Introduction
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Standing up for others, speaking out against ill.IF WE TRULY CARE,
WE WON'T BE SILENT,
WE WON'T STAY STILL,
WE WON'T GO AWAY,
AND WE WON'T FOLD UP.
"To find a man who in plain terms and without guile speaks his mind with frankness,
and neither for the sake of reputation or for gain makes false pretensions, but out of
good will and concern for his fellow-men stands ready, if need be, to submit to ridicule
and to the disorder and the uproar of the mob—to find such a man as that is not easy,
but rather the good fortune of a very lucky city, so great is the
dearth of noble, independent souls and such the abundance of toadies
[those who flatter or defer to
others for self-serving reasons], mountebanks [flamboyant charlatans], and sophists
[those skilled in elaborate and devious argumentations]."
Dio Chrysostom (c. 40 - c. 115 CE), bracketed contents inserted by poet.
Dear Fellow Traveller,
I have no ill intent towards anyone, and condemn ill said or done by anyone,
the latter needing the voice and pen of justice, loving concern, and lest in turn, we fInd ourselves in need of justice, victims of hate, violence, oppression or cruelty, which currently is plaguing humanity.
And so, I do my best to spread needed love, thought and care, examining my own words
and actions, thus being fair, and also mature and prudent here,
I not
wanting to appear a hypocrite, nor off-track myself, for how would that
sit, and more so if calling others to set an example, refrain from injury or ill?
But take a stand against ill and evil we should, because that is right and good, even though we may suffer for
it, and given how many in judgment sit, but I not able to stand idle
where others have been hurt, or are possibly needing a shirt, my
conscience and heart too keen, and I wanting them kept clean, because I want love to rule me, all that I say and do, thus embracing honour and integrity, even if amongst the few.
"A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite
of obstacles and dangers – and this is the basis of all human morality."
John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th president of America
Love Has Its Serious Side
Just because someone speaks the truth, calls a spade a spade, makes a stand of some sort,
Doesn’t mean that they are an ogre, a legalist, a sourpuss or spoil sport,
’Cause many who’re cheery, friendly, loving and kind, speak their mind, stand up for right,
And surely that’s how it should be regarding those concerned for another’s plight.
Yes, we’re talking love, a passion for others and the best interests of all,
Which is behind that stand, that straight talk, that frown, that hard but necessary call.
So lets mind how we label or perceive such folk, because what might it say of us
If error, wrong or injury continue because we haven't made a fuss.
And this all why love has its serious side, because love won’t stand idly by,
Not where things are destructive, erroneous, injurious, hurtful, awry.
Yes, love has its smile, but it also uses other muscles where needed, and
Who’d want it any other way, unless they’re living in some fairytale land.
All why love deals with reality, knowing some things need to be said and done,
And therefore, it sometimes having to pause from its warm fuzzies and wholesome fun.
Yes, love isn't silly, nor weakly, but rather, it does what love’s got to do,
Because if it didn’t, it wouldn’t be love, or certainly not love that’s true.
By Lance Landall
The Path Of A Loving Hero
Dear concerned one, aware of the burdens of others,
That cruel suffering of fellow sisters and brothers,
Which has you really feeling for them, thinking of them,
And why the cruelty of many, you strongly condemn,
And despite coming under attack yourself, dear me,
’Cause you’ve a right to be outraged, angry at evil,
Those callous words and acts, or that warmongering ill,
And the latter being where the innocent they kill,
And via such, their bloody cup of iniquity fill,
But whatever the ill or evil may be, you stand,
Speak, act, on behalf of those struck by cruelty’s cold hand,
Knowing you could be next, and that ill is not love,
Hence your warm heart, even your justice wearing a glove,
Knowing outrage should be restrained, lest you yourself err,
Forfeiting the moral high ground, which but you will slur,
And why you’ve chosen the path of a loving hero,
Kindness and compassion your way, for one thing you know,
We’re either a friend of humanity or a foe,
And you a friend of your fellow sisters and brothers,
All why you’re always looking out for others,
So may blessings follow you, and a protective hand,
For love is your banner, great and selfless is your stand.
