The Poem

PAGE 2

Liberty and Freedom Quotes

If wanting (in a 5 minute quick and simple form) to know (based on the Bible) what all the chaos is about and where it's all heading, see the article at the bottom of those Liberty and Freedom Quotes called:
Why Is God Allowing It All?





Please note:
Some of the poems on this particular page are Christian poems, or poems that contain a degee of Christian content.
Biblical texts may also
be present underneath such poems.




"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Martin Luther King, Jr
(1929-1968)

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
Martin Luther King, Jr
(1929-1968)

"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
Elie Wiesel

"Truth is not only violated by falsehood;
it may be equally outraged by silence."

Henri Frederic Amiel
(1821-1881)

"Your silence gives consent."
Plato
(428/427 B.C. -
348/347 B.C.)

"Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph."
Haile Selassie
(1892-1975)

    "Silence, where silence shouldn't be,
    equals culpability."

    The poet, author

"The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls."
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
(1815-1902)

"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare."
Mark Twain
(1835-1910)

"The voice of protest, of warning, of appeal is never more needed than when the clamor of fife and drum, echoed by the press and too often by the pulpit, is bidding all men fall in and keep step and obey in silence the tyrannous word of command. Then, more than ever, it is the duty of the good citizen not to be silent."
Charles Eliot Norton
(1827-1908)

"Cowardice asks the question: is it safe? Expediency asks the question: is it politic? Vanity asks the question: is it popular? But conscience asks the question: is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular- but one must take it simply because it is right."
Martin Luther King Jr 
(1929-1968)

"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 Kennedy
(1917-1963)

"It is easier to find a score of men wise enough to discover the truth than to find one intrepid enough, in the face of opposition, to stand up for it."
Archibald A. Hodge 
(1835-1910)

"Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."
Leonardo da Vinci
(1452-1519)

"Truth is violated by falsehood, but it is outraged by silence." Henri-Frederic Amiel
(1821-1881)

"Don't let the day come where you regret your silence."
The poet, author

"To buckle under serious persecution is understandable, but to not stand up and speak out when you should and can, and when all you’ll encounter is ridicule, is to act cowardly, shamefully and selfishly."
The poet, author

"Let every voice be heard lest any voice that’s silenced prove to be one that shouldn’t have been."
The poet, author

"It's better to rage over ill than to keep quiet and still."
The poet, author

"Freedom of expression includes the right to say things that other folk don’t want to hear."
The poet, author

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of
the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
Samuel Langhorne
Clemens
(1835-1910)
Known by his pen name, Mark Twain

"In an age of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."
George Orwell
(1903-1950)

“Nothing is more revolting than the majority; for it consists of few vigorous predecessors, of knaves who accommodate themselves, of weak people who assimilate themselves, and the mass that toddles after them without knowing in the least what it wants”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1832)


"Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side."
Author Unknown

"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place."
Mohandas Gandhi
(1869-1948)

“That the desires of the majority of the people are often for injustice and inhumanity against the minority, is demonstrated by every page of the history of the whole world.”
John Adams
(1735-1826)

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority."
 Ralph W. Sockman
(1889-1970)

"The voice of the majority is no proof of justice.”
Friedrich von Schiller 
(1759-1805)

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
James Madison
(1751-1836)

"There is nothing worth living for, unless it is worth dying for."
Elizabeth Elliot

"Much of the social history of the Western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good. In area after area - crime, education, housing, race relations - the situation has gotten worse after the bright new theories were put into operation. The amazing thing is that this history of failure and disaster has neither discouraged the social engineers nor discredited them."
Thomas Sowell

"The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie. One word of truth outweighs the world."
Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008)

"Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground."
Author Unknown


"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
(1882-1945)

“We, who have so much, must do more to help those in need. And most of all, we must live simply, so that others may simply live.”
 Ed Begley Jr.

"The first law of ecology is that everything is related to everything else."
Barry Commoner

"Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one."
Chinese Proverb

"The world is wrong side up. It needs to be turned upside down in order to be right side up."
Billy Sunday
(1862-1935)

 "He is the best orator who can turn men's ears into eyes."
Arabian proverb

"Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do."
Voltaire
(1694-1778)

"Truth only offends where it's not liked, not  wanted, or not believed."
The poet, author


"Civilization today reminds me of an ape with a blowtorch playing in a room full of dynamite. It looks
like the
monkeys are about to operate the zoo, and the inmates are taking over the asylum.”
Vance Havner (1901-1986)


The subject matter being:

Our ailing planet.
Speaking out.
Freedom of expression.
Due prudence (rightful protesting).
Societal concerns.
Hope verses hopelessness, and
Error and apologetics.

My LOCKDOWN poem, number 60, is also on YouTube — that link underneath it.



"There's greater danger in trying to limit freedom of expression than
there is in permitting its abuse."

The poet, author





The poem:

Poetry With A Mission

My website, Poetry With A Mission, contains purpose based poetry,
Poems that care passionately about our planet and humanity.
In other words, love using poetry as a vehicle to express
Its concern over many things that we need to face and quickly address.

Yes, poetry (alias me) that is wanting the best for you and I,
Which is why it’s terribly concerned over things that are going awry,
And why it’s attempting to play a part via the use of rhythm and rhyme,
'Cause changes are badly needed; we’ve rivers to cross and mountains to climb.

And hence its very thought provoking content that hopefully you’ll dwell on,
Lest silence, indifference or inaction soon see certain liberties gone,
And then freedom too, 'cause both will certainly go if they’re not protected,
All why subtle erosions and any foul play need to be detected.

You see, our choices, dear friend, individually or collectively,
Determine not only our destiny, but also this planet’s destiny,
Whether crime will rise, warring continue, strife, starvation or poverty,
In other words, friend, whether good or evil will triumph, ultimately.

There’s no question that this world is in a mess, and quickly heading downhill,
And in fact, there are those of us who consider it terminally ill.
But whether it's terminally ill or not, it’s clearly in a bad way,
Hence those things we need to face and address, not tomorrow, but now, today.

Yes, sometimes we need to be stirred — that is, shaken out of our apathy,
Or perhaps we foolishly have our head in the sand, believe something falsely,
Maybe we're biased, prejudiced, have been somewhat programmed or wrongly fed,
Or are simply not prepared to do or say anything because we’re scared.

Well, fear’s certainly understandable sometimes, but fear won't get us far,
Unless we want to be controlled, that is, for those who let fear win, soon are.
Life without that freedom and liberty that we've known is just existing,
Kowtowing, capitulating, and thus tyrants and dictators assisting.

Today, and far more than ever, we need men and women who’re not for sale;
That is, those who can’t be bought or sold, and who’ll see right and not wrong prevail,
Yes, those who're prepared to call a spade a spade and remain honest and true,
Those who're prepared to make a stand, and despite whatever they might go through.

Sometimes — even often — straight things need to be said, need to be heard or read,
And far more so, wherever people only want to hear nice things instead.
After all, reality needs to be faced, lest some danger overtake,
And which it will do if we're falsely lulled, have a closed mind or aren’t awake.

We may not like what others have to say, but hey, we should never stop them,
And all attempts to curb or halt freedom of expression strongly condemn.
'Cause after all, it’s only via such freedom that truth can ever be found,
Hence why those who've something to fear, or hide, want the truth gone, or tightly bound.

There are certain medicines that we hate, yet need in order to get well,
Which only the very foolish would refuse, and whom we would soon farewell.
Yes, “No pain, no gain,” is certainly true — thus, some medicines we should take,
Be that via the mouth, the ears, or other, lest we badly suffer or ache.

And therefore, with the greatest of respect and via poetic tradition,
I humbly present my poetry website Poetry With A Mission.
But please be aware that the reading of my poetry will soon reveal
An open, inquiring, receptive mind, or a closed one, some Achilles heel.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on the 11 January 2021.







“The masses have never thirsted after truth. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master;
whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim."
Gustave Le Bon (1841-1931)


15.  Don't Want To Offend?

If you don’t want to offend, how can you be honest and say what you really think? — as one should,
Otherwise, such simply becomes a game — a charade — which doesn't do anyone any good.
And in fact, can even lead to injury, and that, “Well why didn’t you say then?” so oft heard,
All because someone was too scared of treading on someone’s toes, thus withholding that needed
 word.

Such is often tied in with that "political correctness" nonsense, a plague on all of us,
For it gets in the way of honesty, just pussyfoots around, and hampers what folk discuss.
And so too that fear of offending, for though there’s a time and place, many still won’t say a word,
Which is why many aren’t told what they should be, or if they are, “I heard it from a little bird.”

And then there're those who get someone to “do their dirty work for them” (as some say), and this meaning:
They seek the bravery or foolishness of someone else, thus sometimes wisdom contravening.
For go-betweens can complicate things, even cause things to worsen, hence some explosions we see,
Such all part and parcel of what can happen when we’re not honest with others like we should be.

The truth is, that if we really do care about others, we will be honest, though it offend,
For those who act differently often act irresponsibly, hurting folk more in the end.
And meantime, kowtowing to weakness and popularity, neither they nor the other growing,
Such all being why we shouldn’t be afraid to offend — and thus our thoughts, others clearly knowing.

All due care and thought, of course.

By Lance Landall



16.  Never Hinder Protest

When folk aren’t given the opportunity to air their discontent, and have it taken seriously,
And this, in a supportive, safe and impartial setting, they’re oft left feeling mistreated, helpless and angry.
And there you have the makings of trouble, something that could even make headline news, and unsurprisingly,
For such can have folk festering inside, they outraged at the unfairness, and thus plotting treacherously.

Yes, it never pays to treat anyone’s grievance lightly or casually, nor to put things in their way,
And that meaning, obstacles that make it hard for them to air such — in other words, to at least have their say.
For those who hinder or deprive folk of this basic right, are not only acting very inhumanely,
But playing with fire, for who might they be dealing with? Someone who’s somewhat unstable emotionally?

And this not apparent, or not to a degree that raises concern, hence those surprises that we can get,
We never thinking someone would do what they did, nor they perhaps, but they did, and which they may well regret.
But oh, how anger can burn, and sometime, somehow and somewhere ignite, for no one likes being treated unfairly,
And why all should be listened to, given a fair hearing, even if their complaint is deemed rather silly.

When folk can’t have their say-cum-air some grievance, they can lose heart, give up, stop contributing and walk away,
Which is how the valuable input of many gets lost, and why some as a result of such, go astray;
Or how they become zealots, their anger fuelling some mission, they kicking back at some organisation,
Or taking it out on society, and who’s to blame but those who created such a situation.

By Lance Landall



17.  Just Say It

“It’s not what you say, but how you say it,” they say, which to be honest, isn’t entirely true,
For no matter how we say some things, folk can still get upset, and what we're saying misconstrue.
And sometimes people need a jolt, enter those sharper words and that firmer approach, otherwise,
They might remain in danger, or continue their ill, which in this case, a tough stance justifies.

And hence the strident pen, one hoping that the written word will do what one can’t do verbally,
For many aren’t approachable, they as sensitive as the Richter scale, reacting angrily.
Yes, no matter how carefully we choose our words, there are those who react very childishly,
But if something needs saying, it should still be said, such being the unpleasant side of one’s duty.

And that’s where many bomb out, their backbone hardly straight and strong, excuses coming thick and fast,
They not even bothering with words, let alone carefully chosen words, lest they get a blast.
But better a blast and someone better off — well, hopefully — than we simply saving our own skin,
And bearing in mind that warnings not given can sometimes kick back at us, and then be rubbed in.

Seems no one wants to be told, and that no one wants to do the telling, and hence much ill we see,
And things would be even worse if it weren’t for those few brave souls who refuse to behave PC.
Yes, time we returned to those days when folk spoke their mind, and didn’t let others get away with things,
For out of that silence that’s motivated by fear and self-preservation, nothing good springs.

By Lance Landall



18.  Best It's Hollered

When someone is near the edge of a cliff, do we smile and casually say, “Nice day, take care,”
Or do we holler, “Look out! You’re too close! Get back!" our concern clear, thus creating healthy fear?
Well, if someone asked me, I’d say to do the latter, such displaying far more loving concern,
And under the circumstances is exactly what’s needed, lest too late, one’s fellowman learn.

However, many can’t see the danger even when it’s hollered, and don’t like folk hollering;
Not that that casual “Take care” goes down any better, for to that which is cherished, most cling.
Yes, they not wanting to veer from that path they’re on, even though it’s taking them close to the edge,
And the likelihood of a fatal fall — their view obstructed by a deceiving self-imposed hedge.

But though such be the case, something should still be said; and given that neither approach goes down well,
One might as well holler, though such warnings should be loud and clear, and this, even if looks could kill.
For folk need to know — and thus one’s duty done — and bearing in mind that others could be affected,
And hence why love does all it can to ensure that certain principled fences are erected.

Yes, best it’s hollered — we having done our uttermost — and given that these days, fewer seek to warn,
Which is why those fewer voices need to be louder, just like the chirping of birds heard at dawn.
And this, in order to also bring reality home to those who have their head in the sand,
And who the noble intentions of those who’re trying to help them see, sadly misunderstand.

By Lance Landall





"The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachments by men of zeal, well-meaning
but without understanding."
Louis Dembitz Brandeis (1856-1941)

19.  Canaries In The Mine

You know, when it came to a title for this poem, I was caught between two, the other one being:
Love’s Last Chance Before Darkness Falls, given the encroachments on liberty that some aren’t seeing.
Well, Canaries In The Mine won the day, for canaries were once critical in many mines,
And so too today, given the darkness and explosiveness of the times, and certain bad signs.

But you know, encroachments on liberty aside, watchmen are required throughout society,
They sounding the alarm wherever there’s good reason, and given some ills that many can’t see.
For once certain doors are opened — and in some cases, tightly shut — it’s too late to do a thing,
And oh, the baleful results, and hence that need of human canaries, one’s who will loudly sing.

And they brave souls, for there are those who don’t want those canaries singing their warning songs, you see,
And who try to shut their singing down, such treachery being at the expense of society.
Or indeed humanity, which is why certain canaries are heard above the rest who sing,
For there are degrees of ill, and the ill that some sing of, heralding what greater ill will bring.

And thus, love’s last chance before darkness falls, perhaps, for only those who truly care seek to warn,
And given all the heads in the sand, it’s not just chirping needed, but a locomotive’s horn.
And who likes jarring blasts? — but with deadly serious danger only moments in time away,
Those who see the danger are left with no choice, hence their cries, which all should very carefully weight.

Yes, too many far too busy, distracted, disinterested or asleep.

By Lance Landall





"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."
Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

20.  Are You A Mere Shadow?

Yes, it’s better to speak up, stand up, and do something rather than nothing, even should you err,
Than to live a life of sheer mediocrity, as far too many people seem to prefer.
Better your presence be noticed and felt, you thus contributing and provoking worthwhile thought,
Rather than living an introspective life that humanity wise achieves little or naught.

Better to be thought a fool than to be one via failing to try and halt any wrong you could have,
And via letting anyone’s thoughts about you get in the way of whether you should or shouldn’t have.
Better to face opposition for the sake of what’s best and right than to keep quiet and distant,
You not kowtowing to threats, frowns, jeers or sneers, but rather, being courageous, true and consistent.

Yes, it’s better to leave this world having made a difference, having brightened, lightened and shared,
Having pondered on the meaning of life and the lot of others, and having shown that you cared.
And thus you at peace having not stood idly by, nor sought your own comfort, or self-preservation,
But rather, having lost yourself in what really makes a life, and becomes an inspiration.

Better to say and do what one should and not simply please, as if wanting to look good to all,
For where’s the honesty and transparency in holding back, not being who you are, warts and all?
And thus you just another one who passed through life as if a shadow-cum-minus what made it,
You far too absorbed with being Mr Nice and not treading on toes to be of much benefit.

Or a Mrs Nice, forgetting that those who dare not offend cannot be honest, (nor helpful),
They not wanting to upset by saying the truth, even though the truth would prove more beneficial.
And such being why a “Hands off,” “Keep out of it,” “Don’t rock the boat” approach does far more harm than good,
For falsehood, wrong and evil will simply prosper, and some errant ones not attain adulthood.

Hence the question: Are you a mere shadow? — and thus this world little better off for you being here,
Not that anyone’s worthless or not precious, but context wise, you a tree that little fruit will bear.
In other words, you drawing a lifetime of nutrients from this Earth with little in return,
Your looking the part and avoiding being bothered by the elements being your only concern.

Well, I hope that’s not the case, and you, more concerned with right than with what others think of you,
And thus speaking out, standing up, doing something rather than naught or little, where you can do.
And also packing as much effort into others as you would your life, you no mere shadow,
But a living example of what’s really a life, one that substance and not just froth will show.

By Lance Landall



21.  Crosses Come With Every Such Hero

Many who’re trying to stand up and speak out are struggling under that burden,
For it’s an unpopular road, a heavy weight to bear, and supporters thin.
Yes, trumpeters sometimes silenced, often hindered, and some of these folk aren’t well,
But love and duty calls, and they respond, come applause or some personal hell.

And they can feel like a fool, others even treating them so, but on they press,
Some forfeiting their life, many forfeiting comforts and even happiness.
Their mission oft a solemn one, much at stake, listeners few, scoffers many,
And as for some deserving medal — well, there usually isn’t any.

And many feeling inadequate, aware of their own failings, but still they stand,
Despite anxieties, knocking knees, or any threats that might be close at hand.
And sadly, some pulling out, the toll too much to bear, and it no wonder s
o,
But least they tried, and bravery rare, for crosses come with every such hero.


By Lance Landall





"You may not like what someone says, but let them say it lest the cork in their bottle blows."
The poet, author

22.  The Real World

We live in the real world where it’s a balancing act, and this being why we see
Those who’re wanting hate speech banned, and those who reason such will impact on liberty.
Hate speech is a horrid thing, thus those calls for an end to it understandable,
But so too those calls for the protection of free speech, inroads but another ill.

