enjoying oneself can be found?

Be it beer, wine or spirits, they all leave one worse off, harmed, and others too,
For alcohol’s presence affects the innocent — criminally so, in my view.
Thus I wouldn’t encourage any kids to drink (youth often upping the throttle),
Lest they, or someone else in their befuddled way, gets bottled by a bottle.

Yes, its time folk got over their love affair with the bottle.

By Lance Landall


"No amount of alcohol is safe."
World Health Organization

According to the Cancer Council (Australia), alcohol is a major carcinogen and there is therefore no safe level of consumption; such causing cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast.

It's very interesting (and telling) how most are very quick to defend the drinking of alcohol, but when they’re accused of some sexual indiscretion, say, they’re also very quick to somewhat excuse themselves by blaming it all on being under the influence.




2.  Booze Blues

Yes,

I could drink beer, but I’m just not interested, because too much is made of it,
And alcohol being a drug, and hence why with a healthy lifestyle it doesn’t fit.
Beer hardly a man’s drink, unless he’s a fool, of course, because it affects the brain,
Impairs ones judgment, puts one at risk, and why by taking it I’ve nothing to gain.

Surely you’ve seen those hangovers, that puke splattering streets, and that licentious hand,
The latter as out of order as that angry tirade, those sad things that weren’t planned.
Because alcohol takes control, befuddles, fools, degrades and sets one up, and how,
Hence that shame, that court appearance, because where some don’t grope they raise their fist and, Pow!

And who needs the stuff, it naught but an adulterated substance, kick in the head,
A mental and physical threat, and why many end up in a hospital bed.
Or those folk that they injure while under the influence, such hardly manly stuff,
And why its those who refrain from guzzling its cruel contents that really show who’s tough.

Yes,

Drinking no more sophisticated than that fag in the mouth, lungs getting blacker,
And beer rotting the liver, triggering cancer, much like an internal hacker.
The evidence documented and clear, but folk still wanting their beer, toxic brew,
But not me, because even in moderation it causes things to go askew.

Hence those leer-y, bleary, red eyed looks, that unstable gait and slurred speech, drug-like state,
Which so oft wrecks marriages and families, causes mayhem or seals someone’s fate.
So, be it beer or wine, it’s all the same to me, not a friend but an enemy,
And why I’ve no time for that health robbing, people destroying pub or brewery.


By Lance Landall


"He who drinks a little too much, drinks much too much."

Proverb



3.  Alcohol? No Thanks

“Here, grab yourself a beer, matey, because you've just become a man,
And join in with the others too,” which is how trouble first began,
Because as the weeks grew into months, and the months grew into years,
The alcohol that he consumed, left behind a trail of tears.

Yes,

Trouble in a bottle that particularly affects the brain,
And which one's sense of what's right and wrong it can very quickly drain.
Just one glass affecting one’s judgment (documented research shows),
For once it's made its entry, it's straight off to the brain that it goes.

Thus, impairing our judgment via such, can only but invite ill,
And hence why it's best to leave it alone, exercising the will,
'Cause it also destroys brain cells, that tragically, aren’t replaced,
And other damage as well, to alcoholic drinks can be traced.

Little is left unscathed by this harmful, intoxicating brew,
That sees so many people doing sad things that they later rue.
And the truth is, its just not needed, and better off all would be
If we removed this danger, and instead, practiced sobriety.

Alcohol just triggers accidents, and tears families apart,
Or generates arguments, and hence why fighting will often start.
It’s responsible for crime, it badly maims, oft takes out lives.
Fills up hospital beds, and it often splits up husbands and wives.

Alcohol also degrades, hence that poor behaviour that we see
That is arrogant and rude, and so immoral sexually.
Yes, it has many doing things that they wouldn’t normally do,
And is it any wonder, for alcohol's a befuddling brew.

Yes, it flooding the brain when taken, where it rapidly impairs
One’s vision, one's speech and hearing, until tipsy one soon appears.
It also impairs balance, co-ordination and reflexes,
Hence why folk oft say, “Only a fool, drinking and driving mixes.”

And it hinders the white blood cells in their battle against disease,
Causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and sexually won't please.
And the risk of certain cancers is greatly heightened by this brew,
Which also lowers melatonin, and thus enter depression too.

