Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

Some people call it karma, others call it justice — payback time, effectively,
For that which goes around, certainly comes around — cause and effect, invariably.
Oh yes, we reap what we sow, which surely we all know, or learn, eventually,
When we do to others what we wouldn’t like them to do to us (so thoughtlessly).

Such also applies to unwise actions in general, and our foolish choices too,
For going contrary to common sense, or ignoring wisdom, oft sees things go askew.
And hence those things that bite, those things that kick us back, often very painfully so,
Leaving us with regret, wishing we hadn’t done this or that, hence tears that oft flow.

Oh yes, how slow we humans are to learn that selfishness and foolishness doesn’t pay,
That those unkind insensitive bullets we fire at others are prone to ricochet.
Bullets that we should never fire, nor even think to, but oh, how often we do,
Via those things we wrongly say and do, that over time, ill winds and heartache accrue.

Yes, hurt and you’ll be hurt, harm and you’ll be harmed, mistreat and you will be mistreated,
And as long as we continue in that vein, those consequences will be repeated.
Others aren’t for hurting, injuring, mistreating, deceiving, nor for putting last,
And oh, how things have an unpleasant way of reminding us of our erring past.

Wrongdoing isn’t a generational thing, but the bane of humanity,
More often seen in the form of selfishness, as opposed to general folly.
And hence why others suffer in the main, and invariably ourselves, and rightly,
For why should we get away with inflicting ill on others via acting unkindly.

It’s time we realized that the self-serving mentality is a destructive one,
(Not just one that leaves others shivering in the shade while we’re soaking up the sun),
And that if we want true happiness, it’s found in living selflessly, and humbly;
The past no longer surprising, nor we looking over our shoulder anxiously.

Yes, some people call it karma, others call it justice, and some, life’s carousel,
Given that what goes around, comes around, whether such be something nice or something ill.
And as to what comes around, usually lies with us, our choices, words and deeds,
For as we all know, things invariably grow, from both poorly and well planted seeds.

By Lance Landall

2.  Our Little Secret

Are psychopaths born so, injured later, or made? And then there’s heredity,
By that I mean, who knows what’s handed down via one’s genes (lying dormant, maybe).
Yes, it’s the chicken or the egg scenario, and there are those triggers too,
Which circumstances and background sees some mother’s grownup child going askew.

I guess there’re clues, but who picks them up? Though I guess some might wonder, or predict,
But generally, when such folk are exposed, it’s a case of, “We didn’t suspect.”
Seemingly normal, but not so, for something tragic has occurred within their mind
(And no doubt their heart) — and too late, the sad results of that disturbance are seen.

Who knows what’s going on beneath the surface, where the sinister, one can’t see,
Those ominous thoughts and feelings that come to fruition eventually.
And who knows what feeds such thoughts and feelings, though I’m sure that one could speculate,
Given the ghoulish, violent, weird, and pornographic that folk now tolerate.

So who might be a psychopath?

Your child? My child? You? Me? For who really knows, given that we all think we’re sound?
And in the main, perhaps we are, but not some of us, whose psychosis in time is found.
Plus, there’re various shades, types, and these latter folk quite prolific, it would seem,
For not just certified psychopaths carry out callous acts, and wickedly scheme.

So tell me, what’s in a label? Is such simply how we define the very worst?
Those who within the shadowy recesses of their mind some ill have rehearsed?
Those who coldly scheme, manipulate, hurt, force, cruelly injure — unfeelingly?
Oh dear, sounds somewhat like most of us, I fear — but hey, let’s keep that quiet, shall we?

By Lance Landall

3.  We Two-sided Like A Coin

How can those who love their spouse and children be torturers and murderers too?
Hitler’s henchmen being one example, hence their viciousness towards any Jew.
And then there are those doting husbands and fathers who’re rapists or paedophiles,
Their malice toward others hidden behind family photo album smiles.

And lest you think I’m picking on men, there’re women who commit dreadful acts too,
But whether folk be male or female, there’s something here that’s terribly askew.
And to be honest, very concerning, for who isn’t a Jekyll and Hyde?
And hence those unfortunate things that we oft see that reveal another side.

