A slippery slope

sorenbarrett

“Imagine that you are creating a fabric of human destiny with the object of making men happy in the end, giving them peace and rest at last. Imagine that you are doing this but that it is essential and inevitable to torture to death only one tiny creature...in order to found that edifice on its unavenged tears. Would you consent to be the architect on those conditions? Tell me. Tell the truth. “

Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

 

How important is the life of one?

Is it as valuable as that of all?

For the populous do you sacrifice one on the alter of the sun?

Who have we delegated to make this call?

 

In war individuals are sent involuntarily to fight

for a nation that stands for individual freedom and liberty

We put criminals to death, considering them a blight

yet preach: judge not, nor take life, forgiveness will set you free

 

For the fetus do we sacrifice the life of a pregnant mother,

or the life of the child do we trade?

Who has the right to make such choices for another?

Yet choices must be made

 

From a sinking ship only so many will fit in a life boat

Who goes and who stays?

What qualities are used to choose who remains afloat?

Is it only the one who pays?

  • Author: sorenbarrett (Offline Offline)
  • Published: January 21st, 2024 10:45
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 8
  • User favorite of this poem: Bella Shepard.
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Comments2

  • Bella Shepard

    The questions of such sacrifice seem almost unanswerable, and yet at times, must be answered. You pose the dilemma of conscience. A mind challenging write my friend!

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you so much Bella for your visit and read it is most appreciated as is your kind comment.

    • Goldfinch60

      Intriguing words soren and so true, do we sacrifice one to move on, I haven't in my life.

      Andy

      • sorenbarrett

        Thanks so much Gold for the read and comment. In order to make decisions there must be an understanding of what is important. Most people being only into the moment do not see what may result in the future from their decisions today.



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