By Lance Landall
WE can hardly be brave if we're not anxious or scared, and where there is no
potential cost to us.
WE don't have to be perfect before imparting wisdom, pointing out ill, warning, or reproving
someone's errancy.
WE don't have to ask for permission in order to speak our own mind.
AND SO, if it's right, and should be said, then say it!
AND a hero you will be, but minding the TIME, PLACE, WAY and MOTIVE.
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.”
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
“Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. Silence in the face of evil is itself evil.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
Ode To Canaries
Certain necessary things that are needing to be said,
Wrench my aching heart and torture my anxious head,
But there are those for whom such things should still be said,
Who’re badly mistreated, and some already dead,
And all why my concerned heart is feeling like lead,
Though my convicting conscience still otherwise led,
And thus I often feeling strained and sometimes scared,
’Cause those who mistreat, or boast of the number dead,
Don’t want condemnatory revelations said,
And in the direction of canaries soon head,
Thus I mistreated too, or soon amongst the dead,
And yet, those revealing things needing to be said,
That my heart may feel at peace, and so too my head,
For where’s the caring in leaving such things unsaid?
And guilt and shame having a very heavy tread.
By Lance Landall
Canaries (whistleblowers being the modern equivalent) are very important to society
given that they warn of, or reveal, what is very injurious to us, or others, but hidden from
view or disguised. Such canaries often detect the early and subtle signs of ill, thus
running the risk of being called a scaremonger or conspiracy theorist.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
By Martin Niemoller
It’s time we saluted those journalists, reporters and media crew, who,
Bravely speak, print and show the facts, the truth, and who put their lives on the line too.
Yes, heroes and heroines indeed, who’ve risked their lives in the likes of Gaza,
Or paid the ultimate price, far from home, suburban life, or city plaza.
Yes, they having chosen the battlefield, seen the war crimes, exposed them to view,
They no mere channelers of the “official truth,” and nor stenographers too,
But fearless defenders of the whole truth, who’re oft targeted for their trouble,
That reality check that’s needed to burst many an ignorant bubble.
So yes, it’s time we saluted such brave, honest beings, keepers of the flame,
That light that shines despite any darkness and opposition, or wrongful blame.
Thus accusation or threat not holding them back, their gallant horse saddled up,
It watered and ready, no matter the road, no matter how bitter the cup.
Oh yes, they not channelers, echoers, or stenographers, and may it be
That their employers will remain as fearless too, thus not acting cowardly,
But rather, joining the media soldiers, who, though battle scarred, remain true,
Lest Earth be plunged into a darkness where even the faintest light won’t get through.
By Lance Landall
This poem was penned 31 December 2023.
Dedicated to the 248 media soldiers killed whilst on duty in Gaza,
and midst clear evidence of deliberate targeting.
"Real journalists act as agents of people, not power."
John Pilger (Daily Star, Bangladesh,16 January 2019).
Whether an atheist, Christian, Muslim, Jew or other, one thing should be so,
And that is, that both love and truth should be paramount to us, two lights that glow.
Why? ’Cause love should be found in all one says and does, its opposite evil and ill,
And without truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, we’re pussies in the well.
Yes, love’s a doing word, and something that should inhabit us, always direct,
And truth acting likewise, keeping us on the right path, lest some wrong we inflict.
Both working together like knives and forks, both committed to the same task, but
Are only found where they're truly prized, and where hearts are open and minds aren’t shut.
So don’t throw the baby out with the bath water, like some foolish people do,
Having been deceived or betrayed, not minding who they trusted or listened to.
Hence we always searching, and letting love dictate no matter our misfortune,
'Cause love and truth are unchangeables, and we not really well 'till they're in tune.
Yes, to do what's right we need to know what's right, and therefore, truth having its place,
Lest we think something wrong is right, or something right is wrong, and thus love disgrace,
'Cause love knows nothing of wrong, and truth's always truth whether we know it or not,
But know it we need to, and love we should, lest without them both, our life we blot.