Yes, there’s few perfect answers, and therefore, we sometimes having to live with some ill,
Not that I’m on about hate speech here, but simply using such as an example.
A law here coming at the expense of freedom of expression, which, I must say,
Many have paid a price to protect, and all why we have democracies today.

So many holler, “Love!”, and rightly so, but love won’t rule every heart and mind,
Hence why this world will never be an Eden, most being too selfishly inclined.
And so, we working with what we’ve got, idealism belonging with fantasy,
Because one thing’s for sure, we’re never going to get away from reality.

And therefore, we weighing up what’s more important in the scheme of things, and which means
Some will be happy and some won’t, and this all played out in those everyday scenes.
We hardly able to have it both ways, though midst it all, minding humanity,
The rights of all protected where it matters most — yes, ones freedom and liberty.

Losses here seldom coming in one big blow, but in incremental steps, and then
We discovering what we’ve exchanged, or allowed to be taken by evil men.
All why I ask, how many laws and losses does it take before this fact is realised?
A finger, an arm, and then a leg, having been gradually weakened and prised.

All why we need to mind what we holler for, weighing things carefully, lest by chance
We foolishly end up repeating history, when the object is to advance.
Though at the same time having realistic expectations, this world no movie scene,
But reality — and where the path we’re on, either a fool or wise one has been.

And dare we take that path where fools have been, many sincerely thinking they were right,
And even having thought that God was on their side, ’till the truth of things came to light.
Yes, we not able to rid the world of every ill, and this why we should mind,
Lest we end up with bigger monsters, too quickly having joyfully wined and dined.


By Lance Landall




"We should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of opinions that we loathe."
Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr (1841-1935)


23.  There's A Worrying And Dangerous Trend

So many seem to be too frightened to say what they disagree with today,
Lest they get this or that backlash, so who’s bullying who, I’m compelled to say.
Such shutting down of someone’s opposite opinion and right to express it
Is a most worrying and dangerous trend, and hardly to our benefit.

Such simply favours the one side, clearly, those people who don’t want such said,
And thus even a majority being gagged, and a certain something fed.
Everyone nodding in order to avoid flak, backbone having decayed,
Given many don’t want to nod in agreement, but still joining that parade.

Yes, a minority oft having a majority by the throat, and so,
One howled down if disagreeing, and how freedom of expression’s seen to go.
Opposite views deemed everything from hate speech to whatever else, sadly,
One only allowed to say what’s wanted, and that’s dictatorship, if you ask me.

Once upon a time people believed in healthy debate, and all was okay,
But now opposite opinions/beliefs seem to be quickly labelled HATE, say.
Gay marriages a prime example, ’cause how dare you disagree with such, and
As for saying so publicly — well, mind that roar — and oh, how people soon brand

(Not that I’m making a statement here about Gay marriages, please understand).

Yes, all you were doing was expressing your own opinion, and, let me say,
Not treating them badly personally, though too many not seeing it that way.
We only to say what people like, which isn’t very grownup to me,
And how growth is stifled, and hence why challenging is very necessary.

But oh, how challengers are persecuted these days, bullies everywhere,
And shouting, “How dare you say that!” as if ones right to speak out is in their care.
Yes, they dictating what one can and can’t say, thereby stealing ones liberty,
And acting in a way that’s completely contrary to a democracy.

So who are they?

Well, whoever they be, they’re creators of a worrying and dangerous trend,
Thus one having cause to wonder where such behaviour will ultimately end.
Who wants a gagged society, ones mind and right to speak not meant to be policed,
And why from such imposed prisons and shackles everyone should be released.

It’s as if all are being forced (and moulded) into a one-size-fits-all view
Regarding this or that, past lessons forgotten, a coming future we’ll rue.
High profile voices (rich, famous or influential) bagging dissenters, who
Though right, maybe, something outside of the clamour aren’t allowed to say or do.

Once you could say exactly what you thought, folk agreeing or not, but not now,
All and sundry visited upon you, as if to their wishes one should bow.
Otherwise, your job or business at risk, hate mail coming your way, sad to say,
So much for them being in the right, because love simply doesn't act that way.

On one hand they condemn what they call hate, and on the other, act nastily,
Which effectively makes them hypocrites, because they’re also acting badly.
Yes, they’re supposedly all about stopping such, but that’s far from what we see,
They branding, maligning, mistreating and shunning those with whom they disagree,

Who have the right to hold an opposite view, even if very poor it be.

If someone believes that white people are superior to black people, say
(As stupid as that is), Iets respect their right to hold that view, hoping that one day
They’ll realise how wrong they were, having been helped to see in a loving way
(And providing public hate rants and violence had never come into play).

Laws and shouts simply push things underground, when the idea’s to help people see,
They more receptive when kindly shown — force creating more resistance, you see.
Some wrongly informed via Darwin’s racist, survival-of-the-fittest theory,
Which is responsible for many negative things within society.

And so, we’re going from “I am Charlie!” to something the opposite it seems,
Freedom of expression and civil-religious liberty the stuff of dreams.
Inroads into such coming as quick as a robber’s dog, ’cause stealing they are,
And it’s looking like most won’t wake up until all the nonsense has gone too far.

Such howlers want their views respected, but aren't respecting the views of others, who
Often show far more tolerance, fairness and love, like people once used to do.
We're all in different stages of growth, and force always the way of evil,
So when will people learn that it's more about education and example?


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 3 July 2020.

Darwin's theory of evolution has aided white supremacy (so-called white superiority), racism in general,
and eugenics. Note the following quote:
“At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace throughout the world the savage races. At the same time the anthropomorphous apes,
as Professor Schaaffhausen has remarked, will no doubt be exterminated. The break will then be rendered wider,
for it will intervene between man in a more civilised state as we may hope, than the Caucasian and some ape
as low as a baboon, instead of as at present between the negro or Australian and the gorilla.”
Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man





"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."
Eric Arthur Blair, pen name George Orwell (1903-1950)


24.  Don't Cave-in

Don’t cave-in to all the silly nonsense going down, removing this or that,
Just because some can’t handle freedom of expression (opposing cyber chat).
We’re all entitled to our opinions, be they intelligent or silly,
The road to growth and understanding seldom flat, but more bumpy and hilly.

It’s like everyone is running scared, can’t handle the backlash they might get,
Too quick to apologise for what they shouldn’t — popularity, I bet.
Yes, they don’t want to lose friends, fans or even customers, and how we all lose,
Debate an enemy now, and why self-preservation over truth most choose.


By Lance Landall






This poem was inspired by the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, 7th January, 2015,
but is not condoning the content of any Charlie Hebdo cartoon.

"Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition of nearly every other form of freedom."
Benjamin Cardozo (1870-1938)

25.  I Am Charlie, But...

Say, if God himself has given us the freedom to choose our own destiny,
To accept Him or reject Him, to praise Him or curse Him, then hey, who are we
To tell others what they should or shouldn’t say, take their life because of offence,
Thus sneering at liberty and democracy; and by casting aside sense,

Ushering in tyranny as a consequence?

Yes,

Who are we to so arrogantly set ourselves above others, or dictate,
To cry foul because of their right to freedom of expression even should it grate,
To act as if we’re God himself — and hey, are we so immature and thin-skinned
That we can’t handle someone’s poor judgment, bad taste? — and as if we’ve never sinned!

We might not like what someone says or draws, but dare we tinker with such a right,
For only the errant or those with an agenda would have such in their sight.
Yes, such being the first thing chomped on by evil insiders dressed to deceive,
And it so easily impinged on by the clumsy or afraid, I believe.

And why the word sacrosanct comes to mind, the concreting of free speech our aim,
And why when it comes to freedom of expression, everything must be fair game,
Because any line drawn is an automatic infringement, a crying shame,
(Even if done in Heaven’s name),
And one step always being the beginning of more, folk soon lamenting what became.

All why I am Charlie, another defender of unfettered expression,
But one who likes to infuse such with a certain thoughtfulness-cum-discretion.
 For why pointlessly anger, and there are always those who’re easily upset,
And those who just can’t help themselves and foolishly give even worse than they get.

If God’s for real like I believe He is, and given how long we’ve all been here,
He’s far more generous than men, who when it comes to others, long aren’t seen to bear.
And who would have more reason for wrath? — yet here we still are, most cursing His name,
And some even wrongly claiming His permission to dictate, oppress, murder or maim.

Or Muhammad's.

And why it’s also perilous to follow and revere some man — plain folly —
For even good men err, and conmen hardly proclaim their moral poverty.
Hence why no one should be exempt from scrutiny, and why pens should write and draw,
And as for humour, it oft near the truth of things, ill folk foresee, or foresaw.

Yes,

All why I am Charlie, but not a mocker, nor racist and a complete fool,
For free speech shouldn’t be abused, and therefore, one rightly handling any tool.
And not just that, but we treating others as we’d like them to treat us, and why
I will only go so far, and then, where necessary. Thought and sense nearby.

By Lance Landall


"For why pointlessly anger" is referring to those who say or write something provocative
simply for a laugh, or where there isn't a good enough reason for doing so.





"Hate speech is a horrid thing, but any inroad into freedom of expression is a perilous thing."
The poet, author


26.  Hate Speech

When we outlaw hate speech we endanger all speech, and thus free speech hardly free,
But rather, restricted, an oxymoron, it either free or not, surely.
Limits automatically being antagonistic to free speech, and
Always the way of those who throughout history have had something evil planned.

When we start defining what free speech should and shouldn’t be, legislatively,
We effectively render free speech useless, albeit incrementally.
Such defining prone to changing times and hands, a clear threat to liberty,
Free speech only free when its not handicapped by limits that weren’t meant to be.

Restrictions and free speech are incompatible, the former its enemy,
And so, we allowing what might appal, though some folk are riled too easily.
And their idea of what should or shouldn’t be said perhaps draconian, and
A return to sanity much harder or lost, nor helped by heads in the sand.

Yes, best we just ignore those horrid rants, nor attend their meetings, prudently,
Thus not stopping them from speaking lest democracy become mobocracy.
Too many who’re not happy about hate speech acting just as ignorantly,
Just as intolerantly — and hence why sacrosanct, free speech should always be.

Debate with such folk if you want to, though many have already, pointlessly,
But never fight fire with fire; and why protest if free speech is just that, free?
Yes, responsibility comes with free speech, but one can only educate,
Because a loving heart and a noble mind aren’t things that we can legislate.

However,

Encouraging others to maim or kill anyone, is quite another thing,
Just like debate and fighting are worlds apart too, despite how much words may sting.
And thus such evil inciting going well beyond free speech — a crime, in fact,
And why here, law has its place, and thus why here, every government must act.

But when it comes to speech that simply isn’t nice or kind, and even nasty,
Words are just words, and bigger we must be in order to attain maturity.
We grow by meeting confrontation head on, not by running away from it,
Nor by outlawing it, but by assessing whether those words spoken may fit.

And you know, this world’s hardly Heaven, and thus thick-skinned we somewhat need to be,
Lest we make someone’s problem our problem too by reacting just as silly.
This planet’s not made up of saints, and thus perfection hardly reality,
And hence why we must learn to live with things, including begging to disagree,

And hey, how else can tolerance be?

So, should you come across a group ranting or marching that you can’t stand, just go,
Leave them alone, ’cause they’ve that right, and you could be the cause of trouble, you know.
’Cause angrily confronting such folk is like putting a match to paper, and
You the one having produced that match, when violence, say, they may not have planned.

People are getting upset over anything and everything today,
They far too sensitive or petty, not made of tougher stuff, it’s sad to say.
So rather than condemning hate speech, which all should, they want it banned, foolishly,
When that is far more dangerous given its serious threat to liberty.

At the end of the day, our words are our thoughts, and our thoughts are our own, and so,
Given they belong to us, who has the right to control them, and decide “No?”
No one, and hence why we should be able to speak our own mind, say this or that,
Though surely sense and thought dictating, thinking of others being where it’s at.

And thinking of others includes letting them be themselves, letting them have their say,
No matter what we think of them, or what they’ve got to say, ’cause that’s the fair way.
And fair for us too, those of us who don’t like hate speech, and thus our thoughts convey,
In the hope that those foolish imparters of hate speech will see the light one day.

It’s not just free speech we endanger by rushing to outlaw rot some might say,
But justice too, in the sense of laws and punishment getting carried away.
Hence why it’s better to just ignore or condemn certain hollerings, you see,
Keeping laws and punishment for the truly serious, not stupidity.

Derogatory things are one thing, inciting violence quite another,
All families having their spats, but who would threaten their sister or brother,
Or attack them? And that’s where law certainly has its place, and why we should mind,
Lest through drawing the bow too tight, even more losses to liberty we find,

And justice being misused.

The object should be to help folk see, not gag them, laws far too often turned to;
Oh, what folk will give away for perceived security, when they shouldn’t do.
Many talking of tolerance, and yet too quickly removing what offends,
Which hardly produces giants, and hence why it’s no wonder where it all ends.

We should never encroach on the freedoms of many just because of a few
(Those who abuse things), because such is hardly fair, hardly the right thing to do.
There needing to be other ways lest the future become hostage to the past,
We learning too late (having rushed) that on the side of folly our lot we’ve cast.

Stop hate speech and such folk will just get more frustrated and turn to other means,
Secret evil actions, having gone underground, thus working behind the scenes.
Best we see and hear them, not remove their pressure cooker valve, but keep an eye,
We knowing who and where they are, and jumping quickly when "maim" or "kill" they cry.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 3 July 2019.

When we become hypersensitive (over-reactive), we start seeing slights (personal, racist, sexist or bigoted
comments or behaviour) in everything, everywhere; things that one would normally ignore (even not see)
given they’re so minor, a real stretch, or simply perceived as an ill.





"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all."
Noam Chomsky (1928- )

27.  Fake Hate Speech

It seems that anything said that others disagree with is now deemed hate speech;
Or given how badly some are reacting, that’s effectively what they teach.
One hardly able to say anything these days without some sort of backlash,
Be that in the form of certain threats, or an unnecessary, childish clash.

Just as Christ condemned hollow traditions and certain cultural practices
That were hardly wholesome, and not in harmony with Heaven’s pure ways, nor His,
So should we condemn attacks on that same free speech that checks one-sidedness and
That provides an open forum where unwanted but needed truths can still stand.

However, that’s not what that roaring crowd is wanting, and why it is today
That everything’s seemingly hate speech, racist, sexist, and no shade of grey.
And hence that danger that’s wanting certain voices silenced as its judgment deems,
All why free speech, healthy debate and fair play are coming apart at the seams.

It seems no one wants to hear what doesn’t suit, hence their overreacting,
And many are too prissy about things, yet their angry calls for love attracting.
Yes, ironic, isn't it, they fighting fire with fire, fake hate speech oft their rage,
Because much that’s deemed hate speech, racist or sexist, isn't so, yet war they wage.

And many are Christians, but their God not like them, He permitting all to speak,
Thus the whole truth and nothing but the (unpopular) truth would not seek to tweak.
Oh yes, He a straight talker alright, yet falsely accused and put on trial too,
His voice silenced; that so-sure-they-were-right mob the forerunners of today’s crew.

And where will it stop? Their noose pulling tighter and tighter, ignorantly so,
’Cause when it comes to losing freedom and liberty, free speech is the first to go.
Little by little, that is, can’t say this, can’t say that, thus tolerance not learnt,
And how eventually the bridges of freedom and liberty are burnt.

Our right to speak means their right to speak, rights not being a one-sided affair,
And this why opposing voices should be heard despite not liking what some share.
This world’s hardly just for those who think and feel the same, but for everyone,
Otherwise we’re hardly upholders of human rights but our rights, wrongly won.

Political correctness but an enemy, man-hating feminists too,
The former small-mindedness, the latter throwing the baby out, as they do.
The “Me Too” movement taking things too far as well, but that’s how it is today,
Fake hate speech right up there with fake news, and why for the return of sense I pray.

If ones not said something supposedly racist, sexist, or somehow hate based,
It’s homophobic, and one's shouted down, penalized or publicly disgraced.
Thus accusations flying thick and fast, our words censored to the inch degree,
And they’re calling this skewed, medieval approach love — well, you could’ve fooled me.


By Lance Landall



28.  Fake Bigotry

Knock someone’s religion or denomination and you’re a bigot, some say,
Because that’s the silly state of things today, commonsense having gone astray,
’Cause though we all have the right to our own beliefs, those beliefs could be askew,
Or at least somewhere, and that somewhere (if embraced), could well prove harmful to you,

Or to others, and hence why that error should be pointed out for all to see,
Lest not just you, but others embrace it, and so that those errant ones may see,
Those teaching such, who could clearly do with that knowledge too, and hence why we share,
’Cause in order for all to decide rightly, all the info needs to be out there.

Then there’s freedom of choice, this too why that info should be available,
Otherwise we’re shot, and as far as what’s right or not goes, hardly able to see,
’Cause much said and done in God’s name knows nothing of Him, ISIS one example,
But error’s error and best corrected; more so where two draw from the same well,

Like the Bible.

Yes, what many call knocking is but informing, a fair and right thing to do,
Helping both the holder of error and those who might embrace that same wrong too.
Yes, some drawing arguments from the same source, and why it’s important that we
Discover who is right, but how can we if deprived of that ability?

Truth’s only found where we’re free to pursue it, and the truth is oft critical,
It sparing many in the past, and might many in the future, from some ill.
Hence why we shouldn’t disparage knocking, ’cause it’s really not knocking at all,
But informing and correcting, lest via falsehood, anyone stumble or fall.

However, we knocking the error, not the person, conveying things fairly,
Not thoughtlessly, ’cause all have a right to their beliefs, same right to disagree.
It's not knocking but rubbishing that’s the problem, condemning ignorantly,
Or because of what others have said incorrectly — and there's found bigotry!

