Turn out the lights

sorenbarrett

Order to disorder flows in a house where chaos grows

Overturn the ages, roll back the sea,

Break the stone tablets of nature's commandments by technology

Put a new god on the throne

Put a child to tame the wild, enslave nature and make it our own

All enemies are barbarians, their beliefs pagan, we being blinded by their mirror shields

Ignorance our sword, bias our aegis against a foe that truth's blade wields

We fight for justice, freedom and love not understanding greater values above

We one link in a never ending chain the rest beyond our brain does remain

Change rules over static fools, no right or wrong in victory's song

The right of the many over a few here unity takes priority in survival

With an overloaded and sinking boat would we take on board our rival?

In a war, murderer a hero, if his side should win, in loss his act a sin

Butcher or harvester killers of life, feeding a population

Human choice creation or devastation

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Comments +

Comments11

  • David Wakeling

    Wow creation or devastation? What a choice. This is a powerful poem that explores the many ways that the world should undergo change. Many strange opposites are placed together here. I enjoyed reading it. It made me think at every line. Well done compadre

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you David I deeply appreciate your review and comment that insightfully interprets it.

    • Poetic Licence

      A lovely write carefully placing opposites together, highlighting many ways the world and us need to change, otherwise there will be only one answer to the question asked, enjoyed the read

      • sorenbarrett

        Thank you Tobani for your read and understanding comment it is most appreciated

        • Poetic Licence

          You are very welcome

        • arqios

          “Turn out the lights” feels like a challenge to how we define progress, truth, and morality. It warns that technology and power, when used without wisdom, can lead us to destroy nature and lose our values. It shows how victory often decides what’s considered right or wrong, and how we use belief to protect ourselves from truths we don’t want to face. In the end, it reminds us that we hold the power to choose between creation and destruction. 🕊️🙏🏻

          • sorenbarrett

            You have deeply understood the meaning of the poem and that our values are not but a lower view of greater values beyond our comprehension. It is most appreciated

          • Teddy.15

            In a war, murderer a hero, if his side should win, in loss his act a sin

            Kudos my friend 🌹

            • sorenbarrett

              Thank you my friend for your review and support it is always most appreciated

            • orchidee

              Good write SB. Erm, I've not quite got the hang of the title - argghhh! do ya hear me? I turned out the lights and fell down the stairs! (Did I? heehee). It's that old Orchi mucking about again, says Fido. Of course, I deeply MISunderstood the poem. heehee.

              • sorenbarrett

                Well Orchi the light biblically usually is associated with truth and the poem is about we don't understand the truth so the lights are turned off. Hope you didn't harm yourself in that fall. Turn the lights back on before climbing back up.

                • orchidee

                  Yes lol.

                • JD Boye

                  Excellent technique that really forced me to slow down and process the conflicting themes. A very good mind stretch!

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Thank you JD for your review and most kind words of encouragement and support they are most appreciated

                  • Tristan Robert Lange

                    This is brilliant, Soren. Truly. The depth packed into each line caught me off guard—in the best way. It’s tight, sharp, and layered with insight. Form and message are completely in sync. You’ve delivered something powerful here, my friend. 🌹🔥👏

                    • sorenbarrett

                      You humble me my friend. Thank you so much for reviewing this and your most kind words they are always most appreciated

                      • Tristan Robert Lange

                        You are most welcome! An excellent write indeed!

                      • Lorenz

                        Let's leave the light on so that te flies can come and burn themselves ...

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you Lorenz your words are most appreciated

                        • Mottakeenur Rehman

                          Your poem masterfully weaves chaos and order, challenging nature and morality with striking imagery. The raw power of your words forces us to confront humanity’s contradictions—creation and destruction, unity and conflict. A thought-provoking piece that lingers long after reading.

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you so much Mottakeenur your words mean a great deal to me.

                          • Thomas W Case

                            Powerful work.

                            • sorenbarrett

                              Thanks you Thomas your read is most appreciated

                            • Doggerel Dave

                              All been said above, actually. As usual, I came late to the party. I don't know where you find the energy and time here Soren, but I for one am really glad you do.

                              • sorenbarrett

                                Thanks Dave appreciate the read and visit. Time is relative and like all relatives it comes around too frequently and stays too long. Have a great day

                                • Doggerel Dave

                                  😆Given my antiquity, relatives have mostly disappeared from my existence. Conservation of energy here - can't feel, given your angst, I'm missing much!



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