By Lance Landall
Devil-May-Care At Best
TO
THINK WE'RE RIGHT WHEN WE'RE VERY WRONG IS BUT A TRAGEDY, AND THE
REASON BEING, THAT FROM SUCH, CAN OFTEN COME A LOT OF INJURY, AND ALL
WHY IT BEHOVES US TO TAKE ANY CHALLENGE SERIOUSLY, THUS OPEN TO BEING
CORRECTED, AND DWELLING ON ANY COUNTER ARGUMENT, THOUGHTFULLY, THEREBY
DISPLAYING FAIRNESS, WISDOM AND MATURITY; NO SHAME IN ADMITTING
By the way:
Why is pointing out the errors in any denomination or religion important?
Because that information made public can help prevent others from embracing that same error.
Because that information made public can help those who’ve already embraced that error to see why it is in fact error.
Because that information should naturally be made available in order for people to not only make up their own minds but truly have freedom of choice.
Because people often come up with opposite arguments from the very same source as us — the Bible, say — thus one not only having to find and present the correct position, the truth, but show and prove the error in any counter argument, which some people wrongly call knocking when it's really informing and aiding.
Because certain beliefs that some people are holding to are unhealthy, or very destructive — ISIS being one example — and such passing from generation to generation.
Because much that's been said and done in the name of God hasn't been of God at all.
Alternative poem.
Dear fellow traveller (midst the billions on this Earth), I’ve a message I wish to share, given your inheritance by birth, and your existing presence here.
This planet is yours and mine, it doesn’t belong solely to kings or queens, popes or presidents, prime ministers in residence, nor any government, even power or society behind the scenes, but rather, to us, the people — yes, not someone on a throne, behind an official desk, or ecclesiastically ensconced under some steeple; and nor does it belong solely to a wealthy elite, but rather, to us, the people.
No disrespect is intended here, but only the clear recognition, that this Earth belongs to humanity, you and I — in other words, us, we — not solely to those in power, regardless of their position, regardless of their authority, and including any majority, 'cause humanity is also the minority, given that we’re all linked genetically, historically, and universally, and given that such is acting humanely, quite honestly.
Though rightful laws and order have their place, no one should seek to conquer and rule the human race, and all who would seek to do so, by stealth, legislation or might, wouldn’t have justification, would be lovers of darkness rather than light, who though pretending otherwise, would ultimately catch by surprise, thus displaying their true face.
Yes, this planet belongs to you and I, who likewise, pressure or force cannot justify (despite how much we might try), 'cause the birthright of all is freedom and liberty (be that civil or religiously), the right to be left alone to live in peace and harmony, to be free from the evil plots, plans and tentacles of tyranny, and not to mention, the right to have access to every necessity.
Yes, we weren’t meant to be controlled, bought or sold, trampled on, sneeringly looked upon, coldly mistreated, shackled, persecuted or defeated, somehow abused, indifferently used, played with like marionettes, gathered together in plotter’s nets, nor considered as if just a clone, 'cause we’ve a brain, a heart, a dream, a path, a life and purpose of our own, and were born to love not hate, and to goodness, mercy and kindness radiate, 'cause such always works for the best, ensuring that all are blest, whereas hate just destroys, and all manner of evil employs, 'cause it’s tied to lust and power, seeks to overthrow not empower, and all the while, oft hiding behind a smile (which given time, quickly turns sour).
Though we’re humanity, we’re not some herd to be rounded up, processed and programmed physically, mentally or emotionally, nor were we meant to be serfs at the beck and call of bureaucracy, but rather, are individuals in our own right, little worlds of our own, with corresponding patents and copyright.
Yes, it’s our world, not the possession of a group, a majority, nor some man, who, were these given control — that is, of the world as a whole — would prove a threat to all, and eventually, flames of trouble just fan.