Or, ignoring and mistreating someone ’cause of their beliefs, as if they’ve no right,
Or mind and conscience of their own (and whereby, they too can choose darkness or light).
This world belonging to individuals, not groups, who’ve no right to enforce
Whatever it is that they think everyone else in the world should endorse.

Were we stopped from challenging another person’s beliefs (religion or church),
Such would simply aid error and falsehood, and into further darkness we’d lurch.
All why knocking is necessary, though some people do knock incorrectly,
But better that than banning the right to challenge, ’cause there would go liberty,

And then enter intolerance, which can be another name for bigotry.

Like with beauty, knocking’s in the eyes of the beholder, a good or bad thing,
And either used rightly or wrongly — and if rightly, positive results can bring.
Yes, someone realising their error or folly as a result, and hence why
When it comes to knocking (showing something up), folk should think before “Foul!” they cry.


By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked and added to on 16 February 2020.

See my article: Why Errors In Any Secular Or Religious Belief Should Be Exposed. This article is
found on my page Things Worth Pondering, Home page, grey box.

Muse:
When I can no longer challenge your beliefs, and you can no longer challenge mine,
Liberty has been assaulted, God offended, and those in power have crossed the line.
When we can no longer point out error, and a charlatan or tyrant expose,
Freedom has become a memory, man enslaved, and truth dismantled by its foes.




29.  Are You Just As Bad?

If someone said (for example) they didn’t approve of Gay marriages, or
Abortion, say, would you then not want anything to do with them anymore,
Thus displaying intolerance — or bigotry, ’cause of what you read of theirs
(Maybe), and choosing not to read the rest, though it fine, even worthy of cheers.

Yes, I’m simply asking, having taken two controversial things, and here
Wanting to know whether you condemn intolerance, yet intolerance share.
In other words, pointing the finger whilst acting the same, but in reverse, say,
Writing off the whole of someone’s garden when there’s good food there too — oh, dismay.

Such not making Earth any better, but just turning a pocket inside out,
It still the same pocket, and hence why I would mind that hypocritical shout.
Yes, that kind of pocket having a hole in it, not much use to anyone,
All being entitled to their view (or their belief), when all is said and done.

And that’s freedom, true freedom, or freedom of expression, say, it real or not,
We having or not having it, and if we haven’t, then what have we got?
Yes, a holed pocket, I’d say, we running to the tune of who, and I would say
A dictator of our choosing, everything to be done his or her way.

It’s one thing to be sympathetic to Gay people, say, and kind we should be
But quite another thing to be intolerant to those who’re anti them, sadly.
We all at different levels of growth and understanding, and free should be,
To hold the view or belief that we do, and that meaning, rightly or wrongly

(It not about those who're born Gay, but same-sex sexual acts, actually).


Yes, everyone’s on about love and tolerance today, but oh dear me,
Look at how many of them act just as badly midst condemning bigotry,
Or intolerance, and how they’ve jumped on a boat with a faulty rudder, and
The truth that it cuts both ways, seem to be extremely sluggish to understand.

Hence my question, are you just as bad, fighting fire with fire, thus a problem too,
Your tie done up, but your shirt hanging out, or could it be that it’s a dirty shoe?
Yes, you leaving a muddy footprint after telling someone to mop up, and
There, my friend, is duplicity, even a frame-up — yes, a very flawed stand.

By Lance Landall



30.  Why Pick On Fundamentalists?

Everyone’s entitled to their beliefs and the strict observance of them,
And if we truly believe in liberty, such people we shouldn’t condemn,
But only those who maim, torture and murder due to their beliefs, like ISIS,
Or who throw bricks, spit at, yell at, and anything else as bigoted as this.

And so, there no problem with fundamentalists, because they have their rights too,
And shouldn’t be confused with zealots, those who a bully boy type path pursue.
Fundamentalists not enforcers but upholders, who truly love and care,
And who what they believe (and in the best interests of others) want to share.

In every religion, denomination, there’re those who lose the plot, and
Act in ways that aren’t acceptable, and which the God of Heaven never planned.
He himself a fundamentalist, leaving no one in doubt as to His will,
But giving all the right to choose, some doing what’s best, and some turning to ill.

Far too many confuse Christianity with Christendom and heresy,
And oft ignorantly given that they’re uneducated biblically.
Some confusing God’s straight talking with harshness, His commands and boundaries too,
All designed to spare us ill, and others too, who’re affected by what we do.

Yes, God calls a spade a spade, points out the sad results of ignoring His will,
He knowing best, and His morals, principles and standards beneficial still.
But He not going around mistreating anyone, nor seeks to maim and kill,
Such but the work of a devil who somehow inspires men to do his will.

So why pick on fundamentalists, because that’s a form of bigotry too,
And just as intolerant, because all have a right to an opposite view.
We may not like it, nor believe it like them, but never should we cross that line,
One that even God won’t cross, His “come let us reason together” suiting fine.

Or would we rather become man-in-the-street dictators, tyrants of a type,
Just another braying mob that’s caught up on political correctness hype,
Another type of fundamentalist, our behaviour askew, who thereby
The foundation on which truth, justice and fairness are able to stand, kiss goodbye.

Yes, it’s not fundamentalists, but individuals who take things too far,
Or a deluded religious power block made up of those who also mar.
Just like those whose sad placards state things like, “Homosexuals will burn in Hell,”
Bringing shame on other fundamentalists who would never turn to such ill.

Yes, the Gospel message is straight, but not rude, nor cruel, and there’s a time and place,
But there’s always some individual or group who’s shamefully in ones face.
And as a result, all fundamentalists bagged, when ill comes from others too,
Who don’t have a religious bone in them, but just as errant a path pursue.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to 7 March 2020.

For other related poems see my page Apologetics, poem list page, secular section, purple box.
Or the Christian poems in the box titled Bigotry, poem list page, Christian section, orange box.




31.  Love Speech

As you’d assume, love speech is the opposite to hate speech, it thoughtful and kind,
But never foolish, because when it comes to right and wrong, love has to remind.
And thus its tone changing at times, ’cause censure it must, and given how it cares,
Love knowing that the early introduction of discipline saves future tears.

Yes, love’s tone may change, but not its heart, full of encouragement and empathy,
Those words that uplift and inspire one, those words that convey patience and mercy.
Love responding to the users of hate speech with words that might soften and heal,
In fairness acknowledging the way that someone rightly or wrongly may feel.

No, love speech knows nothing of anything resembling hate speech, and why we see
Very carefully chosen replies, an assertiveness tied to dignity.
Love speech recognising insecurity and ignorance, and holding back,
Nought gained by fighting fire with fire, and how silly it is to overreact.

Love speech or hate speech, the choice is yours, your heart dictating which one you’ll choose,
Love speech not afraid to say what it thinks, but more lovingly conveys its views.
And needed words (no matter how they’re couched) won’t please some, but love speech wise and fair,
It pointing to a better way that’s practiced, and it more easy on the ear.

Yes, love only knows love speech, those words that promote love and never injury,
Those words that convey positive sentiments, and thus praise heard regularly.
Yes, love speech is helpful speech, speech that thinks before it says anything, and why
It’s only what’s good, right, wholesome and heavenly that it seeks to magnify.


By Lance Landall



32.  I've Heard A Lot Of Talk About Love

I’ve heard a lot of talk about love, even talk about love myself, and so
You’d think the world was full of love, and that everywhere one went it would show.
People agreeing to disagree, no hard feelings, and all that kind of thing,
And thus everyone’s words and acts having a familiar caring ring.

No one just looking after themselves, but anxiously thinking of others too,
Selflessness as common as sparrows, nothing not done as someone thought to.
Yes, the world busy with kindness, tolerance greeting the intolerant, who
Would surely be a minority, though also treated respectfully too.

Yes, because that’s love, it dealing with wrongdoers lovingly, hardly two faced,
But working to rehabilitate, and that being where its bets would be placed.
It looking for the best, hoping for the best, an example and not a bat,
No one bruised or battered, even pushed or pulled, love being much smarter than that.

Oh yes, love not into rants, even under provocation, but calm and cool,
Its heart having a steady beat, its head rightly handling the bully or fool.
Love not into excuses either, but enduring patiently, shunning ill,
That sad “End justifies the means" mentality, ’cause love’s wrongdoings are nil.

Yes, love not turning to anything that has a hint of hardness or cruelty,
It no dictator, enforcer, and nor it anyone’s hired mercenary.
No, love able to stand on its own, not needing help, but helpers who’ll share
Anything and everything that will ease and help that load that others bear.

Yes, I’ve heard a lot of talk about love, even talk about love myself, yet,
If I were to speak and behave quite the opposite, how much love would I get?
And would it come from those who’re on about it, because I would’ve thought it would,
Or do some think that love’s only for those who’re loveable, and who’re always good?

Surely not!

’Cause then it wouldn’t truly be love, and it less able to move and excite,
Or heal and change, something having dampened its flame, cast a shadow over its light.
Love’s power nobbled, that something that does what the opposite can’t do, and I
Then looking at that same weakness found in hate, and over it, wondering why.


By Lance Landall



33.  Let's Get Love Right!

Some think that love’s warm fuzzies, blind eyes, deaf ears and silent lips, when it’s much more,
It demanding truth, justice, right living, wisdom and adherence to sound law.
Yes, “Love knows no wrong,” the Good Word conveys, and thus must hold to some moral code,
One that points us in the right direction, lest we somehow take some foolish road.

And so, being angry about wrong doesn’t give us the right to act poorly,
Love forbidding such responses, because that’s simply acting as errantly.
Love standing up, speaking out, but not fighting fire with fire, behaving the same,
Much like those errant followers who wrongly persecute or kill in God’s name.

I once saw some graffiti which said, “Down with racism!” and right next to it
I felt like scribbling, “Down with graffiti!” they acting just like a hypocrite.
In other words, condemning wrong while committing wrong, but this oft how it goes,
Which a very flawed version of love declares; such like holy socks showing toes.

Love’s also often confused with going along with everyone else, when
Love gives all the right to agree or disagree, and hence our words or our pen.
Just so long as we’re not abusing others verbally or physically,
And I excluding straight talk here, ’cause love knows there’s a place for speaking clearly,

But never nastily.

Though racism’s WRONG, we can’t force folk not to be racist, except publicly,
Such still in their ignorant minds and hardened hearts, and that’s beyond you and me.
Yes, we can educate, but not force their mind, and their heart needs help that’s Divine,
A change that love oft brings about
any bullying here, just crossing the line.

There’s no such thing as a good dictator, a dictator a dictator, so
There’s only so far we can go, otherwise our own rights and freedoms we’ll blow.
Maybe not all at once, but incrementally, laws added to bit by bit,
Until there on a throne of our own making, another tyrant of sorts will sit.

Yes,

Love overlooks shortcomings, shuts its ears to evil surmisings, speaks no ill,
But it’s not silly, its eyes, ears and lips knowing when to look, listen or yell.
And love’s no tyrant either, but respectful of the rights of all, hence that line,
One that it will never cross, because there on the other side, sits a landmine.

Yes, there’s a lot of talk about loving and not hating these days, but you know,
There’s got to be understanding too, that meeting half way thing, so love can grow.
We trying to understand what we don’t understand about others, and then
We actually getting somewhere, not running around like a headless hen.

Though the heart should always rule, it errs where it isn’t connected to the brain,
So, we should mind those knee jerks to bad events, calls for this or that, lest ill reign.
Worryingly, it’s been a case of one law after another, and where to next?
Rushed laws and emotive laws just endangering, and the root cause still not fixed.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 6 April 2019.



34.  Those Calls For Love And Not Hate

Oh, the outrage over mass shootings, and then there’s those calls for love and not hate,
Yet something isn’t gelling here, because once some are back behind their own gate,
Out comes those violent movies and computer games, and that same hyped up state,
Which knows nothing of an inner peace, but how to kill well, and retaliate.

No, we can’t have it both ways, ’cause if killing’s wrong, then so is pretending to,
Such kind of laughing at that outrage, and why their calls for love don’t quite ring true.
And, by the way, why laws only prevent hate’s public face, ’cause within some hearts,
Hatred still resides, and it being there in those darkened chambers where it all starts.

If some moral code isn’t written on our conscience and sown in our heart,
Laws won’t mean anything, hence why the former’s more important, and where to start.
Yes, knee jerk laws oft more a threat, and as I said, hardly deal with the root cause,
Just its public face, and so it’ll be until hearts change, and here I want to pause,

Because what’s love? For surely we’re talking morals, principles and standards too,
Not just warm fuzzies, because love needs to know why certain things one shouldn’t do.
Enter that code I mentioned, laws not stopping many from still dong what’s wrong,
But a well reared conscience, and thus both the heart and mind singing the same sweet song.

We can outlaw hate speech, but hate will still exist, along with racism too,
Which is why (one way or another) they’ll still raise their ugly heads, ill say and do.
All why calls for love and not hate are merely cosmetic, including laws too,
And this why those once held values and well grounded beliefs we need to rescue.

By Lance Landall



35.  Toes And Unity

It could be said (tongue in cheek), that one way to find out what someone’s really like
Is to upset them, they responding admirably, or shouting “On your bike!”
One treading on a religious toe, condemning wrong they still want to do,
And hence that intolerance shown, they firing off at you, even ditching you.

You having trod on some sacred cow, or challenged some error they’ve wrongly held,
And so, despite their calls for love and such, its war — you thinking, “What in the world?”
Funny, isn’t it, they loudly condemning intolerance and bigotry,
Yet slamming your opinion or belief, thus acting hypocritically

Some mistake unity for uniformity, thinking all should think the same,
Or do what the rest are doing, even condemning dissenters in God’s name.
The funny thing though, is that it’s where there’s disagreement and yet unity,
That the power of love, and their God, is more clearly seen, and felt more strongly.

In other words, Christians from different denominations all holding hands,
Full of love and warmth, yet leaving decisions in the individual’s hands.
They loved and treated like a loved one, despite not going along with the herd,
Keeping a different worship day, say, believing the others had erred.

So what would be the common goal here? The glory of God, that same love He shows,
Which God's Word says is how the new creature in Christ, and true disciple, one knows.
But where there’s the opposite — mistreatment! — one knowing there’s a devil at work,
’Cause where such love would be, bigotry, intolerance and hatred wouldn't lurk.

No, such love has hardly been where there’s persecution of any kind, and so
Those going on about love, yet persecuting, God and His Word wouldn't know,
Or certainly not as they should do,
Such ill belonging to Christendom, not Christianity, an ill they’ll rue,
In time, that is — and how “by their fruits you’ll know them,” their words and acts a clue.

Some toes are too soft, and unity’s too oft a mistaken word, I’m afraid,
And how the heralder of truth, or rightful challenger, has heavily paid.
But such is the cross they oft bear, fault not on their side, though one led to think so,
Going by accusers who a certain disregard for God and His Word show.

By Lance Landall


This poem was altered on 16 May 2020.



36.  Pet Themes

“Ban hate speech!” they shout, or what they deem as hate speech, but excuse me rioting,
Drug driving, annoying my neighbours with my music, even graffiti-ing.
Oh, and excuse my foul language too, my own angry outbursts, or bad manners;
Which is why I’m kind of dubious about those protesters with their banners.

One could be forgiven for thinking it’s only hate speech that’s a problem, when
There’s so much else that’s not right that’s coming from those same riled women and men.
Seems we’ve pet themes these days, political correctness aiding and abetting,
When the truth is, that when it comes to all things, an example we should be setting.

One wonders if the clamour is counterproductive, thus increasing the ill,
Because since the clamour, things haven’t got better, and why cruel things are heard still.
All those coming together being birds of a feather, the converted, say,
The racist, sexist, homophobic person still feeling and acting the same way.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 19 December 2019.



37.  We Are One?

First that shooting of Muslims in New Zealand, then that cry, “We are one!” — but oh,
If only that was true, those loud voices clearly not mirroring all, and so,
Such folk really kidding themselves, racism and bigotry alive and ill,
That “We are one!” cry even angering some people further (whose hearts aren’t well).

Yes, it’s just another knee jerk, many not feeling that way, but anti still,
And more so where negatively affected; that street soon turned into a hell,
Some possibly less happy living there now given the future potential
(For more hits), thus things not that simple, concerns over any mosque or temple.

What I’m trying to say is:

Shouting “We are one!” hardly works, even if it draws the crowds — it like a lie,
Because hatred still exists out there, and resentment may well be running high;
Behind the scenes, perhaps, but there nevertheless, and how the object gets lost,
The teeth of racism and bigotry needing to be extracted, not flossed.

We're no doubt closer to that “We are one!” in our disgust of such killings, but
Not come that acceptance of another’s faith or culture, some doors firmly shut.
And love not something that we can force, but just encourage via our example,
Leaving room for others to grow, ’cause reality delivers problems still.

And so, we starting with the young, installing the sanctity of life in their hearts,
And with it, tolerance, ’cause some things may still grate, some folk using other charts,
Yes, their ways and beliefs differing from ours, even arousing the unwell
(Whose cruel acts stretch beyond their victims), and why “We are one!” is a might too shrill.

Yes, “We are one!” or “They are us!” sounds nice, but it actually rings hollow,
Far too much evidence to the contrary, one way or another, and so,
It’s possibly better to leave such slogans alone, and work on changing hearts,
Which one can never do by force or legislation; love the greatest of the arts.

We can err either way, it not about mobocracy but democracy,
Shouts and protests oft being a concern, despite the good or sincerity.
Care needed in all that we do, and fear a bad adviser, and why soon is seen
Another set of problems, or we returning to where we’ve already been.

Shouting “We are one!” is simply preaching to the converted, if you ask me,
A protesting that should be seen over any act against humanity.
It not about “We are one!” but “How dare you!”, Muslims not the only ones here,
But Christians targeted too, let alone the random cruelty everywhere.