Road rage, unfaithfulness, some deviance, and what else do people try to hide?

And therein lies the problem — yes, that other side that shouldn’t be, but that is
(And be that ‘loving some and hurting others’ a problem that is hers or his).
And all this why we’re in a mess, for there should only be one side to us, and,
It that side from which only good comes, not ill that’s opportunistic or planned.

So where does that injurious side come from, and why does it plague humanity,
Or to put it another way, why’s there a Jekyll and Hyde in so many?
Well, one thing you can be sure of is, such is not a normal state of affairs
(Though common among us), but an aberrant condition that too often steers.

And hence those vices, those destructive traits and that selective brutality,
That schizophrenic cruelty oft sporting a gown of respectability.
Yes, men hugging their wives whilst deep in simulated rapes via pornography,
And women plotting their husband’s end whilst engaged in some worthy charity.

No, this no soap opera, but reality, we two-sided like a coin,
And we more governed by selfishness, appetite, an objectifying loin.
And hence why we love and yet hate, caress and yet brutalize, share and yet steal,
Our worthiness and glowing public persona oft more dishonest than real.

Well, that aberrant side comes from somewhere, a devil and a fall, I believe,
And why ever since men and women have been seen to harm, strut, use and deceive.
And here we’ll all remain until that sad Jekyll and Hyde business gets the boot,
For wherever one loves and yet injures, that two-sidedness is at the root.

And this why we must look up and not down, thus reaching for a higher level,
We acting more like a loving, untainted Saviour than a turncoat devil.
Okay, so you’re not a believer, perhaps, but tell me, what’s your idea then?
For I’ve never seen a time on Earth where the answer was provided by men.

By Lance Landall

4.  Pike River Mine

Twenty nine precious lives met their end in Pike River mine, and all so very needlessly,
Yes, courtesy of mismanagement, folk in charge avoiding their responsibility.
And money the root of much evil, it’s said, profit one reason those twenty nine are dead,
Hence money and negligence winning the day when it should’ve been twenty nine lives instead.

And adding to the torture-cum-that lead in the bellies of the grieving, another blow,
“Sorry, but we can’t retrieve the bodies….so, proper burials you will have to forgo.”
Yes, a tragic loss that shouldn’t have been, nor that added pain that followed, and lingers on,
For not only do investigations drag and reopen wounds, but their loved ones have gone.

Oh, that such tragedies occur, lives being far too precious to exchange for filthy lucre,
And as for clear-cut irresponsibility….well, some stiff penalty such should incur.
Not that justice resurrects a loved one, nor those twenty nine lives lost in Pike River mine,
And hey, who’s prepared to put their hand up, for such takes a healthy conscience and robust
spine.

Well, what goes around comes around, my dad used to say, something that many have found is true,
And why when it comes to others, more so their lives, we should always mind what we say and do.
Otherwise, how many more lives will be lost via this or that, or scarred in some unfair way?
And why all of us can learn much from that fateful — yet avoidable — Pike River Mine day.

By Lance Landall


In memory of those who lost their lives in the Pike River mine disaster — Greymouth, New Zealand, 19th November 2010.

5.  Flight MH370

We’re living in times where strange things are happening, and stranger they’re bound to get,
For there’s evidence of behind the scenes activity, a stage that’s being set.
And why it comes as no surprise to me when some plane is seen to disappear,
Or something else occurs that doesn’t gel with the official story we hear.

Yes, we’re living in different times, times when folk shouldn’t be so quick to fly,
For evil’s not only stalking folk on Earth but snatching them out of the sky;
And so it was with flight MH370, currently a mystery,
And such adding to the grief of loved ones deprived of closure so unfairly.

Oh, the pain that they must feel, their happiness in shreds and they questioning “Why?”
And who wouldn’t, certain things not adding up, and hence their rightful hue and cry,
For planes shouldn’t suddenly disappear, nor change direction without good cause,
And wander on for some time at that, and why we all have good reason to pause.