By Lance Landall
Take Iran, For Example
"If they don't respect our planet with their shelling, they'll hardly have any
Alternative poem.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, close or far, with your hidden agenda and certain intent, that’s very far from Heaven sent, thought often made to look so, but which in our bones we know, simply seeks to harm and destroy, hence those crooked means you employ, and that camouflage, or sidetracking decoy — yes, the cunning, the devising, all hardly surprising, for you’re not our friend but our foe.
You hide behind an institution, an organisation, some benign association, a secret society, or simply some authority, perhaps dressed in your finery, educated intellectually, and plotting and planning, covertly listening and scanning, directing each willing puppet, manipulating each pawn, using their weaponry, expertise or brawn, thus seeking to gain control, even of society as a whole, and where you can, or via some middleman, you flatter and fool many men, who via their clout or legislative pen, willingly or ignorantly aid and back your clever spiel and evil plan.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, religious or otherwise, though often in disguise, because you don’t like inspection, correction and detection, given that you’re into error and deception, and oh, how deluded you are, for all you do is wound and scar, deprive of rights and liberty, midst proclaiming you’re no enemy, and that it’s all a misconception.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, for you discredit exposers, do away with opposers, laugh at conspiracies, whilst in them up to your knees, and whilst withholding information, removing from circulation, forcing co-operation, defending some violation, even annihilation — for ultimately, you do as you please, and all and sundry seize, for your exploitation.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, wherever you are, with your heart of stone, for you’ve no right to treat us so, nor to ignore and violate our “No,” be it via a majority, a powerful minority, some pious priority, for you’re not our friend but our foe. So leave us alone!
By Lance Landall
given that they warn of, or reveal, what is very injurious to us, or others, but hidden from
view or disguised. Such canaries often detect the early and subtle signs of ill, thus
running the risk of being called a scaremonger or conspiracy theorist.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
By Martin Niemoller
Media Soldiers
It’s time we saluted those journalists, reporters and media crew, who,
Bravely speak, print and show the facts, the truth, and who put their lives on the line too.
Yes, heroes and heroines indeed, who’ve risked their lives in the likes of Gaza,
Or paid the ultimate price, far from home, suburban life, or city plaza.
Yes, they having chosen the battlefield, seen the war crimes, exposed them to view,
They no mere channelers of the “official truth,” and nor stenographers too,
But fearless defenders of the whole truth, who’re oft targeted for their trouble,
That reality check that’s needed to burst many an ignorant bubble.
So yes, it’s time we saluted such brave, honest beings, keepers of the flame,
That light that shines despite any darkness and opposition, or wrongful blame.
Thus accusation or threat not holding them back, their gallant horse saddled up,
It watered and ready, no matter the road, no matter how bitter the cup.
Oh yes, they not channelers, echoers, or stenographers, and may it be
That their employers will remain as fearless too, thus not acting cowardly,
But rather, joining the media soldiers, who, though battle scarred, remain true,
Lest Earth be plunged into a darkness where even the faintest light won’t get through.
By Lance Landall
This poem was penned 31 December 2023.
Dedicated to the 248 media soldiers killed whilst on duty in Gaza,
and midst clear evidence of deliberate targeting.
"Real journalists act as agents of people, not power."
John Pilger (Daily Star, Bangladesh,16 January 2019).
In Tune
Whether an atheist, Christian, Muslim, Jew or other, one thing should be so,
And that is, that both love and truth should be paramount to us, two lights that glow.
Why? ’Cause love should be found in all one says and does, its opposite evil and ill,
And without truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, we’re pussies in the well.
Yes, love’s a doing word, and something that should inhabit us, always direct,
And truth acting likewise, keeping us on the right path, lest some wrong we inflict.
Both working together like knives and forks, both committed to the same task, but
Are only found where they're truly prized, and where hearts are open and minds aren’t shut.
So don’t throw the baby out with the bath water, like some foolish people do,
Having been deceived or betrayed, not minding who they trusted or listened to.
Hence we always searching, and letting love dictate no matter our misfortune,
'Cause love and truth are unchangeables, and we not really well 'till they're in tune.