It weakens the immune system and leads to damaged DNA,
And also to mental problems, and addiction, along the way.
It can cause gastric ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver,
And also seizures; and swelling, which inflammation will deliver.

I've only mentioned a few of the many facts that one could share
Regarding the risks involved in one downing spirits, wine, or beer.
Nearly every major organ is affected adversely,
So, “Don’t grab yourself a beer, mate,” for that is acting foolishly.

Yes, true manhood displays wisdom, it saying “No” to harmful things.
And is guided by what’s best, as foolishness only trouble brings.
Yes, true manhood takes the highroad, though unpopular it may be,
And stands firm amongst any crowd that's seeking uniformity.

If something is bad for us, even a little will do us harm,
So with these facts that I’ve mentioned here, let us therefore ourselves arm.
Alcohol just isn’t needed, it’s simply what some folk desire,
A drink that has a taste that one is better not to acquire.

By Lance Landall


This older poem was upgraded 9 December 2017.




4.  Cause To Pause

The human body’s a sophisticated marvel, intricate and complex,
Designed to run on the best of liquids and solids, those quality care ticks.
Such ensuring top performance and greater longevity, less wear and tear,
All why bodies need to be responsibly maintained, treated with thought and care.

Because our body is such a quality creation, made of the best stuff,
The amount of abuse it can take truly surprises, ’till it’s had enough.
And then, given the damage that’s been done, it starts to give trouble like a car,
Some things being repairable, some things not, depending on how deep and far.

Thus one living with pain, disabilities, or facing an early exit, and
Regret part of that same scene, we and not life having dealt ourselves a cruel hand.
And all ’cause our body wasn’t meant to be abused, but rather, treated well
(Both maintenance and application wise), or we triggering an alarm bell.

The truth is, we’re our body, thus mess it up and we mess ourselves up, and so,
We surely acting wisely, sensibly, or others will suffer too, you know.
We an unnecessary burden, taking up hospital beds, costing too,
All of which is really quite selfish, and why we’ve cause to pause and think things through.

Our bodies weren’t designed for what can only but internally maim and bruise,
All why we see damaged and failing organs, simply ’cause of what people choose.
The evidence there but it ignored, lives shortened as a result, even wrecked,
The destructive stuff appealing far more, when out the door, it should’ve been kicked.

Yes, a sophisticated marvel we are, top shelf stuff, costly quality,
And there only being one of each of us, yet we treating ourselves carelessly.
Our stomachs just treated like waste bins, and our brains taking hit after hit too,
If not via the mouth, via the eyes and ears; a different kind of toxic brew.

From a Christian perspective, we’re not our own, but God’s, and therefore duty bound,
Charged with looking after what’s really His, so it’ll remain healthy and sound.
Yes, we can still abuse it alright, because we’re free agents, but that won’t please,
And shows both ungratefulness and stupidity (given that pain that one sees).

But whether one believes in God or not, it’s simply sense to mind our bodies,
Or enter that doctor or surgeon, that gnawing ache, cruel pain, limp, cough or wheeze.
Oh yes, we certainly paying for that right to choose wrongly, and God knowing,
But on our faces, that still-haven’t-learnt hell-bent determination showing.

By Lance Landall




5.  It's Weaning Time

When mothers feed their baby with the milk that's stored in each breast,
They’re doing what is natural, giving baby what is best,
'Cause their milk’s designed for babies that are human and brand-new,
And not for other creatures, for that would be acting askew.

It’s the same with cow’s milk, 'cause it’s just for them, not you or I,
And likewise, it’s just for babies — calves, that is, to clarify.
It makes them big and heavy, somewhat plump, and ungainly too,
But such is quite okay for cows that just mill about and moo.

Hence why I can’t help but wonder why it is that you and I,
And each time we do our shopping, those litres of cow’s milk buy.
We drink it down with gusto, and give it to our youngsters too,
When it’s only meant for calves, who, just for a while such pursue.

Yes, even cows don’t drink it, as it’s just for calves, naturally,
Thus, it appears that cows have more sense, act more logically.
And hence why all their teats are placed way down at the udder end,
'Cause cows know instinctively that it’s not for them; nor you, friend.