Well, maybe truth will surface in time, some answers too, not that the pain will go,
For nothing can bring back the deceased, and people can’t always pinpoint the foe.
And who knows just what’s happened here, life being so full of much that doesn’t make sense,
And such aided by those behind the scene who’re adept at evil and pretence.

No, I’m not pointing the finger at anyone, but facing reality,
For this world’s been plagued with both random and premeditated acts of cruelty.
All why many occurrences seem suspicious, some proved not and some proved so,
And hence why we need to have an open mind; much more going on than we know.

By Lance Landall


In memory of all those on board Flight MH370 that disappeared on the 8th March, 2014.

6.  Pity Help Us

You know, we’re all so darn selfish, so caught up in ourselves, AM and PM,
Always wanting others to understand us, but failing to understand them.
We busy running here and there, and others needing to be understood too,
And maybe more so, but we in our own little world; and how things go askew.

Yes, some relationships going from sad to bad, we nursing this hurt or that,
And some of those hurts more perceived than real, able to be resolved via a chat.
But no, ain’t talking, and why some things aren’t resolved, or only after much time,
And we the one at fault, or clinging to some grievance over which we oft chime.

So what on earth’s wrong with us given that such behaviour can go on for years,
We hollering for plasters and crutches, or searching for sympathetic ears.
And oh, how we nauseatingly whine, repelling rather than attracting,
And when it comes to certain things, many of us simply overreacting.

Yes, we full on about others, and oft resenting truth said of us — oh dear —
For we should be taking on board such truth, and cultivating a caring ear,
One that responds to the cries and complaints of others, for self’s a dead-end street,
It’s row of houses full of folk who’re seldom happy and depressing to meet.

By Lance Landall

7.  Expect A Lot From Leaders

Yes, expect a lot from leaders — be they mayors, pastors or MPs, say — for they
Have been entrusted with power and authority, considerable sway.
And therefore, and in all their sayings and doings, should be above reproach, and
Thus always held accountable; all of which may call on you to make a stand.

I’m sure you know as well as I do how so many leaders have gone astray,
Leaving behind a historical trail that shows no sign of easing today.
And this why we see abuse and corruption, much sexual hanky panky,
And that proverbial fudging, outright lying-cum-goodbye transparency.

The truth is, that leaders are appointed to serve us via some capacity,
And thus when they deceive us, mislead or plunder, it’s with great audacity.
All why out reaction should be swift, coupled with a message that’s loud and clear,
For those who display such unworthiness, no longer have a right to be there.

Yes, the last thing we need is some errant leader, there enough to fill a lake,
And they all having left so much misery and trouble in their selfish wake.
And this why we should expect a lot from leaders, remove any pedestal,
For pride, ego, selfish ambition and agendas have always led to ill.

Too many leaders are full of excuses, blaming this or that, he or she,
And thus they often ensuring that it’s not their head that rolls, when it should be.
Oh, how they play their games, even delude themselves, dictate from their self-made thrones,
Until that time when justice intervenes and their smug little kingdom disowns.

It’s sad that many who would make good leaders are bypassed for many who don’t,
And why we soon see things going amiss, and why certain things that should get done won’t.
And some of them claiming that they’ve been anointed by God, or so they argue,
When the truth is, they’ve merely been appointed by men, God far from happy too.

Yes, when it comes to leaders — even judges, by the way — we need to stand firm,
For any who err in their dealing with weighty matters give cause for concern.
And particularly so where it affects lives — in other words, you and I,
And why compassion should be wedded to sense, our expectations rightly high.

By Lance Landall


"A leader leads by example, not by force."
Sun Tzu

8.  Man Worshippers

I've never understood how people (be they one, thousands or millions) can revere a man like they do,
'Cause no man’s a god, nor can be one, or even come close to one, so such adulation isn’t due.
At the end of the day, a man is nothing more than a man (requiring the toilet like us all),
A flawed human who shouldn’t be given some Divine or glorified title — oh, how oft such men fall.

Such reverence is most unhealthy, it giving a man an even greater platform for doing ill,
'Cause a man granted God-like authority can have others believing they must carry out his will.
In other words, as if God himself is dictating via that man, and therein lies great danger, you see,
'Cause there's nothing worse than blind faith in another person, especially someone with such authority.