By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked and added to on 19 July 2019.



38.  That Much Debated Word: Immigration

I heard Donald Trump say, “God, family and country,” and I thought, “No, not so,
But rather: God, family and humanity,” which every Christian should know.
Thus it all about humanity, not ones country, humans first and foremost,
Patriotic fervour prone to certain ills, and oh, how some people like to boast.

Sure we must consider our country, compassion coupled with sense, ’cause we know,
Every country needs to be run responsibly, or down the tubes it’ll go.
And therefore, immigration a balancing act, no country made of money,
Even a country that through other eyes looks like a land of milk and honey.

And thus refugees and freedom seekers presenting a dilemma, which we,
Amidst acting prudently, should always see as our extended family.
Thus doing all we can, race and religion not stopping us, we all as one,
And from a Christian perspective, this the attitude wanted by Christ the Son.

But Darwinism isn’t helping here, survival of the fittest at play,
Life cheap, laws of small consequence, and where’s the source of accountability?
A devil more at home where a Creator’s less part and parcel of the scene,
And hence why greater vices, evils and problematic issues are soon seen.

This why I’m all for God, family and humanity, and less so country,
But that doesn’t mean that when it comes to immigration we should be silly.
Many countries struggling to cater for their own, thus a wave could sink their ship,
All why trickles create less problems, and why immigration needs a firm grip.

Waves can be intimidating, seen as a threat, and thus clashes more likely,
Growing hospital waiting lists quickly fuelling racism and bigotry,
And a housing and job shortage upping the rage, a pot that was sure to boil,
And which the kind efforts of sincere but ill-informed people was bound to foil.

And midst all this, existing racism and bigotry, hence the need for care,
Helping one thing, setting an explosive stage another, and then there is fear.
Yes, an attack on a mosque, say, one of the potentials, peace leaving ones shore,
Citizens facing what once they didn’t, hearts and minds not changed by any law.

Yes, racism and bigotry can’t be banned, because they exist in the heart
(And the mind), and hence why a lack of prudence here can see countries torn apart.
Enter reality, sense mixed with compassion, otherwise all one will see
Is, one problem exchanged for another, an even bigger one, possibly.

And so, even though I speak in terms of God, family and humanity
(Leaving out self-serving patriotic fervour many have for their country),
No country can afford to get carried away, displaying naivety,
But rather, should condemn the cause of waves, like wars, oppression and poverty.

The sad thing is, there’s much that could be done, and of which God would no doubt want done,
But things getting in the way of those solutions, nothing new under the sun.
Victims of war and starvation hardly half dead cats lying in the gutter,
Nor another squashed hedgehog glued to the road while we down our bread and butter.

Seeing them as any less than ourselves simply reduces our value too
(Survival of the fittest returning to mind, a theory that’s well askew),
Our personal preservation best served by the preservation of all, who,
Should be seen as precious individuals, and not like primates in a zoo.

But once again, laws only going so far, ill still lurking in hearts and minds,
Which isn't helped by knee jerk reactions, the foolish pulling down of blinds.
Certain concerns justified, the sad results of poor decisions clearly seen,
Having fuelled as much as helped, wisdom mixed with compassion missing from the scene.

The truth is, cultures can still clash despite our best efforts, and even more so
Where there’s too many too fast, or acts and demands that tread on a country’s toe.
Entrance a privilege, not a right, but all of us linked via humanity,
And hence why we need to mind that dehumanizing border mentality.


By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked and added to 23 February 2020.




39.  Hang On A Minute!

“Homosexuals will burn in Hell,” he was declaring on his blog, and oh,
The nasty response from people accusing him of being nasty, and so,
Here I am, asking via pen and paper, “What makes them think they’re better than him?”
Their retaliatory rants making their chances of improving things very slim.

Yes, some think that they’re good people because they condemn racist words and acts, say,
But hang on a minute! If they’re so good, why have their own actions gone astray?
Their responses equally as nasty, or certainly lacking thought and care,
They either better or not, and clearly not, but just as crook in their own sphere.

Now, I don’t believe anyone will burn in some Hell ’cause of being born Gay,
And nor do I condone any kind of racist word or action, by the way.
But retaliatory nastiness isn’t right either, and exposes flaws,
Ones true character, state of maturity; and why over this, all should pause.

And by the way, Bible versions I’ve read talking ’bout same-sex sexual acts,
Not the homosexual, hence why certain Christians should make sure of their facts.
But all being entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, right or wrong,
And only the weak responding badly to any perceived wrong, not the strong.

And this not surprising, because according to the Cambridge dictionary,
Bigots are those who’re intolerant of the opinions of others, sadly.
Not those who simply express their opinions or beliefs, as most of us do,
Without any ill intention, and therefore, condemnation of such, hardly due.

Yes, hang on a minute, is right, ’cause there’re too many knee jerk reactions, and
Too many people who’re fighting fire with fire, leaving liberty’s post unmanned.
Thus free speech put just as much at risk by them as some accused of inciting,
And why it’s time to sit ’round the table and sensibly turn on the lighting.

But what do we see, some simply being punished for their opinion or belief,
Their so-called victim (or victims) having become their persecutor — good grief!
“You’ve really riled us, so we’ll slag you now,” their hypocritical actions shout,
They seemingly having no idea what free speech and liberty’s all about.

By Lance Landall


Parts of this poem were altered on 26 June 2019.

For another poem that relates to this one, and which I would strongly recommend, called
Regarding Israel Folau, see my orange box titled Time, secular section, poem list page.

For further enlightenment regarding Hell, see my poem Hell? No which can
be found further down this page.





"Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech."
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

40.  Long Live Free Speech!

Once we legislate to curb ill that some folk may say, we lessen our own rights, and imperil what rights remain,
For freedom of expression is where it’s all at, regardless of hate filled words that may cause a certain pain.
And hence why we shouldn't play with freedom of expression, for there's not one reason good enough for doing so,
And let’s bear in mind that many an ill has begun with some well-meaning but very unwise embryo.

Yes, it’s bad enough that there are those who would like to curb freedom of expression to achieve some evil end,
Without us playing into their hands by going along with legislation that would curb what might offend.
And besides, there’ll always be those who’ll think, speak and act wrongly, regardless of that which is designed to curb,
And why in this imperfect world of ours, there will always be things that will anger, distress, pain and disturb.

But sometimes we need to hear the truth — warts and all — and need to face up to things, though unpleasant they may be,
And hence why even the provocative has its place in all this, be such expressed via the pen or verbally.
However, whether it be this way or that way, the right way or wrong way, let all have their say, and freely,
We asking for nought but due respect and thoughtfulness, for limiting free speech acts far more injuriously.

Yes, some things said may not be nice, even wrong and cruel, but we need to toughen up, not respond childishly,
For we’re hardly living in a nursery, weren’t meant to be wrapped in cotton wool, for that’s absurdity.
In fact, we grow by being confronted, not by being sheltered from reality, nor those harsh things some may say,
Which often convey what we need to hear, and what’s better allowed than not, lest with even more rights, folk play.

Rather than curb, we need to educate, both by word and deed, for laws don’t solve, but simply restrict and prevent,
Thus hardly changing the heart and mind — and if they are foolish laws, they simply cause discontent to ferment,
Or worse — and hence why freedom of expression should never be played with in any way, for such will bring ill,
And in time, the greatest ill of all — a total loss of freedom and liberty — which here, I fear I foretell.

By Lance Landall



41.  Another Conspiracy Theory, They Say

History is full of plots that many would have called conspiracy theories,
But that not stopping them coming to fruition, which naivety too late sees.
Warnings scoffed at, laughed at, they seemingly too fanciful for many out there,
Who bag the one whose eye is keener, and thus thereby, a degree of guilt share.

Yes, truth is stranger than fiction, it’s said, but fiction it remains in some eyes,
And thus writing things off as conspiracy theories being where danger lies.
Yes, better such be given fair thought, or at least kept at the back of ones mind,
Because the truth of the matter is, history with plots and plotters is lined.

Hidden evils don’t reveal themselves, count to ten and give us chance to scout,
Nor midst their behind the scenes skulduggery, send out updates, or loudly shout.
Thus what’s going on only found by accident, much research, or wink and nod,
This would full of deluded, cruel monsters, those who act as if some god.

They come in many disguises, oft seductively dressed, and may sound godly,
Their words ticking the right boxes, the truth only seen by a minority.
Or not seen at all until someone stumbles across something (what they’re up to),
But oh, it’s just another conspiracy theory, until it too, proves true.


By Lance Landall


“And I saw three foul spirits like frogs coming from the mouth [policy] of the dragon [Satan], from the mouth of the
beast [the first power], and from the mouth of the false prophet [the coming global power that's a copy of that past power]. These are demonic spirits, performing signs [supernatural manifestations via various human agencies to authenticate the above union], who go abroad to the kings [political powers] of the whole world [to get them on their side], to assemble them for battle [the religious conflict] on the great day of God the Almighty ” (Rev 16:13,14).




42.  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 then 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





Christian content or degree.

43.  Give It A Rest

Though we need to be awake to things, too many focus on doom and gloom, and
Midst the woes on Earth, only add to anxiety with what’s plotted or planned.
At the end of the day, we do have to get on with living, and love we should,
Thus more focused on caring and helping; fixations not doing any good.

Though we need to take prudent steps (and wielding a pen being my concerned mode),
Continually pointing to hidden agendas adds to everyone’s load.
It’s bad enough knowing about some things, but despite such, life has to go on,
Enough joy and happiness having been stolen already, without more gone.

Many Christians have erred here too, having been called to share the Good News gospel,
Which, despite its warnings too, is full of HOPE and PROMISE, Heaven and not Hell.
It’s all about a God of love who cares and wants to save — yes, that’s the focus,
And where things should be in general, and given the swirling hocus-pocus.

In other words, that nonsense that’s out there as well, which captures too many minds,
And points in the wrong direction, and despite certain obvious warning signs.
Hence that call for balance, level headedness and sound research, or err we will
If basing our conclusions and decisions on hearsay, fake news, a duped groundswell.

So please, give it a rest, ’cause there’s too much unnecessary fear being caused,
And why midst the genuine concerns some people have, more of them should have paused.
Yes, it’s one thing to point out things, even warn, another to go on and on,
All why I repeat, give it a rest, too much joy and happiness having gone.

Yes, the Bible’s spoken of "signs of the times" preceding Christ’s return, which we
Should be mindful of given the Bible’s faithful track record and pedigree.
However, we taking them in our stride, not jumping as soon as they occur,
They part of a list that could span many years, all why we should mind lest we err.

As far as those negative things go, they’re the beginning of sorrows, we’re told,
Not necessarily the very End, nor some evil plot, secret or bold.
Covid Nineteen fitting in with those pestilences, earthquakes and famines, and
Not necessarily meaning anything in itself, one must understand.

"This person (or president) is the one who'll do this or that," people say,
And have for years, only to be proved wrong, though it's clear that there will come a day.
But meantime, we not getting carried away, 'cause what will be will be, and so
We getting on with life, that love thought and care, come sun or cruel wind that might blow.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on the 5 November 2020.





The following poem was penned 9 August 2019.

44.  But With Hong Kong In Mind

Despite those dictators who oppress, or those governments who act somewhat the same,
Even incorrectly declaring that they have the right to do so in God’s name,
Protesters should never turn to violence, their swords destined to pierce their own hearts,
They not only guilty too, but this being how even greater suffering starts.

And what becomes of their country — therefore, better oppression than a basket case,
’Cause destroyed cities and infrastructure, and fleeing refugees, what they may face.
Yes, better hardship than the loss of loved ones, starvation or imprisonment, say,
Little or nothing gained in the end, a happier life not having come their way.

Too many protesters not weighing things carefully enough, fighting fire with fire,
A path that past experiences, wisdom and common sense would never inspire.
One’s own nest fouled, the authority’s heart hardened, battles lost before they’ve begun,
All why millions end up worse off, soon to find that what folk did they shouldn’t have done.

Yes, it’s a risky thing, such protesting not godly nor wise, and more doomed to fail,
The backlash oft like a winter storm with weaponry-like thunder, lightning and hail.
And sometimes one simply exchanging one dictator for another, at what cost?
Oh, how easily a life that’s somewhat bearable, for a life that’s not, gets tossed.

Maybe life was better before, until….but riots taking things from bad to worse,
Hence how some rock or Molotov cocktail throwing protesters soon leave in a hearse.
Those prepared to die for what’s right should live for what’s right, thus setting an example,
Nobleness only found in right doing, not those things that destroy and more blood spill.

If a Christian, you believe in a coming rescue, and thus pain temporary,
But even if you aren’t a Christian, why worsen your life unnecessarily?
Bad enough what you’re going through already, perhaps, so why go and stoke the fire,
Some things simply out of our hands, and it’s bearing things well that is seen to inspire.

Riots are the hallmark of undisciplined hordes, hypocritical, lawless fools,
Who, not worrying ’bout how they might affect their own kind, reach for the devil’s tools.
Maybe having indulged in too much violence via the computer or TV,
And ready to take to the streets in a skewed attempt to demand democracy.

Too many protesters push the envelope, and violence being a sure way,
Especially when hardly in a democracy, and been ordered to obey.
Freedom and liberty all very well, but foolishness quite another thing, and
This being why some should mind how they go lest they simply strengthen an iron hand.


By Lance Landall





The following poem was penned 30 May 2020.
Regarding this poem: Cain and Able (going by the Bible ) were two sons of Adam and Eve,
one choosing right, one choosing wrong; and so it is with us.

"Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek."
Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968)

45.  Regarding Those Rioters In Minneapolis

“I can’t breathe!” he cried, but that officer’s knee on his neck remained ’till he died,
Hence those Minneapolis riots, all that violence from the other side.
Buildings on fire, livelihoods up in smoke — yes, that mad fouling of ones own nest,
Innocent people badly impacted, love, thought, care and sense having gone west.

Their anger justified, but not that same sad knee-on-the-neck mentality,
They no better, just as violent, it both a black and white problem, you see.
All why we see reverse racist behaviour (like that of Robert Mugabe),
Bigger men far and few between these days, and why the world’s getting more scary.

Midst those calls for blood, they should also remember that officer’s family,
He deserving of punishment, but not them, now full of insecurity.
Their lives at risk thanks to him, and good officers bearing the brunt of it too,
But such is how it goes when the angry seek justice via ways just as askew.

Yes, it’s both a black and white problem, he wrong, they wrong, a Cain and Able thing,
We taking the right path in all things, or the wrong path (where sense we’re seen to fling).
I’m sure that you know the story, we followers of either Able or Cain,
Allowing enlightenment, or a dark ages, eye for an eye stance to reign.

Oh, how we’re obsessed with punishment, and punished he should be, but just mind here,
Because that officer’s life is ruined
and thus sleep robbing pain too, will share.
Well so I'd imagine, he having been charged with murder, his life a real mess,
Things following and haunting him wherever he goes now (though not far, I'd guess).

Yes, his life’s been turned upside down, and so to that town, one death not enough, no,
Those rioters acting like devils too, any high ground gone, so who’s the foe?
Not just him, but those who smash, grab and incinerate, they too children of Cain,
Crying foul while acting foul, inflicting their own sad brand of evil and pain.

We simply can’t have it both ways, ’cause being a Cain-and-Able mix won’t work,
Such nothing but a kind of schizophrenic state where ill is still seen to lurk.
Earth not able to be changed by such, but just via one, so lets act like Ables,
Not like Cains, who’re forever adding to the problem, still overturning tables.

Rioting’s a thuggish way to protest, it selfish, stupid and criminal,
And dare there be Christians among them, terrorist-like too, just aiding the ill,
Turning on officers that they may need one day (should ill befall them), but hey,
That’s madness for you, unbridled anger and not love and sense having the say.

There’s good and bad people in every organisation, thus ill there’ll be,
And so, we dealing with the Cains, and thus not acting indiscriminately.
Those buildings, owners and bosses having nothing to do with that black man’s neck,
But just that errant Cain-behaving officer whose world has become a wreck.

So why would rioters turn their world (and that of others) into a wreck too,
Destroying jobs, shops they might frequent, and disfiguring their nice hometown view?
Well, there’s only one explanation, that Cain-like streak that resides in them too,
And that always will until they become an Abel, and what’s right, choose to do.

Yes, it’s an old story, Cain ending up killing his brother (who right had done),
But that’s anger for you, where it leads, the mindless turning to a knife or gun.
All those rioters having killed that officer too, though in their heart, I mean,
Two wrongs not making a right
and thus their fingerprints too, all over the scene.

Though wrong’s been done, the police have a horrid job to do, and amidst it all
Adrenaline can kick in, distorting judgment, and why sometimes they appal.
Their workday stressful, they even feeling besieged (that sad them and us mindset),
Ill feeling towards them not always justified, and they human too, don’t forget.

When they’re dealing with certain groupings of people who’re the main source of trouble
(Understandably or not), an attitude can develop, aiding such ill.
This understandable too, though not a good thing, all why it takes much control,
Easily lost in the heat of things, and so to be fair, one taking in the whole.

Something that such rioters fail to do, and why I’m glad that they’re not the judge,
Otherwise we’d be seeing hangings again, a mindset difficult to budge.
Yes, ill on both sides, sadly, and progress most unlikely until there’s a change,
One that has to take place in the heart, though there’s things in the mind to rearrange.

Yes, rioters show no foresight, don’t think beyond their present situation,
They blinded by their backward, primitive response, a curse to any nation,
’Cause all that such does is fuel things, add trouble to trouble, and loudly proclaims
They’re no better, ’cause who is, who torches, destroys, and their town too, also shames?

They so like kids throwing a paddy, chucking this and that, stomping and yelling,
Lashing out at all and sundry, their protest and sad actions hardly gelling.
Their parents at fault (supposedly), so take this Mum or Dad, and who’s impressed,
And likewise when it comes to those riots, that hypocritical civil unrest,

That condemns wrong whilst doing wrong, and in the process, just fouls ones precious nest.