Yes, to do what's right we need to know what's right, and therefore, truth having its place,
Lest we think something wrong is right, or something right is wrong, and thus love disgrace,
'Cause love knows nothing of wrong, and truth's always truth whether we know it or not,
But know it we need to, and love we should, lest without them both, our life we blot.
By Lance Landall
Devil-May-Care At Best
Oh, how we tell ourselves what we want to hear,
And then please ourselves with little thought or fear.
And in the face of confrontation,
We’re heard to quickly utter condemnation,
Thus justifying the continuation
Of our ignorant self-incrimination,
Which ultimately leads to ruination;
Truth having suffered from asphyxiation,
Desire’s disgraceful capitulation.
And oh, how we search for what flatters the ear,
That which confirms what we really hope to hear.
Thus desire mixed with collaboration,
Personally appointed deputation,
Which never likes unfettered examination,
Nor waits for wisdom’s sound verification,
Thus sneering at possible refutation;
Nobility lost to gratification,
And indulgence known for multiplication.
By Lance Landall
TO
THINK WE'RE RIGHT WHEN WE'RE VERY WRONG IS BUT A TRAGEDY, AND THE
REASON BEING, THAT FROM SUCH, CAN OFTEN COME A LOT OF INJURY, AND ALL
WHY IT BEHOVES US TO TAKE ANY CHALLENGE SERIOUSLY, THUS OPEN TO BEING
CORRECTED, AND DWELLING ON ANY COUNTER ARGUMENT, THOUGHTFULLY, THEREBY
DISPLAYING FAIRNESS, WISDOM AND MATURITY; NO SHAME IN ADMITTING
THAT WE WERE WRONG, THOUGH SOME SHAME IF THAT ERROR WE PROLONG (THUS SLOWER THAN WE SHOULD BE TO SEE OUR FOLLY), AND MUCH SHAME IF REFUSING TO SEE OUR FOLLY, AND DESPITE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY.
By the way:Why is pointing out the errors in any denomination or religion important?
Because that information made public can help prevent others from embracing that same error.
Because that information made public can help those who’ve already embraced that error to see why it is in fact error.
Because that information should naturally be made available in order for people to not only make up their own minds but truly have freedom of choice.
Because people often come up with opposite arguments from the very same source as us — the Bible, say — thus one not only having to find and present the correct position, the truth, but show and prove the error in any counter argument, which some people wrongly call knocking when it's really informing and aiding.
Because certain beliefs that some people are holding to are unhealthy, or very destructive — ISIS being one example — and such passing from generation to generation.
Because much that's been said and done in the name of God hasn't been of God at all.
Alternative poem.
It's Our World
Dear fellow traveller (midst the billions on this Earth), I’ve a message I wish to share, given your inheritance by birth, and your existing presence here.
This planet is yours and mine, it doesn’t belong solely to kings or queens, popes or presidents, prime ministers in residence, nor any government, even power or society behind the scenes, but rather, to us, the people — yes, not someone on a throne, behind an official desk, or ecclesiastically ensconced under some steeple; and nor does it belong solely to a wealthy elite, but rather, to us, the people.
No disrespect is intended here, but only the clear recognition, that this Earth belongs to humanity, you and I — in other words, us, we — not solely to those in power, regardless of their position, regardless of their authority, and including any majority, 'cause humanity is also the minority, given that we’re all linked genetically, historically, and universally, and given that such is acting humanely, quite honestly.
Though rightful laws and order have their place, no one should seek to conquer and rule the human race, and all who would seek to do so, by stealth, legislation or might, wouldn’t have justification, would be lovers of darkness rather than light, who though pretending otherwise, would ultimately catch by surprise, thus displaying their true face.
Yes, this planet belongs to you and I, who likewise, pressure or force cannot justify (despite how much we might try), 'cause the birthright of all is freedom and liberty (be that civil or religiously), the right to be left alone to live in peace and harmony, to be free from the evil plots, plans and tentacles of tyranny, and not to mention, the right to have access to every necessity.