Such adulation is the product of folly-cum-humans who've discarded wisdom and commonsense,
Many having been taught so from childhood, and others misinterpreting the Bible in their defence.
Yes, an inculcated, perpetuated tragedy, one that's seen so much evil done in God’s name,
'Cause such homage simply sees those who're so revered making some pompous, deluded, injurious claim.

Those who put men on such pedestals are effectively man worshippers (be they pagans or Christians,
And such Christians taking glory away from their God, whereby, despite their denying such, each one sins).
But whether one's a Christian or not, such affection and adulation for some man is plain folly,
And something that so many of Earth’s inhabitants today haven’t learnt from our bloodied history.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 13 February 2020.

9.  Exalt No One

So many people revere or idolize someone (or more than one), and many of them obsessively so,
Hanging on their every word, copying them, clutching their photo, even dreaming of them, though better should know.
For such is one sure way to end up being led astray, conned, used, or most disappointed, and unsurprisingly,
Given that we’re all so human, so flawed, which includes those who’re revered and idolized so very foolishly.

Many of them are far from squeaky-clean, and are involved in this or that, their private lives another story,
Which, were such known, would see them pulled from their pedestal, upon which they should never have been placed initially.
For after all, all are equal, and of no greater worth, and therefore, not deserving of such exaltation,
And such revering and idolizing (which is a form of worship), being more worthy of one's condemnation.

So many who strut the stage, appear in movies, officially on T.V., or before some congregation,
Are involved in the unsavoury, criminal, or immoral, and who knows what other selfish violation.
Hence those falls from grace so often heard of, read about, and even seen, proof we shouldn’t revere or idolize,
For such is the territory of fools, who their naivety, immaturity, or ignorance advertise.

Yes, no matter how godly someone appears, no matter how squeaky-clean they may look, or how high up the scale,
They’re never worthy of, nor entitled to, any form of worship or pedestal, be they male or female.
And any who think they are, are not only deluded or misinformed, but a danger and possible snare,
And even less deserving of revering and idolising, for their unfitness of such, is more than clear.

By Lance Landall

10.  Pied Pipers

There’s an unpleasant legend that is of German origin,
One about a Pied Piper who lived in the town of Hamelin.
To cut to the chase: He lured children away via his music,
Just like some do today via their charismatic rhetoric.

But having said that though, music still leads many astray,
Music that’s not uplifting, but groaning with moral decay.
Yes, music that’s beat ridden, self or sex obsessed, and empty,
And which is negatively affecting each society.

This music moving and shaping the masses is concerning,
And more so, given it’s doing so, without most realizing.
But concerning too, is rhetoric that’s just as flawed and ill,
That likewise has been busy casting an insidious spell.

Yes, it amazes me how many hang on the words of men,
And as a result, get led astray, and time and time again.
How adults as well as children follow others just like sheep,
Whose attractive, but errant path, soon gives one much cause to weep.

Pied Pipers could be religious leaders or politicians,
In fact, any who are holding authoritative positions.
Or those (and including groups), who have the influence to steer;
Which many people put their trust in, or foolishly revere.

Some people follow Pied Pipers who have delusional dreams,
Or put their trust in a Piper who isn’t as he or she seems.
Followers of Pied Pipers can make up a minority,
But here, and usually, we’re talking a majority.

It’s what I call the Pied Piper syndrome, and a real worry,
One that can intimidate, even harm the minority.
For such sneers at opposing views, individuality,
And is a kind of cloning process that seeks conformity.

Followers of Pipers bow to the Piper’s melody,
And thereby, effectively sell their soul, eventually.
For they soon become silent, lest seen to be out of step, and,
Regarding certain wrongs, cover their ears, and don’t make a stand.

Silence is by far the crime of the majority who share
The guilt of those Pipers who captivate, mislead and ensnare.
For they get in behind, go with the flow, and wrongly invest,
Instead of standing out, speaking up, and doing what is best.