But hey, what an even bigger crime when Covid Nineteen is rampaging too,
Oh, the irresponsibleness of those rioters who such folly pursue.
Even those benign street protests aren’t wise at this time, so when will people learn,
And to those ways that are better and wiser (and more so at this time), return.

And who's laughing, America, relishing it all? Your enemies, sadly.


By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked and added to on 1 June 2020.





"Distrust everyone in whom the impulse to punish is powerful."
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

46.  In Fairness To The Police

Those corrupt or racist officers aside, the police have a job to do,
Which includes bringing a stop to riots (that foolishly chosen avenue),
And no matter the grievance, ’cause riots impact badly on society,
Creating more financial outlay and debt, let alone more anxiety.

Buildings and vehicles torched, smashed windows, and businesses badly affected,
Enter lost jobs, lost profits, all why riots should be totally rejected.
No one ever thinking to go that far, everyone being hurt by such,
And some even physically given those weapons that rioters oft clutch.

And bearing the brunt of such mobs, someone’s much loved mum or dad within the Force,
Who’s simply doing their job, which includes keeping the rest of us safe, of course.
Rioters no respecter of law abiding citizens, nor what they own,
And seemingly relish endangering the police via bottle, brick or stone.

Corrupt or racist officers don’t wear signs, and hey, even if they did do,
It’s not for us to act like lynch mobs, and the skin of all officers pursue.
Such but the way of mindless thugs who leave behind a mess that hurts you and I,
Who, despite our own anger, the insanity of rioting do not buy.

It seems those rioters forget that they may have need of the police one day,
Should they be attacked, raped or burgled, or some violent street mob come their way.
And who might turn up? Those they spat at, fire bombed? Someone’s sibling, poor mum or dad,
Doing what they’ve a right to, and if we didn’t have such people, who’d be glad?

But rioters don’t care, all the more why even the army might be needed,
Because without the likes of these, there’d be hell on Earth, it must be conceded.
They there for a reason, a reason that we should never be the cause of, but
Fully supporting them, even applauding — yes, a case that’s open and shut.

Riots are a frightening thing, even for the police who’re thus keyed up too,
Adrenaline oft part and parcel of their job, given what they’ve got to do.
Thus even good officers making mistakes under pressure, hence that leeway,
That consideration that they should be shown, which we like to come our way.

Yes, how many of us would like to do their job, they risking their lives each day,
And riots taking them away from where they’re needed, which hardly’s seen to pay.
No, we all the worse off for such, and as if there’s not enough troubles already,
So lets not cause even more grief just because of those wrongs of that few we see.

Why’s there not the same outrage over those four policemen shot at? And here
We’re talking about lives too, and their upset families who distress share.
Their lives matter too, don’t they, ALL lives, so amidst all that solidarity,
Let us shout over any life taken or maimed, ’cause neither assault should be.

Many no doubt feel as angry over those riots, more so those who’re racist
(I’d imagine), and thus racism fuelled by such, a point that seems to be missed.
Two wrongs not making a right, but stoking the fire, all why more things occur, sadly,
Until sense prevails on both sides, and laws are respected as they should be.

But given who cops oft have to deal with, heavy-handedness is no surprise,
Sometimes an automatic response, I guess, hence those condemnatory cries.
All why we should put ourselves in their position, imagining how we’d feel,
Given those unobliging, even nasty characters, with whom they must deal.

And those entrenched bad attitudes perpetuated by errant parents whose
Lawless children (if not they) keep popping up all the time, or making the News.
The police having to put up with being called everything under the sun,
Certain groupings always coming to their attention, some with a knife or gun.

Thus that racist tag not always justified given familiar faces,
Too often the cause of criminal acts, and found in the usual places,
And thus a picture forming, it not racist but simply some reality,
The cops caught between a rock and a hard place, so who would want their job, sadly?

Yes, who’d want to be a policeman anymore, and why balance is called for,
Those howls of protest showing anything but balance, and ill wise, causing more.
Not all officers are brutes, nor racist, and many within the Force are black,
All there to do a job, and when mistreated too, must find it hard not to hit back.

Oh yes, officers are constantly abused, seriously provoked, and so
We minding here, it not an easy thing to live with being seen as some foe.
They effectively taking all that stress-cum-those tough incidents home with them,
And deserve a medal, I say, yet people only too happy to condemn.

Sure there’s bad officers (and they need dealing with), but why tar them all the same,
The police there for good reasons, and there’s many bad protestors one could name.
Yes, be they black or white, rioters endangering someone’s mum and dad, who
Joined the Force in order to faithfully serve, thinking of me, thinking of you.

This being how we’re able to sleep at night, and why we have no fear of them,
Unless we’re lawless, indulging in rioting, say, which we all should condemn.
George Floyd’s death hardly justification for such, but simply wise protesting,
Lest we display hypocrisy, and in wrongdoing, are also investing.


And those riots having nothing to do with democracy, but anarchy,
They not only lawless and violent, but dangerous to society.
My heart going out to those mums and dads, those siblings too, who, at great risk here,
Have to deal with such rampaging mobs, and their own brand of brutality bear.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 7 June 2020.
It should be borne in mind that regarding those four policemen who dealt with
George Floyd, one was white, one asian, one latino, and one African American.





Christian content or degree.

"When we hate those who hate us, our heart becomes a depository of hate, and thereby, we infected too."
The poet, author

47.  Punishing Is Our Hang-Up

Yes, punishing is our hang up, not God’s, who hates to punish, yet will one day,
Such but His strange work, His Word says, He never having wanted to go that way.
It starting with an angel, then with humans, who despite God’s grace, howl for blood,
So-called sweet revenge, and thus forgiveness rare, reaction roaring like a flood.

I was thinking of those policemen charged with George Floyd’s death, and so they should be,
They subject to the laws of the land too, as all are to God’s Law, and rightly.
But midst those howls for blood, lets pause, in case they have a wife and a family,
Who’ll be badly affected, and this dumping more ills on society.

Yes, it’s like one big merry-go-round, fix one problem, cause another, and yet
Many not happy until their howls for blood (or that eye for an eye) are met.
Prison hardly melting the criminal’s heart, but certainly amazing grace,
Undeserved yet freely given, I thinking of that Saviour who took man’s place.

Yes, punishing is our hang up, we obsessed with such, but not the God of love,
Who’s wanting us to respond in a way that is more in keeping with above.
No brooding over things there, no plotting, no raging, but compassion, mercy,
Another chance for the repentant, God feeling for fallen humanity.

So why aren’t we feeling for fallen humanity, those who make big mistakes,
And you know, just a bad day, and a whole lot of pressure is all that it takes.
Those policemen constantly dealing with really bad characters, and hence why
Heavy handedness oft figures, though one shouldn’t ignore some “I can’t breathe” cry.

When I was a boy, having saved up some money, I purchased a radio,
A brand new one, which I wanted to look after, ’cause it cost a lot, you know,
And thus I was most upset over how rough the shop assistant seemed, when she
Put new batteries in it, and I looking at careless scratches, possibly.

She having lost some sensitivity having handled lots of radios,
And I guess those officers too, used to being challenged, or copping sharp blows.
They having to use degrees of force at times with some not coming quietly,
And restraint lost in the heat of the moment, adrenalin pumping wildly,

All how a line is crossed.

Excess aside, and bad behaviour, officers no doubt tread a fine line, and,
As with those particular officers, act in some way that they’d never planned.
Thus it a tragedy all round, that black man dead, and their lives ruined, sadly,
Not that I’m condoning any racist and outright police brutality.

But God forgives all who’re genuinely repentant, and who turn from wrong, though
Due punishment must be faced (no secrets here), or up to Heaven one won’t go.
And so justice seen to be done, but do such officers get a fair trial,
Or a harsher punishment because of the howls, which surely God would rile.

He impartial, we’re told, not swayed by braying mobs, more so those who act as bad
(Despite that mercy that God would show to them, and of which they would be so glad).
No, God loving the sinner, just hating the sin, and who of us haven’t sinned?
And that telling question being why the ranks of accusers are quickly thinned.

We won’t know we’ve made it until we feel sorry for those officers as well,
One moment doing their job, and the next, facing what could rightly be called hell.
Yes, years in a cell, their innocent families suffering too, sad to say,
The roar of lawless rioters making sure that they’ll pay, or else, they say.

Though there’ll come a day when God will do His strange work (’cause punishment He hates),
Most want God to zap now — yes, they only too happy to have those heads on plates.
But God knows the anger in their hearts, such different to His wrath, true and fair,
’Cause every ill must end (and then, that gracious God will wipe away each tear).

Yes, those rioters want justice, but justice they'll have to face, one soon day,
If they've not repented and owned up to that building or car that they torched, say,
And done the time too, thus their shouts a tad too loud given their own evil crime,
Which if they haven't paid for now, they certainly will be paying for in time.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 1 July 2020.
Regarding the last verse, see my poem No One Will Get Away With Anything, further down this page.
You may wish to check out my poem Hell? No which is found further down this page,
and also the article God, War And Violence which is found on my page I Saw Beyond It All,
poem list page, grey box, both secular and Christian sections.




This poem was penned 8 June 2020.

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968)

48.  Protester Culpability

When have we seen anything like Covid Nineteen, and all those lives lost, and yet,
Despite Covid Nineteen, all those protesters, who the madness of it don’t get.
Enter protester culpability if there’s more deaths (riots aside here),
Social distancing, sense and thoughtfulness lost to blind rage, as if they don’t care.

Yes, black lives matter, but so do other lives they’ve put at risk, thanks to their ill,
And how more blood (courtesy of their sweat and venomous droplets) could spill.
Yes, in the form of an aided pandemic, thus their day of reckoning due,
Come that spike that one can only hope won’t come, and that could cost them their life too.

By Lance Landall






The following poem relates to that black man who died due to an officer
pushing on his neck with his knee when he was down on the ground.

"To holler 'Love!' yet mistreat those who hate, is to declare our own guilt, which
makes a mockery of what we state."
The poet, author

49.  Marring The Memory Of George Floyd

Yes, people can have a legitimate grievance, but when it just festers away,
It can go from grievance to malice, and hence those shocking riots we see today.
And thereby some with that legitimate grievance just turning into criminals,
And how onto the innocent and enforcers of rightful law their poison spills,

And how they were seen marring the memory of George Floyd, which a sad story tells.

Yes, what a dreadful way to memorialise the tragic death of George Floyd, who
(If I’ve got things right here), such a foolish path wouldn’t have wanted them to pursue.
He clearly knowing such isn’t the way, and even if it did achieve some good end,
It wouldn’t be to any rioter’s credit, and just a flawed message would send.

And all that violence on TV not helping that rioting mentality,
Those computer games too, and those perpetuated feelings that are so anti.
The police having a job to do, like protecting the rest of us from nasty mobs,
All those who wreck havoc on society, and who some Molotov cocktail lobs.

No, George shouldn’t have died like that, that officer a criminal, well askew,
Just like those rioters — and oft amidst them, some with an agenda to pursue.
Yes, they oft within and behind such chaos, and all this why rioting’s folly,
The mindset of a fool, who here, the memory of George Floyd just blackens, sadly.

So protest do, but don’t riot, ’cause the whole world’s on your side, but for a number,
Who're ridiculously displaying as much intelligence as a cucumber.
George Floyd's a human too, and colour’s just colour, which the sensible person knows,
So shun those riots we see today that just animalistic behaviour shows.

It’s painfully clear that black Americans have been treated very badly,
We more than aware of that dark history of apatite and slavery.
And yes, there’s that police brutality of which not just they have suffered from,
That’s also been fuelling that justified anger ticking away like a bomb.

And there lies danger for both them and those who aren’t racist, hence that need of care,
Which is far easier said than done, I know, but very necessary here.
A bad built-up reaction exploding on all, and enter more injury,
And how much success, because have hearts changed? Which is what we really need to see.

By Lance Landall


This poem has been altered, added to, and its title changed (10 June 2020).
Check out these other poems:
1)  To White Supremacists which is found on my poem list page, secular section, and in the
orange box titled Just Be There.
More poems on racism can be found there.
2)  Three Cheers For Colour! and Yes, Black Lives Matter which are found on my page A Declaration,
Home page too.
A few more poems on racism can be found in my secular section, poem list page,
and in the orange box titled Just Be There.
Also check out the poems in the orange box titled Looking Down The Barrel which can also
be found in my secular section, poem list page.





"An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone."
Montesquieu (1689-1755)

50.  We Understand Your Anger

My dear black friend, we understand your anger, and certain changes should occur,
But rioting, threatening a revolution, and harsh words are where you err.
Martin Luther King Junior knew this, so please, keep that anger under control,
Lest you alienate some who’re sympathetic to your cause (that dreadful toll).

Yes, we feel your anger, even share your anger, but don’t go making things worse,
Otherwise you’ll leave the high ground behind you, as happens when wounds we nurse.
Enough damage has been done, enough blood has been spilt, every life counting,
And strong opposition to racism and police brutality is mounting.

Anger should be used constructively, not destructively; such plain sense to me,
Having long seen the results of the two — and personally, actually.
Many of us having felt angry over something in our life, felt the fire,
But only one path worth taking, anger mixed with hate just leading to what’s dire.

Racism, like bigotry, will always be with us, despite legislation,
And thus law and shouts only going so far in fixing the situation.
Just as Christians have borne up under persecution, so it has been with you,
And thus we applauding how you’ve borne your heavy cross, found that inner strength too,

So hold fast to that same spirit, retain your dignity, and the right thing do.

Yes, we’ve felt moved to cry “I can’t breathe,” and have known that silence too, sadly,
And hence that day that we look forward to when so much better off we will be.
The object being not to make the meantime worse for ourselves, and why I say:
Mind how you go, the best results always coming from choosing the better way.

One of your own kind was shot during the looting, yet black lives matter, you say,
He an officer trying to protect some shop, but in the rioter’s way.
So what does that say? Such not helping your case, anger often not making sense,
All why clear and objective heads are needed, mud not helping if on your fence.

Ranting at white people is spreading your own poison, and also sad to see,
Given how many have been supporting your protest, speaking out on TV.
Yes, we feel your anger, share your anger, but aren’t impressed with hypocrisy,
So yes, mind how you go, and we will be there, working for all humanity.


By Lance Landall



51.  I'll Say It 'Till Blue In The Face

We can introduce laws, force people to do (or not do) this or that, but hey,
We can’t change hearts, and thus minds will think as they do, only love able to sway.
But not all responding to love’s appeal (and evidence to the contrary),
Their hearts too stodgy, their minds long set, and all why they can’t or don’t want to see.

And so, people turning to laws rather than the root cause which needs surgery,
Aided by loving reasoning, gentle education, what they need to see,
And that being, a good example, along with tolerance, ’cause force won’t do,
They needing to come willingly (grabbing then by the throat the wrong avenue).

And so, though laws may come in, if the heart’s not changed, that ill will still lurk within,
Nothing having altered, it still found under one’s putting-on-a-false-front skin.
Laws not the answer, they simply satisfying the angry, who need to learn
That despite some law, and in many hearts, that thing that was outlawed will still burn.

And perhaps it’s racism, which, as I said, will continue to eat away,
Thus show it still will, though more deceptively (since some new law’s had its say).
All why some won’t get that job, or an invite, and why force isn’t worth its weight,
And why love is the only real answer to racism, bigotry and hate.

Laws oft create less freedom and liberty, and for what, some concealed ill thought?
All why that rush for laws, ones true best interest is less likely to support.
Time, money and effort better spent on bringing both sides together somehow,
Not on punishment, that ferocious demand for something to be done RIGHT NOW!

All why I’ll say it till blue in the face, laws can’t change hearts, and nor someone’s mind,
All why there’s still those criminal acts (heat of the moment or mentally signed).
It all stemming from the heart, and why hearts we need to be focusing on, and
What’s being allowed to fill precious minds, ’cause that’s where it starts (lets understand).

Yes, what’s taken in soon displays itself one way or another, and why is seen
Good or bad, right or wrong, a great or poor response, a helpful or destructive scene.
Love having the say, or those angry demands that fall down all the time, sadly,
Because the heart of the matter is our hearts, and there we are failing badly.

By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

"Serious wrongs aren't always planned, but of the foolish moment, and how
many become a criminal by chance."
The poet, author


52.  That Knee-On-The-Neck Man

Manasseh was the evilest king in the Bible — yes, wicked through and through,
But a man who finally found God and completely changed, as others have too.
And this being why we should pray for all evil men, that they may turn around,
And men like that knee-on-the-neck man, remembering we’re all on shaky ground.

In other words, hardly squeaky clean ourselves, all why saints don’t go to Heaven,
But repentant sinners (courtesy of God’s gift of grace) who have changed within.
Yes, there no saints on Earth, because every one of us is terribly flawed,
Thus that change within starting the process, perfection coming when safely moored.

And by that I mean, when in the arms of our returning Saviour (nearly here),
Who tells us to love our enemies like He loves them, thus showing thought and care.
God certainly hating the sin, but not the sinner, who He hopes will change, and,
So it is with that knee-on-the-neck man, and why revenge should never be planned.

No, we needing to forgive, or God won’t forgive us, and this being why we
Should always mind those howls for blood, which aren’t heavenly but horribly earthly.
God not wanting any strong desire to punish residing in our heart,
’Cause from His company, the one with such a spirit’s soon seen to depart.

You see, love and hate can’t dwell together, we not to be some Jekyll and Hyde,
Some good and bad mix, a smiley faced, sweet talking yet moody, hardhearted bride.
No bridegroom longing for that, and so it is with Christ, who judges by the heart,
How we treat our enemies, ’cause loving our own is easy, though where we start.