So, why are we drinking such, as it’s hardly the thing to do,
Given it’s cross-species nursing when we’re consuming it too?
Other creatures don’t do this — no, it’s simply humans that do,
Seemingly unaware such is biologically askew.

Therefore, is it any wonder that we suffer like we do,
When we consume this liquid, and in such great quantity too,
'Cause it just irritates and clogs, causes allergies as well,
And as for pasteurized milk, it can be rotting, yet not smell.

Yes, dairy products aren’t cool, are best not eaten as a rule,
'Cause they’re certainly a health risk, and one that’s not miniscule.
It’s sad that we really love them, for this love affair can harm,
And hence why I hope that this poem will inform you and alarm.

Those ice-creams, pavlovas, milk puddings, cream cakes and cheesecakes,
Those flavoured milk drinks, cheese soufflés, quiches, omeletts and milkshakes,
Those dairy products in cooking, be such sweet things or savouries,
Are all prime contributors to obesity and heart disease.

Oh yes, you love them, don’t you, and admittedly, so do I;
In fact, I’ll tell you a secret, I love cream with apple pie.
But consumed over time, and especially in quantity,
These dairy products will injure until it’s fait accompli.

Yes, it’s all sludge that won’t budge, 'cause it just loves your arteries,
And it multiplies over time until you ache, wheeze and sneeze.
You see, we were never meant to have what is meant for baby cows,
But only what’s meant for humans
oops, did I raise some eyebrows?

By Lance Landall




6.  Our Body

I would like you to imagine that you have just purchased a Rolls-Royce;
Yes, I can see you phoning your friends with much excitement in your voice.
And once you have finished chatting to them, you're seen driving it around,
Enjoying all the attention that this valuable sedan has found.

And once you're back inside your driveway, you give it a nice wax and shine,
Uttering admiringly, “And to think that this great car is all mine.”
And then every day from that point on, it is lavished with tender care,
For you believe this car is worth it, and mistreat it, you wouldn’t dare.

You make sure that it's always serviced, believing in preventive care,
And knowing that should you neglect such, it would fall into disrepair.
You're aware of all the do’s and don’ts, for you have an owner’s handbook,
And should there be a problem, it's inside that crisp book that you will look.

’Though knowing that it's very well made, and built to last a lifetime too,
You’re aware that it can be harmed, or even destroyed, ’though it's brand-new.
Therefore, you do everything you can do, to make sure that it will last,
Lest it be that it soon expire, or, deteriorate very fast.

Yes, I dare say that you would act this way, given that most people would
If they could purchase a brand-new Rolls-Royce, and such a response is good.
But the question I would like to ask you is, do you act the same way
When it comes down to your own body? 'Cause such care, we all should display.

Sadly though, many people do not, hence all their suffering and pain,
Which could've easily been avoided had they let common sense reign.
You see, we cannot abuse our body without paying a high price,
And hence why so many folk have ill health, and why many, with death dice.

So many people harm their bodies via food that they shouldn’t consume,
And then they wonder why ill health (at some stage) quickly begins to bloom.
Yes, our body's fragile eco-system should be treated with great care,
Lest in time it become unbalanced and health issues start to appear.

By Lance Landall




Dedicated to the hearing impaired.


7.  When Silence Descends

This world’s full of many who've suffered at its hands amongst them, those whose hearing has suffered injury,
And thus they not able to enjoy anymore what most take for granted, even put at risk, sadly.
Oh, how hard such is to deal with, life seemingly shutting them out, so much experienced via one's ears,
And then there’s tinnitus, twenty four seven, noise that robs of peace and sleep, drives one crazy, brings to tears.

Yes, the noise often worse than the hearing loss, constant and loud, like hundreds of cicadas in a tree,
Or a jug on the boil, a flushing urinal, a leaking air hose
constant stress, no break, no mercy.
On the one hand unable to hear what ones used to, and on the other, an insane cacophony,
Sirens, hisses, bells, hums,
 what sounds like an unintelligible radio station, plain misery.

Hence why some become like hermits, withdrawing from society, irritable, angry, tired and stressed,
Oft feeling unable to cope, and adding to such, others’ seeming lack of thought, or disinterest.
It’s the old story: 'Till folk suffer from such too, they don’t show the thought they should, even get annoyed,
Fed up with that 
“Sorry, what was that?” — when a little more volume or clarity they could’ve employed.