Yes, we weren’t meant to be controlled, bought or sold, trampled on, sneeringly looked upon, coldly mistreated, shackled, persecuted or defeated, somehow abused, indifferently used, played with like marionettes, gathered together in plotter’s nets, nor considered as if just a clone, 'cause we’ve a brain, a heart, a dream, a path, a life and purpose of our own, and were born to love not hate, and to goodness, mercy and kindness radiate, 'cause such always works for the best, ensuring that all are blest, whereas hate just destroys, and all manner of evil employs, 'cause it’s tied to lust and power, seeks to overthrow not empower, and all the while, oft hiding behind a smile (which given time, quickly turns sour).
Though we’re humanity, we’re not some herd to be rounded up, processed and programmed physically, mentally or emotionally, nor were we meant to be serfs at the beck and call of bureaucracy, but rather, are individuals in our own right, little worlds of our own, with corresponding patents and copyright.
Yes, it’s our world, not the possession of a group, a majority, nor some man, who, were these given control — that is, of the world as a whole — would prove a threat to all, and eventually, flames of trouble just fan.
By Lance Landall
Take Iran, For Example
Yes, take Iran, for example, made up of human’s too,
People who have their loved ones, people who harm wouldn’t do,
Though there’s always bad people in every country,
Those who indulge in whatever form of criminality,
But that’s not the whole country, only those who’ve gone askew,
The rest innocent like us, those of us who’re good too,
So why are they bombed, and why go and ruin their country?
Their leaders not an excuse, and nor their military,
So why are they treated so terribly and unfairly,
Why are they and their kids wounded and killed so viciously?
They having the same right as us to live, to love and care,
Yet treated as if less than us, though same planet they share,
It all a wicked thing, the work of darkness — yes, evil,
For they have feelings too, unlike those committing the ill,
And why none of us should buy the falsehood they try to sell,
And because it all ends up in just another hell,
More damage to our nest; but goodness not their way or will,
Nor wisdom and sense, and hence why our protest should be shrill,
Bombing infrastructure but satanic, hospitals too,
Along with schools and homes, but this is what the evil do,
They not even caring for their own, who’re affected too
(Given the global consequences), thus so askew,
So yes, take Iran, for example, there other lands too
Where same ills have occurred, courtesy of those who ill pursue,
And who choose darkness over beauty, thus without a clue.
By Lance Landall
"If they don't respect our planet with their shelling, they'll hardly have any
qualms about wounding or killing."
The poet, author
Alternative poem.
Leave Us Alone!
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, close or far, with your hidden agenda and certain intent, that’s very far from Heaven sent, thought often made to look so, but which in our bones we know, simply seeks to harm and destroy, hence those crooked means you employ, and that camouflage, or sidetracking decoy — yes, the cunning, the devising, all hardly surprising, for you’re not our friend but our foe.
You hide behind an institution, an organisation, some benign association, a secret society, or simply some authority, perhaps dressed in your finery, educated intellectually, and plotting and planning, covertly listening and scanning, directing each willing puppet, manipulating each pawn, using their weaponry, expertise or brawn, thus seeking to gain control, even of society as a whole, and where you can, or via some middleman, you flatter and fool many men, who via their clout or legislative pen, willingly or ignorantly aid and back your clever spiel and evil plan.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, religious or otherwise, though often in disguise, because you don’t like inspection, correction and detection, given that you’re into error and deception, and oh, how deluded you are, for all you do is wound and scar, deprive of rights and liberty, midst proclaiming you’re no enemy, and that it’s all a misconception.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, for you discredit exposers, do away with opposers, laugh at conspiracies, whilst in them up to your knees, and whilst withholding information, removing from circulation, forcing co-operation, defending some violation, even annihilation — for ultimately, you do as you please, and all and sundry seize, for your exploitation.
Yes, leave us alone, whoever you are, wherever you are, with your heart of stone, for you’ve no right to treat us so, nor to ignore and violate our “No,” be it via a majority, a powerful minority, some pious priority, for you’re not our friend but our foe. So leave us alone!
By Lance Landall