Loving hearts seek to rehabilitate and redeem, their pain left with Christ, who
Will bring all deeds into judgement — and that meaning, every secret thing too.
Thus punishment not our worry, but making sure that we’re right, that all is well,
And I meaning, within our heart, which our words and actions are sure to soon tell.

If Manasseh changed, then so can others, and that’s what we should pray for, and so
We praying for that knee-on-the-neck man, that one day his face with love will glow.
Thus good coming out of bad, prisons doing little to change hearts, but Jesus,
Who, whether we're a Manasseh or Daniel, not only loves, but wants to save us.


By Lance Landall


"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"
(Matt 5:44, ESV).




53.  How Love's Embarrassed

He picked a fight with me, foot tripped me to the ground, and was soon on top of me,
I on my back and struggling, a crowd of school boys surrounding excitedly.
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” they shouted, but I didn’t want to, though acting defensively,
And managing to turn the tables, I on top of him, though disastrously.

’Cause the headmaster had appeared — oh, what timing, ’cause who looked the villain?
Yes, innocent me, I the one who’d been attacked, unfairness bubbling within.
And oh, how sad that “Fight! Fight! Fight!” — yes, that fuelling of the fire mentality,
Which reminds me of rioters who perpetuate the same insanity.

Such not how to deal with or respond to bad policing, or anything else,
’Cause that’s how we become villains as well, inflicting our own bruises and welts.
Such reminding me of the Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand, an evil act,
And a severe test to the survivors and grievers who the courtroom soon packed.

Here they were giving their victim impact reports, and quite a number of them,
Some saying they forgave the shooter, others angrily seeking to condemn;
Yes, hate filled words for the hater who sprayed his bullets, just like they did their words,
Their anger understandable, but love on their part too, thus off with the birds.

So when will we gain the strength to stop the madness, that hate for hate carry on,
That unbelievably comes from many shouting “Love!”, which yes, has up and gone.
Such making a mockery of things, because those shouting “Love” should know better,
And looks just as murderous, like that glare once seen on the face of young Greta.

You see, a sure test of our character is how we treat those we don’t like, or
Those who say or do what rankles, thus hate and revenge or love taking the stand.
To holler “Love!” and yet mistreat those who hate is to declare our own guilt, which
As said, makes a mockery of what we state, and some deep wound will hardly stitch.

In their anger and pain they wanting that man punished to the max, and therefore,
He can rot in prison, when oh, what went so wrong for that boy some mother bore.
How sad when someone’s child goes this way, he like a broken toy that needs fixing,
But fixing not on their mind, so in prison with other bad men he’ll be mixing.

Yes, only forgiveness healing, and fighting fire with fire adding to the ill,
We unable to move forward ’till love draws that needed water from the well.
Yes, just like that fight, no one gaining, we both strapped, and having drawn a crowd,
My turning the tables hardly going in my favour, neither of us proud.

There no pride in venomous words, retaliation and hollow victories,
Which the way ahead can’t see because of that “Fight! Fight! Fight!”, those self imposed trees.
It easy said, I know, but the only way to go, love breaking from the past,
That merry-go-round, that counter productive anger that leaves Heaven aghast.

Such time’s best spent on nursing survivors and the grieving, lessening their pain,
So that a sense of inner peace, and even new found joy as well, they might gain.
All why midst those loud shouts for love, there needs to be that palpable example,
Because where such isn’t, love must surely weep, and be too embarrassed to dwell.

Victims who forgave, and restorative justice, are closer to Heaven’s way,
Because though God’s a God of justice, there’s a grace and redemption interplay.
Yes, love and justice working together, restoration being God’s intent,
Hence why eternity is granted to wrongdoers who sincerely repent,

And how love’s embarrassed when those who shout “Love!”, their seething anger and hate vent.

The truth is, we need to be thinking in terms of repair shops, not rubbish heaps,
The latter what hate's all about, the former what love’s all about, and why it weeps.
Too many humans discarded because of this or that, some evil they’ve done,
When many have turned the corner and a life that’s the opposite have begun.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 28 August 2020.
Note: This poem is not suggesting in any way that the man in question shouldn't have been punished.




54.  Stop! In The Name Of Love

We should stop that measuring of whether someone’s worthy of our love or not,
And should love them anyway (selective love being all too easy to spot).
Even the mafia love their own, yet despatch those that they don’t love, and so
Loving those who’re lovable, or who love us, is hardly how real love we show.

The truth is, there’s too much measuring going on, we looking for who’s worthy,
Who appeals, who lives up to our expectations, which is but hypocrisy,
Because who of us is a god or saint, without fault or blemish, and tell me
Who among us is so puffed up that they’d consider themselves far more worthy?

When we indulge in those unfair levels of worthiness, we’re judge and jury,
Participants in a kind of mental eugenics, Darwinian theory.
All why we see racism too, and why no one should be seen as any less,
And why we should seek to repair and restore, thus not adding to all the mess.

Someone wanted the existence of someone to be wiped from our memory,
And therefore, they going out of their way to achieve such legislatively.
Yes, he was a killer, but better we try to change him than leave him to rot,
Because though he should be punished, such anger and hate acts like a mental clot,

And many evil-doers having changed, good coming from bad, though some thought not.

A life’s a life, a human a human, and hope only found where love is real
(Not what passes for love), and why even for the wounders midst us, we should feel.
After all, what takes little boys and girls and turns them into perpetrators,
But possibly you and I, evil oft helped by unwitting collaborators.

But, we fixated on punishment, revenge for our wounds, hence that hate that’s seen,
Our response oft just as inhumane, thus forgiveness seldom part of the scene.
Our love reserved for only those who meet our expectations, those who please us,
Such hardly real love, and thus nothing like that love of the one who’s called Jesus.

Oh yes, we’ve serious cause for reflection, our lives far from squeaky clean too,
Much covered by a creative façade, yet we wanting that love that’s real, true.
Oh, the seeming cheek of it, our mental tape measure at the ready, and how
Right through that clumsy big foot of ours, a bullet of our own making goes POW!

All why we’ll know we’re on the right track when we’ve love for the unlovable too,
Or those who don’t measure up to foolish expectations that we put them through.
It’s time we loved them regardless, disappointment oft not due, we too unfair,
We not having to like, but should always love, showing them the same thought and care.

Its real love that changes people, many not having experienced such, and
That many are carrying heavy burdens, or are ill, we need to understand.
Hence their poor behaviour, some things hard to bear with a smile, so irk people will,
And wound the wounded do, all why we should thoughtfully treat everyone well.

Yes, it’s real love that changes, and thus how an enemy can become a friend,
All because of that wall destroying loving kindness that has no selfish end.
It’s good for us, it’s good for them, because there’s nothing like a love that is real,
And that on the behalf of either friend or foe, is selflessly seen to kneel.

By Lance Landall





"An evil act cannot be justified by reference to a good intention."
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

55.  Mobocracy

Just as greater a danger to freedom and liberty is mobocracy,
That braying mob, militant majority that abuses democracy.
And so, mobocracy being a kind of people power dictatorship,
Given its brawling, lawless, forceful way that grapples rights from another’s grip.

Yes, the minority, in other words, who, due process are thereby denied,
And facing intimidation, their right to disagree simply brushed aside.
Mobocracy determined to get its way, its democracy but a farce,
Mobocracy just another form of tyranny, waiting snake in the grass.

Yes, mobocracy turning on dissenters just like a dictator would, and
Demanding that its desires be met, thus making its own laws of the land.
And thereby laughing at democratic elections, freedom and liberty,
It all coming down to its way and demands, such the essence of tyranny.


By Lance Landall



56.  Errant Protestors

We’re all concerned about climate change (I like to think), and urgent is the need,
But causing disruption and anger by lawless means isn’t how to succeed.
So please don’t go blocking traffic flows, hindering workers and businesses too,
It all counter productive, just hurting your own, a path that rebels pursue.

Yes, that chaining yourself to things, climbing up and over someone’s property,
It nothing but foolishness, thoughtlessness, acting very irresponsibly.
Hypocrisy, in fact, condemning ill while creating ill, causing chaos,
And those extra authority call out costs that are to everyone’s loss.

Yes, that time and money needed elsewhere, but no, those public antics abound,
So many getting in on the act, but as far as support goes, losing ground.
If it’s not rioters fouling their own nest, its errant protestors breaking laws,
Annoying all and sundry, and in the process, hardening hearts, shutting doors.

As far as Christians go, God doesn’t want lawless followers, this He’s made clear,
Telling them to be at peace with the authorities, and persecution bear.
Their reward and rescue coming with His return when He’ll deal with oppressors,
Those who’ve injured humanity, those who’ve played a part in the insanity.


By Lance Landall



57.  It All Seems Hypocritical To Me

We can rage over climate change, inequality, starvation and poverty,
Or whatever else we think we should, but it all seems hypocritical to me,
If on the other hand we’re treating anyone, anywhere, less than how we should be,
Like our father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, friend, with whom we disagree.

Yes, “Save our planet!” they shout, “Rid the world of landmines! Stop abusing women too!”
But oh, the selectiveness, given those contradictory things some say and do.
On one hand helping someone, or some cause, and on the other causing ill or pain,
Be it to someone they do or don't know, creating their own form of acid rain,

And thus the moral high ground cannot claim; we each being an Abel or a Cain.

If our life’s not in order, who are we to shout so, and if acting unkindly,
Abusing those who may not share our thoughts and feelings, thus displaying bigotry.
Yes, “Save the whales!” some shout, whilst stabbing a roast chicken, or neglecting their own pet,
It all seeming double-tongued, yet up go those tents, a new kind of order being set.

Yes, the world their way, given they think they’re so right, holes in some arguments glaring,
But there they are, standing for this right or that right, whilst at others coldly sneering.
Oh, are these the ones who’ll soon be ruling, banning this and banning that? — oh dear,
Freedom of expression and civil-religious liberty losing legs on their chair,

Thanks to the ill-thought-out and carried out, which such protestors are seeming to steer.


And all this while they riot, block roads, cause other people’s cash to go down the drain,
Their chants sounding just as caustic, they doing as much harm as any good they gain.
Yes, so sure they’re right, but even if they were, such hardly being the way to go,
Which tells in time, but always far too late, and how the seeds of their own fate they sow.

By Lance Landall





"There’s no greater hypocrisy than acting violently when protesting against the mistreatment of humanity."
The poet, author


58.  What Next?

The anger and riots tied in with the Black Lives Matter movement that we see,
And given that those who’re racist are getting even more stirred up, troubles me.
Fighting fire with fire just creates more flames, and going at things too hard also,
Riot after riot, march after march — it not everyone else, you know,

But just those errant police officers, yet the focus having gone astray,
And thus other heads popping up, white supremacists, those who’re looking with dismay.
Yes, their town wrecked, they feeling threatened, thus citizen against citizen, and
Where to next, it all such a mess, and might it all play into an unseen hand?

There’s nothing wrong with protesting, but it’s all gone well beyond such, sad to say,
The Black Lives Matter movement having made some bad calls, didn’t carefully weigh.
The anger understood, but such shouldn’t take the wheel, rather wisdom instead,
’Cause looking at the rush for guns now, how many more may be joining the dead?

Yes, both black and white.

“Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek,” Martin Luther King Junior said,
But it’s as if that’s been forgotten, and why other faces are angry red.
Yes, they feeling upset with you, and hence that wisdom found in those words once said,
Ground being lost as quick as it’s gained, certain supporters having up and fled.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 11 Septemver 2020.





"The first principle of a free society is an untrammeled flow of words in an open forum."
Adlai E. Stevenson (1900-1965)


59.  Footnote

Liberty and freedom are usually lost by sleepiness, lethargy,
Not enough voices, bad choices, and that failure to research and truly see.
The wrong people elected, even the right path rejected, and so it goes,
Like those riots that bring in stricter measures, those riots that contempt too, shows.

It’s who we place in power that matters, that demand for accountability,
Those copious checks and balances, and that eye for any skulduggery.
Oh, how too much power is given to some, and they not always fit, and how
Liberty and freedom are slowly chipped at, and how another nest we foul.

And as I mentioned, rioting aiding such, ’cause the Law has to respond, and
Rightly so, all rioters a threat to all and sundry in every land.
They but agents of a devil, dispensing their own form of justice, sadly,
Knowing no law, respecting no one and nothing, behaving just as badly.

And such riots as we have been seeing only hardening the racist mind,
And the authority's response too, hence why with soldiers the streets might be lined.
Rioters but a small segment of society, the rest having more sense,
Because condemning wrong whilst doing wrong puts a massive hole in ones defence.

And as for those statues that they’ve pulled down, here we see mob rule again, sadly,
They taking the law into their own hands, once again acting outrageously.
What next? Mount Rushmore, Darwin, statues of bad kings and queens — oh, where would it end,
And slavery once the norm, by the way, not that such I would ever defend.

Yes, down with statues of Roman emperors who fed Christians to the lions, and
Any other statue reminding of past brutality in any land.
And what about museums, they too having many sad reminders of past ill,
It not just slavery that’s wrong, and then there’s our own wrong, but please don’t tell.

Yes, we having created our own little images, statues, if you like,
They adorning Facebook, say, and those pictures shouting things as if they’ve a mike.
And what wrongdoing may lurk behind them, some rioter’s Molotov cocktail,
Brick, bottle or shared Covid Nineteen? And yet how on those streets they’re seen to wail.

If young people want true freedom, they need to learn to co-exist with people
Who’ve different opinions and beliefs, and be they good or bad ones, as well.
But we’re hardly teaching them this, speedily pandering to every howl,
And thus they becoming the weak generation, demanding this or that right now!

Yes, toleration’s not in their vocabulary, they playing into hands,
Hands that want things their way, like they do too, which inroads into liberty fans.
They going too far, still wet behind the ears, gagging never being the way,
Nor lawlessly attacking statues, but rebellion seeming to have the say.

Trying to get everyone to think and act the same is conformity
(Not unity), the ultimate expression of this found in dictators, see.
We’re meant to be unique individuals, not pressured to be like some other,
But accepted in our differences, and yet, still loving one another.

Toleration's only learnt by the presence of what anoys and iritates,
And thus others learning to tolerate us when something we say irritates.
Greater danger lying in restricting free speech than in permitting its abuse,
And why we need to watch lest via shutting some things down we just cook our own goose.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 8 July 2020.

Will the statue of John Newton be next, one wonders? Newton was a former slave trader who
became a Christian (turning away from slave trading) and wrote the hymn Amazing Grace.

Darwin's theory of evolution has aided white supremacy (so-called white superiority), racism in general,
and eugenics. Note the following quote:
“At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace throughout the world the savage races. At the same time the anthropomorphous apes,
as Professor Schaaffhausen has remarked, will no doubt be exterminated. The break will then be rendered wider,
for it will intervene between man in a more civilised state as we may hope, than the Caucasian and some ape
as low as a baboon, instead of as at present between the negro or Australian and the gorilla.”
Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man





Christian content or degree.

67.  The Other Side Of Covid Nineteen

Yes, there’s that other side of Covid Nineteen, the loss of jobs and industry,
And the corresponding rise in unemployment, lawlessness and poverty.
And as things continue to get worse in the world (as they have been up to date),
There’ll be that eventual hunt for a scapegoat, Hitler having fuelled such hate.

Many scoff at how the Bible’s said that things will worsen before Christ’s return,
But given that’s exactly what’s happening, is there something here we might learn?
It warning of a coming persecuting global power too, by the way,
All why my trust and joy is placed in that soon return, that resurrection day.

Be those ills our own doing, or that of those behind the scene, or both, in fact,
Reality is surfacing, and therefore, we need to mind what horse we’ve backed.
We hurting no one, nor causing ill, and doing what we can to turn things ’round,
’Cause even if things still worsen, that way’s always where love, right, faith and hope’s found.

And so, we doing what we can to help all who’re suffering, midst our own pain,
Not indulging in anarchy too, ’cause one day, those evil tyrants won’t reign.
But you need to believe this, ’cause no hope’s found in that Darwinian theory,
And why those who follow such, are more likely to turn to criminality.

Rioting doesn’t solve things, nor fighting fire with fire, and condemned we will stand,
And possibly experiencing that coming wrath too that’ll come from God’s hand.
We called to bear our cross, whatever it be, until God gains the victory,
And He will, but not before Earth’s predicted end, when His rule will set us free.

The Twin Towers, terrorism, forest fires, earthquakes, and who knows what’s next,
Society having run amuck, hence the muck, and now so much to be fixed.
But fixed it won’t be, ’cause hearts and minds have become corrupt, like in Noah’s day,
Thus God slowly removing His restraining hand, we having chosen our way.

Yes, God only setting the repentant free, of whom there’ll be but a few,
Going by the state of things, not too many hearts seeking to be made anew.
It’s your choice, friend, ’cause all these things are predicted signs, and Christ the only ark,
And by your name in Heaven’s record books, a sorrowful or joyful mark.

By Lance Landall


“ ‘Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man
[the state of the world at the time of Christ’s appearing]…’ ” (Luke 17:26, NIV).

For the signs of the times (preceding an apocalyptic end) mentioned in the Bible, see my page:
I Saw Beyond It All, grey box, secular section, poem list page.




68.  "It's Not The Gun's Fault," They Say

No, it’s not the gun’s fault, but hey, it’s still a gun, a cruel life taking machine,
So who would want one, love one, because even killing creatures is cruel and mean.
Creatures hardly objects, but lives, they having ears and eyes, feelings and mates too,
Thus one needing to be less sensitive in order to kill, artfully pursue.

Yes, there’s something horrible about that lying in wait (as murderers do),
That having a life in your sights, and finger on the trigger — it all askew.
But hunters aside, guns are a threat anywhere, a clear symbol of evil,
Their sole purpose being to kill — and the dark side effects, soldiers know so well,

Or at least those plagued with post traumatic stress disorder, having eyeballed hell.

