I swore, by the bones of my father and mother,
the eyes of my sister, the life of my brother.
I swore, by the cross of the Lord, whom I love,
and by all the angels of God up above
that I wouldn’t swear anymore.
I swore, by that song: the sweet song of salvation.
By blood-spattered flag of our war-weary nation.
I swore by the bible and all that is holy.
By storms that sail swiftly and streams that glide slowly
that I wouldn’t swear anymore.
I swore, by the truth, that's been twisted and tortured.
By fruit plucked by Eve in old Eden's fair orchard.
I swore, by the way and the truth and the life.
By the unending love that I have for my wife
that I wouldn’t swear anymore.
I swore by the blood of with cowards who’d crossed me,
my sword blade would spill from their wounds that would run free.
I swore to get even, by vengeance and fury.
That I’d be the judge and that I’d be the jury,
but I will not swear anymore.
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Author:
Blue-eyed Bolla (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: March 8th, 2025 11:36
- Comment from author about the poem: (James 5 v 12 “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.”)
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 9
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett
Offline)
Comments1
Most beautifully worded this powerful poem makes its point how hypocrisy and unkept promises rank higher than intentions and in its irony the point is made. Thou shalt not kill but in war it's okay, though shalt not work on the sabbath but if one's ox is in the mire okay, the context makes a difference to many. There seems to be no black and white even to the rigid or orthodox.
Many thanks, Soren, for your full feedback and understanding of what I was trying to say - and for taking the time.
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