Yes, there once was a Pied Piper of Hamelin (allegedly),
Who lured young children away via a spell-binding melody.
And so too, do those modern Pipers, who also cast a spell,
That doesn’t just lure children, but those unwise adults as well.

Pied Pipers exist because of sheep, those followers of men,
Who, sadly so, history just repeat, time and time again.
For though folk should know better, they repeat the same old mistake,
That being: trusting in others who often the right paths forsake.

But Pied Pipers can be anything that leads people astray;
Whatever isn’t best, isn’t right, whatever doesn’t pay.
Be it money, lust, appetite, or simply those errant men
Who mislead via their rhetoric, be that from their mouth or pen.

By Lance Landall

11.  Sorry, Michael

Yes, sorry, Michael, but we aren’t the world, 'cause it’s much bigger, a universe,
And why we can’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again, and only nurse,
And why it’s best we not fall for some “come together” delusion, man-made plan,
'Cause look at history, and all those clever disguises so common to man.

In fact, the Bible talks about the whole world wrongly following some power;
In other words, a global system operating prior to Earth’s End-time hour.
So, while the idea of us all joining hands sounds nice, it’s more a fantasy,
As a majority’s as much a threat as a powerful minority.

And hence why we should mind both dangers, opting for what has generally been,
Rather than some new kid on the block connected to a past and ugly scene.
Or a global village that lumps all together like it or not, and why we
Should prize civil and religious liberty and individuality.

No, we aren’t the world, Michael, just a part of it, so let’s not get carried away,
'Cause all the kings horses and all the kings men can’t do a thing, despite what they say.
Best we work on ourselves and await the return of Someone who can fix things,
'Cause out of any pious words and actions of men, evil somehow still springs.

By Lance Landall

12.  I'm A Writer, Not A Fighter

“I’m a writer, not a fighter,” Gilbert O'Sullivan sings, and yes, me too, I’m glad to say,
'Cause there’s nothing good about fighting, and at the end of the day, I’ve better things to pursue.
But you know, I don’t think I’m all that different to the majority of people out there,
Who, just like me, desire to live in peace and harmony, and freedom and liberty hold dear.

Yes, fighting's not for them, nor force their way, they letting everyone do their own thing, as with me,
'Cause I’ve no desire to encroach on the rights of others, I believing that all should be free.
Hence why I’d never endorse anything that might somehow or other ensnare humanity,
Or pit someone against another, my fellowman being my brother, and all, my family.

And hence the less restraints upon us all, the better, and therefore, no global authority,
Each nation governing itself, and each government having less sway in each society.
'Cause the greater the grip that governments have, the greater the risk to freedom and liberty,
And even more so should their be a worldwide governing body with total authority.

Yes, most of us just want to be left alone, we being no party to engineered treachery,
'Cause such is as old as history, and is oft packaged deceptively-cum-beguilingly.
Hence why I’m not a fighter, nor a plotter, all of which won’t end until all refuse to fight,
And why I’m a writer, one who is hoping that all will see the light, 'cause danger’s within sight.

By Lance Landall


"Government is never more dangerous than when our desire to have it help us,
blinds us to its great power to harm us."
Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)





This poem should be balanced by the reading of poems 19 and 20.

13.  Conspiracy Theories

There are those people who via their naivety, are very quick to dismiss any conspiracy theory,
Seemingly unable to comprehend that the world is awash with those who are plotting very evilly.
And hence why whistle blowers are often just ridiculed, and have you noticed how many of them disappear;
That is, mysteriously, or end up in some mortuary, and as to how they died, is often unclear.

It’s clear that those who’re involved in evil plotting, or assassination, will rubbish conspiracy theories,
Or where it suits, even create one that’s a red herring, and amidst that distraction, something attempt or seize.
But for some reason, those whose naivety is even irresponsible, fail to see this reality,
And thus indirectly aid and abet those who the whistle blowers warn of via some conspiracy theory.

While some conspiracy theories are mere fiction, others contain elements of truth, truth worth picking up on,
'Cause once dismissed, or not kept a note of, such is easily lost, and not easy to again get one’s hands on.
And often it’s only by gathering a little here and there that we discover the truth of the matter,
Which in many cases, that naivety that’s oft only worthy of contempt, would very quickly shatter.