Then there’s Hyperacusis, hearing damage that leaves one hypersensitive to sounds, let alone one's loss,
'Cause oddly, both can go together, and tinnitus with them, hence those who’re carrying a painful cross.
They struggling to cope, even depressed, people who shouldn’t be subjected to insensitivity,
'Cause hearing loss can be a heavy burden, a serious loss, affecting one's life considerably.

And as for hearing aids, they’re not like one's natural hearing, only go so far, have their issues too,
Though in most cases they’re a blessing, but a mixed one, and who can afford such, pursue that avenue?
And they not working for all, like those who’ve as good as no hearing at all, and who need a miracle,
'Cause all they know is silence, complete silence, they seemingly in solitary confinement, sadly.

So please, mind how you go.


By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 11 February 2020.




8.  Why Am I So Cranky?

Well, I dare say you would be too, if you lived with noise twenty-four-seven, and dreadfully so,
Yes, a maddening cacophony within your ears-cum-head that cruelly refuses to go.
A din that grows when it’s exposed to more noisy situations, or some sudden loudish sound,
And that an already tense, tiring, distressing and depressing affliction is sure to compound.

And that affliction? Tinnitus! Something that many would refer to as hellish, a nightmare,
Such worse when things are quiet, such worse when exposed to noises — a racket-cum-commotion in each ear.
Oh, the misery, and why it can drive folk crazy — and sometimes, I’m sure quite literally,
And hence why I’m so cranky, for there’s nothing that I can do, which just raises the anxiety.

So please, I really would like your understanding, some leeway here, your overlooking some things,
For every day within my ears-cum-head there are hums, hisses, bells, sirens, cicadas and rings.
In fact, an orchestra, but not as commonly heard, for there’s no melody, no harmony,
But rather, a bedlam of sound, a heavy metal band on steroids torturing evilly.

Yes, a heartless enemy, and there, every single moment of every single night and day,
Such being like a punishment for some unimaginable crime — so there, imprisoned I stay.
Yes, a shocking life sentence — well, from its beginnings, that is — and therefore, no release in sight,
And why that merciless cacophony continues to harass me each day and sleepless night.

Don’t damage your ears!


By Lance Landall




9.  Loud, Deep And Damaging 

I walked past someone’s house one day, from which loud, thumping, low frequency sound came, and which well down the street
Continued to disturb, I thus left pondering on the thoughtlessness and harmfulness of such strong beat,
'Cause despite those pleads for the consideration of others, and evidence that such bass is  harmful,
This generation continues to selfishly upset, and injure their ears, as if they’re unmindful.

Oh, the ears of others who're subjected to such, be they kids who’re imprisoned in cars or those near by,
Their neighbours, or those pedestrians whom booming, vibrating vehicles irritate and terrify.
And hence why this generation will pay a very high price for their thoughtlessness and clear-cut folly,
'Cause ears weren’t meant to be subjected to such bass and volume, which in short time, kisses hearing goodbye.

Even at low volume such low frequency sound can harm, and more so over time, yet, that beat goes on,
Destroying the quality of life of many, who, gain no relief until such offenders have gone.
And in many homes where such nerve shattering thumping is heard, are wee babies with very tender ears,
Which, thanks to their parents, will be unable to serve those poor young ones well for their three score and ten years.

Yes, a rebellious generation, who though warned of such harm (be that via bass or amplification),
Is seemingly determined to prove the truth of such, just not listening, nor showing  consideration.
Oh, how they’ll suffer, for hearing loss isn’t fun, which these youngsters won’t appreciate 'till too late,
But how cruel that due to their thoughtlessness and selfishness, many innocents will suffer the same fate.


By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 9 February 2020.




10.  Boom! Boom! Boom!

I really love my music which I regularly listen to,
But there’s one thing I won’t do — that is, I’ll not force it on to you.
It may be the type that you like, but I will keep the volume low,
As that kind of thoughtfulness is what I think everyone should show.

Yes, I may like your music too, but not if it is forced on me,
'Cause I'd find that intrusive, it gatecrashes my space, you see.
If you like your music loud, then you can loudly let it play,
But please don’t go letting that loudness from your home to my home stray.