Yes, every bullet fired having an intention, a very deadly one,
Which surely reflects on one’s character, for who would get pleasure from a gun?
An innocent, handsome creature grazing, the next minute shot through the heart, oh,
It’s little ones left distraught and fearful, and it’s the same with humans, you know.

And listen, Christian, Eden knew no weapons, nor death, so what is it with you,
Gun owner or hunter, hardly in line with that new life that Christ said pursue.
The Gospel all about love, returning to Eden, where creatures weren’t food nor prey,
And so it’ll be on the Earth made new, yet what do your actions shout today,

Man’s fall being your excuse, and Eden not your example, it’s sad to say.

No, it’s not the gun’s fault that people and creatures get shot, but a gun’s a gun,
Held, levelled and fired, that gaping hole and gushing blood not my idea of fun.
Such deaths hardening each shooter’s heart, taking a little more light from the world,
And so it’ll be ’till that love affair’s over, and guns no longer coldly held.

Yes, love’s not in the heart when a trigger’s pulled, but a toxic adrenalin,
A hateful or divided heart having won the toss, atheist or Christian.
Every factory and gun shop having blood on their hands, profiteering,
Each customer pridefully clutching their purchase, and over each kill, cheering.

But no wonder, the young learning early via those violent computer games,
That trash on TV that glories in such too, and wantonly kills and maims.
Bad enough that we’ve the angry and disturbed skulking within society,
Who all too often (midst plotting or a fit of rage) turn to such weaponry.

Guns can be a power thing, many folk having a cowboy mentality,
And far reaching bullets allowing people to be picked off so easily.
All why guns are more desired, and a windfall for snipers who wish to spray,
And so it’ll remain until sense sees guns pulled from circulation one day.


By Lance Landall


I would also encourage you to read the following poems:
1)  Guns, Knee Jerks And Legislation which can be found in an orange box titled Just Be There,
poem list page, secular section.
2) No Brakes, More Carnage and Soldier Boy and About That Sniper which can be found on my page
that's titled There's More To Be Said, poem list page, secular section, grey box.





"Frequent marijuana use leads to more tissue destruction and long-term impairment of
our highest intellectual functions than almost any other drug of abuse."

Robert Gilkeson, former director Brain Research Centre, California

69.  Unreservedly Anti Drugs

Yes, I’m unreservedly anti drugs, they but a plague upon society,
Partakers and those drugged drivers putting at risk every family.
Addiction tied in with robberies, muggings, craziness and monetary loss,
The latter hitting taxpayers too, and why it’s time to peel away the gloss,

Not that drugs ever had some redeeming feature, and they hardly candyfloss,

But weighty, evil, greedy men behind their distribution — blood on their hands —
Thus my prayer being that both divine and earthly agencies will crush their plans.
The residue of those drugs still affecting well after, and oft for the worse,
Bus drivers, couriers, mechanics, machine operators, say, under their curse,

And not just them, but the children of partakers subjected to that same smoke,
And who in that smelly destructiveness are inevitably seen to soak.
And not just they, but pets, all dwelling in that same home, or victims in a car
Speeding or crossing the centre line, once driven by those who’d left some bar.


And drugs being the most brainless way to get a high, 'cause they damage the brain,
Ones very control centre, that which makes us who we are; and money down the drain,
Money that could’ve bought so much, achieved so much, yet often exchanged for debt,
Worsening health and finally rehab, that oh so common painful regret.

Yes, you see the patheticness of it, what it’s done to them, 'cause harm it does,
Proponents away with the fairies, the cost, pain and damage not worth the buzz.
Society awash with troubles now, and more are being dumbed down each day,
Their facilities subtly and gradually compromised, revealing decay.

So, if you wanted to destroy society, make minds much more pliable,
Easier to manipulate (given their weakened state), drugs would fit the bill,
They saturating town and city, every echelon of society,
And this all why the complete removal of drugs should be a priority.

The truth is, when they're taken, you've given them permission to play with your head,
Your control partially or totally surrendered, and surely enough said.
After all, should some doctor seek to medicate people so, complaints there’d be,
Patients shouting that their brain was being messed up, and I’d have to agree.

Anything that plays with our head isn’t harmless, and this why computers fail,
Bugs, viruses, cookies (call them what you will) acting on a one-to-ten scale.
In other words, no drug does nothing, and cumulative partaking far more,
Until somewhere on that scale of one-to-ten, trouble is knocking on the door.

Yes, we’ve seen the damage, chaos and cost, the hole in the lie that drugs are fine,
Their intention being nothing but to alter ones state, certainly not mine.
Oh, the folly of it, drug lords and pushers laughing all the way to the bank,
But not hospitals and social workers who those destroyers of lives won’t thank.

Oh yes, there’s big money to be made out of drugs, ones dependence, misery,
Hence the overwhelming supply that keeps the police and customs so busy.
They seemingly fighting a losing battle, some in high places behind such,
They pulling the strings of their puppets, all those for whom drugs have become a crutch.

All why I’m unreservedly anti drugs, and more than prepared to say so,
They one of the causes of longer hospital waiting lists and deaths, you know.
Yes, drugs maiming and murdering, destroying mentally and physically,
And the way things are going (if something’s not done), it’ll be goodbye humanity.

By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked and added to on the 8 October 2020.



70.  A Cerebral Coronavirus

It intrigues me how certain viruses occur at times, and in certain places,
But there is an even bigger threat today that this out of control world faces.
A cerebral coronavirus, one could say, assaulting the ears, eyes and brain,
And made up of porn, violence, drugs, Darwinism, and music that’s ill is plain.

Yes, society has been badly infected, a pandemic that’s off the scale,
Thus people succumbing by the millions, the antidote unable to prevail.
God having been exchanged for gods, and addictions and compulsions knowing no bounds,
Yet on the outside, there’s a certain air of normality, which truly astounds.

Yes, this strain of coronavirus also made up of selfishness and folly,
Most feeling that they should be able to do whatever they please, short-sightedly.
The powers that be often appeasing, votes holding sway, which is why we see today
A world that has lost its bearings, and that doesn’t want a finger pointing its way.

Well, people can’t have it both ways, it either nobility or debauchery,
Though even where one doesn’t believe in God, say, some lines are still necessary.
But those lines having been crossed, and that cerebral coronavirus taking hold,
And thus the errant, destructive and shameful apocalyptically bold.

Yes, we get very concerned about bugs that could infect our body, kill us, say,
But how many are as concerned over what could be infecting society?
One attacking the body, one attacking the soul, poisoning cerebrally,
Hence that sad self-inflicted deterioration that’s seen in humanity.

By Lance Landall




71.  Might Lockdown Shout Hypocrisy?

It seems there’s a certain irony in locking down a country virus wise
In order to save lives, but not doing the same thing alcohol or drug wise,
And yet, alcohol and drugs claiming lives every day — or at best, maiming,
Drink and drug drivers, wife bashing, robberies, and there’s more I could be naming.

Covid Nineteen comes and does its thing, then goes, hopefully, but not so these two
(Alcohol and drugs), which year after year maim and kill, and hell puts others through.
Oh yes, how the innocent are affected, it a plague on society,
A different pandemic, and minus protection and a vaccine, sadly.

Alcohol and drugs are as easy to get as sweets, and governments aiding,
One allowed to have these virus-like destroyers, which one should be evading.
Their harmful properties known, and thus hospital beds cruelly occupied,
Delaying or depriving the genuine patient, some having meantime died.

Yet no lockdown, those nightly News updates, countries rife with such carnage, such ill,
The death toll in the millions globally — and every day, it climbing still.
Come Covid Nineteen and one’s forced into lockdown, but not so come drugs and booze,
Which are allowed to run rampant — and oddly here, we given the freedom to choose.

Okay, I’m just making a point, not seriously calling for a lockdown,
But there is a certain irony here when in drugs and booze so many drown.
The death toll staggering, the impact on society colossal, and why
We should be taking such just as seriously if we don’t want more to die.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 20 May 2020.





"TV is the single most significant factor contributing to violence in America."
Ted Turner, founder of the Cable News Network.

72.  Hollywood, You've Blood On Your Hands

In my opinion, Hollywood should be on trial for crimes against humanity,
Given the mind and heart destroying menu that it’s been feeding society.
Every actor just as guilty as those behind Hollywood and all its ill,
Given that what they act out has less to do with Heaven and more to do with Hell.

Yet where are the protestors? Well, I’ll tell you. They’re sitting in front of that same screen,
Where every vice under the sun is acted out, disturbing scene after scene.
Those actors feigning evil, cruelty, violence, lawlessness, or what’s plain porny,
And crying, raging, conniving, stalking, bashing, smashing — and yes, acting horny.

And to think they have fans when they’re more deserving of censure, it all to their shame,
And more so given how they’re poisoning younger minds too, it all far from a game.
“Hey, it’s just pretence,” you say, and I say, “No, it’s more a lie, ’cause it isn’t true,”
But almost believed, and certainly influencing, ’cause monkey see, monkey do.

Yes, every moral, principle, standard and value trashed, but who’s waking up,
’Cause what young parents are feeding on, their kids will soon gorge on — oh, how full that cup.
Hollywood not having any scruples here, nor those actors right up to their neck,
And as far as those go who’re appalled like me, it seems to be a case of, “What the heck.”

Yes, it’s that kind of world now, “It’s your problem,” but no, its our problem, a big one,
Hollywood pumping out heroes that have an obsession with their fist or their gun.
Kids copying such in order to achieve same “means justifies the end” folly,
And the world in general becoming more violent given what’s on TV.

The truth is, we become what we take in, and what we indulge in — yes, nightly so
(Or at any other time), most glued to that ever increasing corruptive flow.
And oddly, women who condemn violence and sexual assaults, watching too,
When they should know they can’t have it both ways, ’cause what many view, they’re seen to do.

There’s no question movies and TV are educating younger minds, and badly,
Those home screens having become shrines to Hollywood, all that is ill and ungodly.
All why I say, “Hollywood, you've blood on your hands,” and them — yes, those actors who feign,
Their profession a despicable one, it all to our loss, and all to their gain.

However, they not having it all their own way, despite the stardom and their fans,
’Cause acting’s known to cause illness, some ending up in some psychiatrist’s hands.
No, we’re not meant to be anyone but our self, all why those who act otherwise
Can find it’s messing with their head (and who they really are), ’cause something inside dies.

The truth is, Hollywood’s a cesspool, a hotbed of corruption where money rules,
It a devil’s palace-cum-playground funded by captivated, adoring fools.
And actors hardly stars (though fallen ones, maybe), their lives wasted dispensing ill,
And this world no better for them, their pretence just making us all the more unwell.

Yes, we hardly needing Hollywood’s encouragement, but it’s sure playing its part,
Cunningly mixing good with evil in order to thereby gain entrance to ones heart.
It having no respect for the Bible either, twisting it to suit and mislead,
But like jackals around some carcass, it seems everyone’s in for a good feed.

However, just like those actors who’re messing with their head, we’re messing with ours too,
And not just our head, but our heart, that poison seeping through veins, flesh, bone and sinew,
’Cause what we take in becomes us, there not two parts to our being, and how we die,
And thus it not just about any injurious (health defeating) food we buy.

Some are fastidious ’bout what they eat, but not about what they watch, foolishly,
The mind and body being one, thus our decisions should take in the whole, wisely.
Well bodies and unwell minds, or well minds and unwell bodies, simply don’t gel,
We who and what we are in every way, and all of which is soon sure to tell.

Some might say it really hasn’t got anything to do with Christianity,
But true or false, we’ve only two choices over what kind of society.
One choice bringing wellbeing, what’s brighter and healthier, the other bringing ill,
The latter trouncing what’s nobler, better and wiser, exchanging Heaven for Hell.

Surely you’ve noticed how movies have got darker, sicker, bolder and raunchier,

Married actors (whose real spouse is at home) in bed with, and all over, him or her.
Such hardly right, though when it comes to Hollywood, hardly anything’s right, and why
The whole theatrical carryon (artificial and insincere), we shouldn’t buy.

By Lance Landall


See my poem A Despicable Profession, which is found on my page: There's More To Be Said,
grey box, secular section, poem list page.





Christian content or degree.

73.  Porn, Lucifer, And You and I

They only knew him as a loving husband and father, and thus shocked they were
When his raping and killing spree was discovered, and then life became a blur.
It beginning when he was an adolescent, Playboy mags in a trash can
(If I’ve got the story right), and porn soon making a devil out of that man.

But not that they knew, he seemingly no different to them, but deep within,
That dark secret, those ghastly rapes and killings, evil acts Christians know as sin.
Some thinking in terms of degrees of sin, but hardly the God of the Christian,
To whom sin is sin, a type of sickness that’s also known as rebellion.

The reason I mention this is, because it reminds me of Lucifer, who,
According to the Bible, was once the highest angel, ’till jealousy grew.
He wanting to be like God, and was in the sense of his Holy purity,
’Till that attempted coup took place, and he was banned from Heaven permanently.

His once noble character becoming evil, enter the great controversy,
That battle between him and God, and over you and I too, lamentably.
Adam and Eve having failed God’s needed test of loyalty, thus sin sick too,
And hence why there’s two sides to us, like there was with that man they thought they knew.

Yes, something happened to that man, as it does with all men where porn’s concerned, though
Certain men more than other men, from which the same violence is seen to flow.
And thus how a loving husband and father can become a Jekyll and Hyde,
Porn extremely addictive and crime scene setting, which such men attempt to hide.

And we no different, though in a non-criminal way, loving on one hand,
And selfish, thoughtless, callous, and even telling lies too, on the other hand.
But sin is sin, bad behaviour bad behaviour, all coming under ‘disease,’
Some bugs being worse than others, but bugs still bugs, no matter their potencies.

And this is how we incrementally end up worse people, just like with porn,
Men going from soft core to hard core, and it not long before worse things are born.
Porn acting like drugs, a stronger buzz needed in time, and then reality,
Wives asked to do same things, or some woman raped, one tiring of just fantasy.

As in the days of Noah, so it’ll be at Christ’s return, the Bible warns,
So how could that be but incrementally, though how long before that truth dawns.
Each of us needing to put the brakes on, because we’re all addicted to sin,
It starting with the mind and heart — in other words, with that ill that’s going in.

Yes, just like that man, we’re getting worse by the day, ’cause with the same stuff we stay,
And thereby, all of our selfish, wrongful and destructive compulsions obey.
We just as obsessed, our lives a charade, a public and private carryon,
Nice people on the outside, but corruption within, until all hope is gone.

Thus that man not necessarily a sociopath or psychopath, but
One who went from this to that too — in other words, on to greater smut.
Possibly scared his victims would talk, and death the best way to cover things up,
Our corruption talking too (one way or another), and we covering things up.

Now, if it’s true there’s a coming Judge to face, one who’s coming in great glory
And earth-shaking power, and surrounded by angels, what will our outcome be?
’Cause just as porn wreaks marriages, so sin wreaks ones relationship with Jesus,
Who the meantime and future consequences of chosen sin has informed us.

Our only hope being to repent and turn away from that rebellious ill,
But having become addicted, that break being seemingly impossible.
Enter God’s help and strength, ’cause that ingrained temptation we’ll still have to face,
Enter that battle again, and why the only thing that can save us is grace.

All why it’s called amazing grace, because we don’t deserve it, and can’t earn it,
It given freely on repentance, because that need to change we must admit.
And top of God’s list is, how we treat others, and there goes porn immediately,
It not only warping us, but misusing sex, mistreating humanity.

And not only men at fault, but women who willingly take part in it, and
Even watch it too, though they're the victims; all why more women should make a stand.
But women becoming just as corrupted, oft glued to that trash on TV,
Or that same sex and violence mix that comes with almost every movie.

Enter that Holy God again, aware of how far we’ve fallen (Satan too,
Laughing his head off), and God having said that such evil we shouldn’t pursue.
He wanting it put behind us, or too late it will be, and too late it is
For those who’ve died in their trash and filth, not having obeyed those wishes of His.

Yes, God’s not wanting women degraded, nor raped and killed, turned into objects,
And He knowing how badly the minds and health of men pornography affects.
Penile dysfunction, less sensitivity to women and children, but two,
There plenty more that comes with porn, and why the rightful wrath of God is overdue.

Yes, porn, Lucifer, and you and I, devils in a row, not that such need be,
’Cause you and I are able to put a stop to such, acting differently.
Thus leaving Satan to his porn and anything else of his, it naught but ill.
And why within the minds and hearts of most today, things are neither sound nor well.


By Lance Landall


Corrections were made to this poem on 18 April 2020.

For more related poems (porn and so on) see my page Time To Face Things,
poem list page, secular section.





Christian content or degree.

74.  Even If I Weren't a Christian

Regarding God’s Law, and even if I weren’t a Christian, support it I would,
’Cause all I’ve heard about Jesus is good, and murder, steal and lie, no one should.
And adultery hardly right either, nor the bucking of authority,
Parents having a job to do, and no good’s ever come out of jealousy.

Yes, those Ten Commandments seeming alright to me, they hardly making one worse,
But more that going around falsely saying something, such nothing but a curse.
And people eyeing up what I own hardly makes me feel good, and as for them,
Coveting could soon get them into trouble, and why such ills, all should condemn.

There’s nothing wrong with good rules, you know, and boundaries there always needs to be,
Otherwise, anything goes (as they say), and so, one facing reality.
Thus those Commandments making sense to me, and that God seeming alright to me
(Called heavenly Father), ’cause good parenting provides love and security.

Yes, a God like that I would want to honour, put first, listen to (should He speak),
Not disrespecting His name, wanting some other god, nor some idol would seek.
And I’d gladly meet with Him once a week, whatever day He said, and rest is good,
Thus when it comes to His Law, even if not a Christian, support it I would.

By Lance Landall


Regarding God's Ten Commandments, see the Bible's book of Exodus,
chapter 20, verses 3-17.