And hence why we shouldn’t put too much faith in men, regardless of their position or seeming integrity,
'Cause those with great evil in mind, have often hidden behind organisations and pretended piety.
After all, that’s the nature of conmen, and their preferred modus operandi, which many often ensnares,
And which is also oft found in such theories, and why we need to have very informed and attuned eyes and ears.

Yes, some conspiracy theories are right on the money.

By Lance Landall


“It can be very difficult, if not impossible, to find solid evidence for many truths given that those behind the scenes (and often in sheep’s clothing), hardly advertise their evil doings and vigorously discredit both messenger and his or her possible discovery, which, may still be in the making and thus even easier for folk to portray as another conspiracy theory.”
The Author

“Before we knock conspiracy theories, we should remember that history is awash with conspiracies that proved true, evil plotters having had a feild day."
The Author

14.  Best You Know It Well

Many years ago, when I was a school boy, I displayed very little interest in history,
Considering such boring back then, but not today though, 'cause now I view things very differently.
Yes, I have come to realise just how important a sound knowledge of this Earth’s history is, lest we
Repeat the mistakes of the past, which we’re actually doing, and which will cost us very dearly.

However, what I’ve found is that history can be different to the official records, and why
We need to do our own research, and extremely thoroughly, lest there as well, we also go awry.
'Cause it’s one thing to have a lot of knowledge, but if that knowledge isn’t accurate, or some of it,
We’re sure to go amiss somewhere, somehow, 'cause not all of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle will fit.

The truth is, that we can’t guarantee that everything we read and hear is correct, hence my warning here,
And why even when it comes to conspiracy theories, we can’t afford a disbelieving grin or sneer.
But rather, should keep an open mind, tucking such away on our mental shelves, lest some day such prove true,
And in the meantime (if it’s worth the time and effort), a thorough, unbiased investigation pursue.

Yes, far too many people are too accepting of what they read and hear, displaying naivety;
So sure that such and such couldn’t possibly be so — that is, when other people say differently.
And thereby, in their dismissal of such, they imperil themselves, and even those who are in their care,
And all because they believed the official line, say, rather than what others sincerely chose to share.

Yes, when it comes to history, its best you know it inside out.

By Lance Landall


"Many journalists now are no more than channelers and echoers of what George Orwell called the 'official truth'. They simply cipher and transmit lies. It really grieves me that so many of my fellow journalists can be so manipulated that they become really what the French describe as 'functionaires', functionaries, not journalists."
John Pilger, Australian journalist

"There are trends in journalism which are not serving New Zealand well.
Our reporters are younger, the depth of experience is shallower.
To say you can walk off the street to become a press gallery reporter maybe an exaggeration, but not much of one.
Our reporters are underpaid and overloaded. Juggling cameras, live blogging, while focused on writing snap stories creates a focus for breaking news not thinking news.
Reporters draw fast to spout their personal opinion. Few will tell you what an event means.
And our media walk through the door with a predetermined narrative and then repeatedly ask questions to fit that narrative. That is called confirmation bias, and it is prolific.
Our society should be worried about the currency and influence of our news.
It is not an exaggeration to question the viability of the fourth estate function.
There are genuine questions about the currency of our journalism.
Can we be confident our media will enhance reasoned democratic debate, or is a steady trend of celebrity, crime, and shark stories causing our population to disengage?
Many of our news outlets give the same platform to a social media blogger, an activist self -titled as a journalist, a public relations consultant who provides political commentary, and those titled as political editors.
Credibility is diluted. The boundaries between fact and fiction are blurred."
Part of a speech given by Winston Peters, Leader of the New Zealand First Party,
Thursday 12 December 2019.

15.  Seeing Things Where There Aren't Things

There’s certainly evidence of deceptive behind the scene activity,
But some are seeing something in everything — fixated, actually.
Yes, something might be to do with those behind the scene, but might also not be,
And thus we somewhat making a fool of our self, causing concern needlessly.