That very deep low-frequency bass that one now commonly hears,
Can be extremely injurious to your own or another’s ears.
When near such, and when frequently exposed to such deep thumping sound,
Damage to one’s precious hearing will inevitably be found.

Yes, even a short exposure to this bass that really annoys,
Can do permanent damage, unless earmuffs one wisely employs.
So many people still don't realize just how harmful such can be,
Even when it’s not all that loud, for it’s the type of frequency.

Just ponder on the young children in those cars that you often see,
That are equipped with mega speakers that such bass thump frequently,
For how such tender ears must suffer, and certainly they'll be harmed,
Because of those behind the wheel, who appallingly, aren’t alarmed.

When I was considerably younger, such deep bass was not around,
And therefore, people were not bothered by such detrimental sound.
But when people play their music now, very often all you hear
Is simply just this throbbing bass that is damaging to the ear.

Sadly, music’s far less balanced now, just more focused on such beat,
And more so forced on others, via homes and cars, and thus down the street.
All of which is simply reflecting how much wisdom has been lost,
And a chronic lack of thought for others, which a high price will cost.

By Lance Landall




11.  Something To Ponder

“There simply isn't enough money,” the powers that be convey,
“Regarding those operations that many people need today.”
Oh yes, “There isn't enough money,” we hear repeatedly said,
Hence why some folk die in the meantime, or just hang on by a thread.

“There simply isn't enough money,” the powers that be report,
“For more medical centres, or more hospitals that are being sought.
And further more,” the same people add, “The same thing also applies
To medical equipment, medication, and certain supplies.”

They’re also quick to let us know that there will never be enough
To cover everything
and yes, they acknowledge that such is tough.
“But,” they say, “If we haven’t got it, there’s not a lot we can do,
Which all must accept, despite any hardship that they might go through.”

But are they telling us the truth though? Well, yes, but not entirely,
Because money that they could use is going somewhere else, you see.
Yes, they do in fact have some money, but they're using it elsewhere,
And some of the blame for all that, even you and I have to share.

Even if the powers that be spend money inappropriately,
We should not make matters far worse by acting just as thoughtlessly.
Thus where there’s a lack of money for the healthcare that people need,
We too can't plead innocent if such money we wrongfully bleed.

Therefore, we should not go seeking out money irresponsibly,
Lest the money that we demand deprive other folk wrongfully.
If we are demanding money without the thought that is due here,
We could one day find that we as well are denied life, or needed care.

Yes, what might well be okay at times, at other times will not be,
Therefore, sometimes we should only ask for what is necessary.
But certain things at any time are a wrongful use of money,
Though never more so than where there is suffering, or the needy.


By Lance Landall





12.  Mercy Killing 

Though sympathetic to those who’re wanting Euthanasia — "Mercy killing," they say —
I cannot support legalized killing of any sort, and err some people may;
The death penalty a case in point, it having claimed some innocent lives, sadly,
And such laws just playing into the hands of issue-bound Hitlers who act madly.

So, best we not legalize what’ll cause a crack that some might prise open one day,
Despite all the checks and balances — for oh, how so many like to scheme and play.
And this why, despite our compassion, and concern over such suffering, such pain,
We shouldn’t take that path that subtly endangers, because folly is evil’s gain.

And you know, judges having discretion, which hopefully they would all use wisely
Where someone caved into their loved one's plea, thinking they were acting humanely.
Not that I’m personally sanctioning that, but it’s better this than such a law,
Which would thereby tweak the doctor’s Hippocratic Oath — and given time, maybe more.

If life’s not seen as sacrosanct even to the bitter end,
that period of pain,
We will endanger it by degree, and some credibility to killing lend.
And thus mercy killing becoming dicey killing, and we but the axmen, who,
Though not wielding that dubious axe ourselves, give it to somebody else to do,

And once given, it’s all the easier for anything else that they may well do.

Believe me, friend, I do know what it’s like to suffer, and to want to end it all,
Having gone through serious mental and physical pain, and a taxing long haul.
But despite having been there, I know that the bigger picture must be kept in mind,
Lest in time, we once again reap the consequences of that erring of mankind.


By Lance Landall