Things that are naught to do with those behind the scene can aid conveniently,
And thus weren’t created by them in order to achieve some skulduggery.
And hence the danger in being too fixated on evil activity,
Rather than being aware, unlike those with their head in the sand, foolishly.

The informed don’t miss a trick, but some see same villains under every bed,
And behind every lamppost, hence how misinformation is often spread.
And thereby, some listeners closing their mind to things altogether, when they
Should still keep it open, lest most was right about what those people had to say.

Yes, the informed have sharp eyes, and where it’s warranted, should pass that knowledge on,
But never indulging in anarchy, because the wise, a fool’s hat won’t don.
In the end, what will happen will happen, our conscience to remain true and clear,
And thus we minding just what things we pass on, lest thorough scrutiny it not bear.

What needs to be remembered too, is that its not always the government’s fault,
But that of those behind the scene who’re really calling the shots, and good plans halt.
Governments held hostage, or fooled into going along with things, sad to say,
And hence why my faith and hope is found elsewhere, and why on your behalf, I pray.

By Lance Landall

16.  Going, Going...

I'd really like to know just how much you value freedom and liberty,
Because both of them are going, going…subtly and very rapidly.
If your answer is, “Very much”, then I would guard them very jealously,
'Cause should they both disappear, I am sure that you would miss them dreadfully.

Yes, freedom and liberty are things that we cannot take for granted, friend,
Otherwise, both of them will inevitably come to a screeching end.
You see, this freedom that we enjoy, and civil-religious liberty,
Only remain where they are strongly protected and nurtured faithfully.

It’s very clear to me that certain forces are working to undermine
This precious freedom we currently have — yes, our birthright is on the line.
There isn't a single doubt in my mind that liberty is under threat,
Which is why we need to take care, lest such we foolishly aid and abet.

And such we certainly will aid and abet, if we do not play our part,
By doing everything that we can to see that neither of them depart.
And hence why we cannot remain inactive, nor not let our voice be heard,
Otherwise, we will just aid some nasty Power that will have the last word.

And nor should we let terrorism steal our freedom and our liberty,
Via the foolish and wrongful introduction of laws legislatively.
No, we just can’t allow any government the kind of authority
That could very quickly see them ruling secretly and oppressively.

So be very watchful for the sake of your spouse, family, and any friend,
And for your fellow citizens also, for danger lies around the bend.
Yes, it has all happened before, and it seems that it will happen again,
In fact, I’m very, very sure that it is only a matter of, “When?”

Earth's history has clearly shown that those people who do not make a stand
Their precious freedom, and precious liberty, soon to other people hand.
Hence why we all should learn from history, and should face this grave threat head-on,
Or soon it will just be a case of — yes, you guessed it, going, going, gone.

By Lance Landall

17.  There's A Bigger Picture

It’s concerning but true, that most are too caught up in their own little world, lost in novels, movies and TV,
And thus so unaware of the bigger picture, what’s really going on out there — and this, perilously,
'Cause while lost in their own little world, certain things are taking shape, things that will soon engulf humanity,
And for the worst, though packaged deceptively, of which the average Joe has no idea, tragically.

Yes, life can be tough, and there are times when we all indulge in escapism, and quite understandably,
But for many (perhaps most), such has become very unhealthy, and why certain dangers they fail to see,
'Cause they’re living in a world that has far more to do with falsehood (spiel) and fantasy than reality,
Hence how they’re more easily deceived — and who knows, is such partly achieved via the media-cum-TV?

Well, I believe such is, for oh, how the masses are being fed and educated by such, young folk more so,
For such has become their parent, teacher, and even minister, and why little truth and wisdom they know.
Yes, they unwitting pawns in an evil game, one that covets their heart and mind — indeed, the hearts and minds of all,
Which if they knew the truth of, and how they’re being manipulated and deceived, would anger and appal.

Yes, they far too caught up in their pleasures-cum-sandcastles, even petty concerns, the big picture lost,
They too immersed in, or intoxicated by, the less important, if important at all, and at what cost?
Well, that cost could be very high indeed, even their freedom and liberty, and why we all need to see
That outside of our own little world, there’s a bigger picture, one that’s being created very cunningly.

By Lance Landall

18.  Plotters

The world is full of plotters who’re busy scheming treacherously,
Creating wars and mayhem, and shaping the course of history.
Yes, plotters with agendas, and tentacles universally,
Who’re attempting to control and manipulate humanity.

Therefore, history as we know it, isn’t always correct, and,
Not just a case of how things turned out, but rather, were wickedly planned.
“Truth is stranger than fiction” it is said, and how true that can be,
Hence why Investigative Journalism proves necessary.

And why everybody should do their homework, conscientiously,
Reading broadly, researching, and questioning habitually.
Too many seem to have their head in the sand, displaying apathy,
Which thereby ups the chances of us all losing our liberty.

That “evil prospers because good men do nothing” is also true,
However, such effectively makes those so-called “good men” guilty too,
'Cause why don’t they say or do something — that is, if they’re able to,
And if they’re truly “good men” — 'cause surely that is what good men do?

Yes, if only folk knew the half of it, shocked and surprised they’d be,
For so many things that affect us all, happen in secrecy.
Hence why we should enlighten ourselves, at least as far as we can,
Lest we be led astray via the cunning words and actions of man.

Hate politics? Well, you’re not alone, but interested you should be,
'Cause we’re all affected by decisions that are made politically.
Only fools ignore what’s happening around them, which doesn’t pay,
Given that when cats aren’t prowling, even more so, the mice will play.

Yes, the world is full of plotters, and such plotters there’ll always be,
Hiding behind organizations, even acting religiously.
Thus we’re either on guard or not, active or inactive, invariably,
And thereby, innocent of wrongdoing, or guilty, subsequently.

By Lance Landall

19.  Careful Now

So many folk are feeling fearful, and whenever you ask them why,
They quickly point to terrorism, and how things have gone so awry.
Yes, they’re feeling very insecure, for they’ve been shaken to the core,
And one thing they're worried about, is, that terrorists have more in store.

So, because they’re feeling fearful, and are afraid of what else might be,
They're accepting certain changes that are eroding their liberty,
And thereby, are giving more Power to the ones who're holding the reins,
Which is how an even greater danger their future and freedom claims.

Yes, I believe that an evil Power will soon rule this world we’re in,
And that we in recent years have been witnessing its strong grip begin.
Hence why we shouldn’t let terrorism aid this power on its way,
For once it gains full control, we'll be far worse off than we are today.

Terrorism is ensuring that what I am saying will occur,
'Cause security, much more than liberty, some seemingly prefer.
But such is a very bad exchange, one that something far worse will bring,
Which many people will not realize until they feel its fatal sting.

Whether it's only one person, or a number who are in control,
If they wrongfully subtract from freedom, they're subtracting from one’s soul.
And even the well-intentioned err too, when with other’s rights they play,
Simply creating pawns and puppets, casualties too, along the way.

No, our freedom of expression, and civil-religious liberty,
Should never ever be encroached upon, but defended fearlessly.
And neither should the Church and the State be joined, encouraged to marry,
For the cost of that union is something we can’t afford to carry.

Politics and religion, when they are wedded, just lead to trouble;
Such promises much, perhaps, but can’t deliver, it’s like a bubble,
'Cause later on, it simply bursts, as such wrong unions should never be,
And besides, history has shown that they always end disastrously.

Thus, all those calls to join together for the well-being of everyone,
Are okay up to a point, but beyond that point, they will come undone,
For with all under the one umbrella, so much easier it’ll be
For some evil Power to arise that will control humanity.

Therefore, any calls for security, and those calls for unity,
Should be treated with the greatest of care, lest even worse come to be,
 For curtailing citizens rights in the so-called interests of man,
Can simply aid an evil agenda, or very misguided plan.

Oh yes, it has all happened before, and it will again, I believe,
And amidst our loss of freedom (under oppression), we’ll deeply grieve,
For once people play with liberty, once they trade things that they should not,
They very soon become oppressed. Why? Because history they forgot.

By Lance Landall

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