"I believe that one day the Darwinian myth will be ranked the greatest deceit in the history of science."
Soren Lovtrup, Darwinism: The Refutation of a Myth

75.  So, Mister Evolutionist

If some moral code isn’t written on our conscience and sown in our heart,
Laws won’t mean a thing, and we much like a sailor without a compass and chart.
So, Mister Evolutionist, what have you got to say for yourself, ’cause you
Don’t believe in God, and thus who or what tells you what you should or shouldn’t do?

In your world everything must be permissible, no God, no absolutes,
Civil laws just based on order, and you knowing no future, having no roots.
Oh, the hopelessness of hopelessness, ’cause what have you to offer each of us,
But a hollow, empty hypothesis, no hope giving Saviour like Jesus.

No wonder many take their lives when things get rough and tough, your theory aiding,
’Cause rather than looking up in faith and hope, just knee-deep in gloom they’re wading.
Yes, you’ve effectively monkeyed around with life, made it purposeless, sadly,
And because you scoff at a Creator, you’ve removed accountability.

No wonder many also take a selfish or lawless path, and murder too,
Nothing and no one to face at a later stage, they think, when justice is due.
Laws broken where they think they can get away with it, no moral brakes within,
Thus nothing to stop them, except fear of prison, and hence why I’m a Christian.

Yes,

I’d rather believe in something rather than nothing, like your empty hairy theory,
One that’s attacked Christianity viciously, assaulted humanity.
It offering and promising nothing, simply ensnaring millions of minds,
A devilish hoax, I believe, a foolish path that very crookedly winds.

And so, we spend billions searching space for what, when that money needs spending here,
Evolution leading us to one dead end after another, no one there.
Nor monkeys in a state of metamorphosis, just a theory that’s hard to kill,
One that simply gives many an excuse for any kind of evil and ill.

Hence the value of that moral code, stored in the mind and cherished in the heart,
Which, when a child has entered this sad world of hopelessness, is where one should start.
’Cause that moral code’s more important than any civil law, so too Jesus,
’Cause only He has offered anything that changes, guides and benefits us.

Embrace Darwin’s theory and you’re leaving your kids an awful legacy,
One that can’t make them noble and loving, and that may well lead to tragedy.
It’s not a Gospel of truth and promise, eye witness accounts, clear evidence,
But a purpose-robbing tale full of holes (like missing links) that’s fooled ever since.

The Bible says that death and bloodshed came about as a result of sin,
Hence why any form of evolution theory should be shunned by the Christian.
But such aside, Darwin’s racist theory that promotes eugenics should be trashed,
’Cause it’s just the ramblings of a deluded man who much hope and faith has dashed,

And whose cruel ramblings aided the actions of Hitler who millions of lives slashed.

By Lance Landall



This poem was added to 2 May 2019 and was tweaked on 18 October 2019.





Christian content or degree.

"Science itself is steadily nailing the lid on atheism's coffin.”
Lee Strobel

76.  To David Attenborough

Dear David, I don’t doubt you’re a genuine man, but oh dear, what must God think,
All those years you’ve spent pushing evolution despite every missing link.
What a shame you hadn’t spent as much time on evidence to the contrary,
Thus showing a more balanced approach, and given there’s evidence aplenty.

Remember that global flood Scripture speaks of, water from above and below?
Well, there’s your Grand Canyon, massive fault lines, and those volcanoes that sometimes blow.
It nothing to do with evolution, but a violent event, and why
There’s all those fossils and that coal; and carbon dating often going awry.

Yes, so much attention has been given to that theory of evolution,
Yet, things hardly progressing, the ice melting, wild weather, all that pollution.
Even humans are degenerating, which has to be why Scripture declares
That as in the days of Noah, so it’ll be at Christ’s return; hearts full of fears.

Yes, it’s a very lawless, violent world now, like back then, and hence my pen,
‘Cause there’s been a huge deterioration in the lives of women and men.
Pornography rife, crime rampant, riots common, morals and principles gone,
Society obsessed with sexual antics—have you seen what’s going on?

Yes, plotters, dictators, abusers and users abounding, same as those ills,
Like super bugs, famines, extinctions, and the mass shooter who randomly kills.
But such aside, how can you attribute to evolution the complex design
That shouts there had to be a designer, no ones DNA the same as mine.

I wonder how you’ll feel, David, should you encounter God somewhere, sometime, who
As the creator of us, Earth and the universe, would hardly applaud you.
Pause for serious thought, isn’t it, given you’re the atheist’s poster boy,
Having championed Darwin’s theory, which belief in God can only but destroy.

Death and bloodshed only coming after sin, which means man must’ve been around,
Christ the second Adam who died to spare us, which in the trusted Word is found.
One having to exercise faith and trust, of course, but so much proof I have seen,
Both humans and Nature showing where only a designer’s hands could’ve been.

In six literal days (the Good Word says) God made the Heavens and Earth, and so
Millions or billions of years haven’t gone past, but around six thousand, you know.
This gauged with more accuracy than Darwin’s ramblings, and there’s that seven day week,
Scripture’s account its only explanation, and hence why further you should seek.

Think about it—we’re suspended in space, are rotating at the exact speed,
Are alone in our own universe, this planet providing every need.
Now what are the chances that this all happened by chance? Well, I’ll tell you, zero,
Hence why the Bible makes far more sense to me, the answers above, not below.

You seem concerned about this planet’s state, David, but tell me, why would that be
If we’ve just evolved out of some big bang, a freak occurrence, effectively?
There no point or purpose to our being here, so why should it matter, you see,
We destined to just live and die, there really no reason for humanity.

Hence why many couldn’t care less, and aren’t taking your concerns seriously,
Though I am, because you’ve removed the incentives that those people need, you see;
A sound reason for living, a hope filled future beyond, a God who made us,
We not having come from monkeys, but the caring, creative hands of Jesus.

In my mind, as much good you’ve done, as much ill you’ve done, although no doubt sincere,
Having been duped yourself by that hope depriving and riddled with holes theory.
A dog eat dog, survival of the fittest, not to mention racist teaching,
That you, David, via those documentaries, have effectively been preaching.

Yours sincerely,


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 19 July 2019.

“For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since
the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Rom 1:20, ESV).





Christian content or degree.

77.  Mars Madness

Christianity teaches that God made the world, that Satan, then man, rebelled,
Enter sin, bloodshed and death, and as a sad consequence, a quarantined world.
And thus visitors from other created worlds prevented from coming here, and
We prevented from reaching them, until Christ’s return, thus quashing NASA’s plan.

This all meaning that billions of dollars spent on finding life beyond this world
Has been wasted (and that hope for millions who’re starving has been hampered and killed).
Those who know their Bible should know this, and Darwinism just leading astray,
Because our only hope lies with the Creator God who’ll soon be on His way.

Yes, the God who made other worlds and their inhabitants, they free to wander,
But not near us, nor we near them — and given our infectiousness, no wonder.
Our planet contaminated with every ill, and a renegade race,
Who, where not repentant, nor free of such folly, a judgment will have to face.

Yes, it’s not surprising that man has lost his focus, having been fed a lie,
And that being, that there’s no God, or a God who’s blessing what’s been sent sky high.
Neither making sense, God real alright, and hardly blessing that wasted money,
Pointlessly spent and cruelly denying life, while mouths of others drip honey.

Where there’s no lights, look at the night sky bulging with stars, and then try telling me
There’s no God, as if it all happened by chance, and we all came from a monkey.
The heavens mathematically precise, the speed at which the Earth’s turning too
Nothing short of a miracle, a designer who knew exactly what to do.

Some may laugh (the Bible warning of last day scoffers who’d say, “Where’s His return?”),
But they can’t offer anything better, and why back to the Bible I turn.
’Cause there I find hope, answers and promises, things that make far more sense to me,
Than a sad dog eat dog theory that knows nothing of accountability.

Yes, plain mars madness, and as if all could escape this planet, so who would go,
An elite few, or guinea pigs, and who'd miss out seeing the last rocket go?
No, Earth’s the only planet for us, the only one designed this way, clearly,
And thus we fouling space as much as our nest, too occupied with fantasy.

Hence those little green men, say, those UFOs, and any apparition too,
Naught but the work of fallen angels, and men who aid what such angels pursue.
And that being, the misleading of humanity, which is why one can see
Truth being exchanged for falsehood, and humans indulging in greater folly.

But bear in mind too, that

A God who can create our world is capable of creating others, and
Even more than one universe, which would mean that there’d be other planets manned.
Yes, such a universe ruling Creator would hardly create just one world,
But other beings who aren’t robots, and this proven given that we rebelled.

By Lance Landall


"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things,
by whom also he made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:2, KJV).





78.  And So

“And so,” he said (having mentioned Doris, how she’d just passed away, joined the dead;
And her celebrity status and the shortness of life running through his head),
“It’s all cause for solemn thought, but what have we learnt, many wasting time instead,
And some giving up before they’ve barely started, thus they too joining the dead.

Life’s indeed an hour glass — a battery, if you like, and batteries don’t last,
Although their life span can be lengthened via maintenance, until spent, of the past.
Some too hard on their battery, others not using it enough, both erring,
Surgeons announcing the inevitable, or frantically busy curing.

She lived till ninety seven,” he said, “A goodly age for a human today,
Most dying earlier, that hour glass sooner or later getting its way.
Many treating life too lightly, little thought given to what’s beyond the grave,
A day of reckoning, say, that God who it’s said will either destroy or save.

I’m no Christian,” he said, “But forced to consider such, if you know what I mean,
One wanting more beyond or not, and would it be a joyful or scary scene.
That three score years and ten being a pretty poor deal, I reckon, and therefore,
Death really putting the boot in, or rewarding goodness via another door.

Doris Day didn’t want a funeral service, nor writing on her tombstone;
She possibly very humble, or just simply wanting to be left alone.
Stardom hardly where life’s at, Elvis sick of the limelight too, and then his end,
That shallow world left behind, but with death, are we facing a nightmare or friend?

And many deserving of a nightmare,” he snarled, “Given the ill that they’ve done,
A caring God hardly ignoring such, and isn’t a judge what they call God’s Son?
If He isn’t real, a lot will be getting away with murder, unfairly,
And His non-existence meaning anything’s permissible, if you ask me.

So, what’s kept this world together, I wonder? Though not so together these days.
Perhaps it’s Christianity, that morality that the Bible conveys.
If such is so, why are more folk spurning it, and more so if God does exist,
Because if He does, He surely wouldn’t be too happy, and thus what a risk.

I’m sure that most of us would like to think that there is in fact someone out there,
A Saviour, I guess, because the way everything’s going, we’re doomed, I fear.
And those trips to Mars and so on just a waste of time if we’re quarantined here,
Which makes sense of it all if we’re a fallen lot who’d contaminate their sphere.

And hey, why shouldn’t goodness be rewarded, and those evil doers dealt to?
And oh, many folk needing relief from misery, pain and oppression too.
Yes, we need rescuing alright, but repentance hardly in the mind of most,
Who, of their evils and rebellious, lawless exploits, are often seen to boast.

To be honest, what’s in the Bible seems the best that anyone’s come up with,
Darwin’s theory hardly helpful, and no doubt most of us still wanting to live,
Beyond the grave, that is — and things in the Bible proving true, I’ve heard folk say,
And why I guess we need to think about that path we take, lest it mightn’t pay.

People can be big stars,” he went on, “But death soon bringing and end to it all,
The grave being where everyone ends up, which only better health can stall.
And so,” he said, “Doris facing what’s behind that final certain, and me too,
Hence these thoughts I’ve shared, my end getting closer, though death can come out of the blue.

Better to act as if there is a God, I guess; and you and I incredible,
Amazingly designed, it would appear, this planet too, though now, far from well.
And many of us sensing something’s in the air, and could it be Christ’s return,
And hence those signs of the times that folk mention, which could well be cause for concern.”

I smiled as I interrupted him. “And so, what are you going to do
Given how you stated that in the meantime something could come out of the blue?”
“Yes,” he half mumbled, “It dogs us all, doesn’t it, we chewing things over still,
Or not at all, and if God does exist, I’d imagine He must want to yell.”

“Perhaps He has,” I replied, “And so…” but he wandered off, and I shook my head,
And a few weeks later discovered that he too (like Doris) had joined the dead.
“And so,” I said to myself, “Death having made that decision for him, probably,”
And I guess that’s always how it’s been (and will be) for most of humanity.


By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

79.  In Defence Of God

Is it any wonder that God’s not understood, for the following is clear,
And that being, that most hardly know Him, nor His Word, and just go by what they hear.
Yes, they’ve never experienced Him personally, nor seen the proof He’s real,
That evidence that points to a Creator who again Himself will reveal.

Yes, that God of old who worked within the confines of a rebellious rabble, He
Ruling them directly, hence that ancient Jewish nation — a theocracy.
And such why the likes of an eye for an eye, and the death penalty back then,
 Stood at that time until Christ appeared and pointed out a better way to men.

In other words, that theocracy long gone, Christ having been spurned by His own,
They acting like those destroyed in the flood, their minds corrupt, their hearts more like stone.
And so it’ll be near Earth’s end, we’re told, and why God will once again have to act,
For when He’s spurned or rebelled against, it’s soon seen that every evil is backed.

Yes, one doesn’t have to be a Christian to know the Bible’s onto something
When it says, “As in the days of Noah, so it’ll be again-cum-every wrong thing.”
For look around you, friend, as humanity is growing sicker by the day,
Rather than improving as things always have when people have done things God’s way.

Hence why throughout history God’s had to make some tough decisions, otherwise
We wouldn’t have lasted this long, and why even His own He’s seen to chastise.
Oh, how so many of them act like those ancient Jews, or those before the flood,
And they, foolishly thinking that they will still be covered by their Saviour’s blood.

Well, they won’t be, for those who wish to be saved must take God’s will seriously,
And surely Christians can see this by just looking at biblical history.
First a worldwide flood, then the end of an old theocracy, and finally
Due to “As in the days of Noah,” another scene, apocalyptically.

Yes, its best folk get to know God, and well, He no ogre but a God of love,
Who warns us in order to spare us ill below and rightful wrath from above.
And surely we can see He knows what He’s talking about, for look at our tracks,
They embedded in evil, folly and failure, and if in doubt, look at the facts!

Facts that God has had to deal with, and for our own good, not that most see this though,
Many denying Him, knocking Him, or bending His Word to suit as they go.
And thus where not denied, He oft accused of this or that-cum-misunderstood,
Some even using His name-cum-authority to do things they never should.

Hence why I write in defence of God, my understanding having grown with time,
And why I can better see behind those things where there appears no rhythm or rhyme.
For there is an overall picture, certain things having to play out, and then,
God’s better ways will be proven so, and so too, all that foolishness of men.

Yes, God’s little understood, even by those who profess to know Him — Christians —
They oft more lost in what’s un-Heavenly, still indulging in favourite sins.
And hence those heresies that are presented as biblical truth, or those acts,
Be they private or corporate, that neither the Bible nor God himself backs.

By Lance Landall



If not impressed with Christians, Christianity or Christendom, see my page I Saw Beyond It All
which is on my poem list page, secular section, and in a grey box.





Christian content or degree.

80.  Hell? No

Imagine, dear women, if some man wanting to be your husband said to you:
“I will love you with all my heart, treat you like a queen, do what you want me to do.
But should you leave me, I will make your life hell, hound you every single day,
Get people to harass and stalk you — in other words, I’ll really make you pay.

Yes, I will shower you with treasures, build a palace, treat you amazingly,
But should you leave me, I will be your worst nightmare, a treacherous enemy.
So just remember that, Sweetheart, because I really mean what I am telling you,
You thus suffering as long as you live, and the cruellest of things I would do.”

Yes, I’m sure you’d recoil, aghast at the man wanting you to marry him, and
Thinking, “What sort of a relationship would that be?”, and who’d not understand?
Yet many think that the God of love who promises us everything too,
Would torture and burn us forever, if on Him, we were to turn 
our backs too.

Oh, what a sadistic character He'd have, such love but terribly askew.

Yes, God will judge alright, and destroy the wicked, but there’s no eternal Hell,

Ghastly flames that torture forever, ’cause that kind of God’s sick and horrible.
And what I’m saying being absolutely true, ’cause in the Bible we’re told
Two unquenchable fires befell Jerusalem that aren't still burning but cold.

"...and it shall not be quenched" (Jer 18:27, NKJV).

And the smoke of another ancient fire continuing forever, we’re told,
But should you visit that place today — Bozrah — not a puff of smoke you’ll behold.
And so, likewise regarding that fire that destroys the wicked (of which we're told),
It all just figurative speech conveying complete destruction, and therefore,

A fire that won’t stop ’till it’s done its job, Christ quickly silencing its fierce roar.

Such being His strange act, we’re also told, because Christ would rather save — yes, all
But wickedness must end, and those who indulge in it, and hence God’s warning call.
Such hearts and minds not fit for Heaven, and God being a God of justice too,
Love knowing that there can come a time when what’s unpleasant one must simply do.

Yes, both Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by eternal fire too, but hey,
Are those old cities still burning? No, but while the sun shines, the devil makes hay.
God’s old adversary having always sought to paint Him as a monster, when
It’s just Satan who’s a monster, conveying monstrous lies to women and men.

The wicked will be ashes under the feet of the saved, the Good Word conveys,
And hence why one needs to study, study, study, despite what anyone says.
Fire comes down from Heaven and consumes them, the Good Word conveys again, and this
After having said, “Tormented day and night forever” — oh, the things some miss.

Yes, the destruction of the wicked is eternal in the sense that the results
Are permanent; they no longer living — but oh, those continuing assaults —
Many Christians still speaking of an eternally burning Hell, such not true,
Hell nothing more than the grave, but Greek influence having seen things go askew.

Oh, so much more could be said,

One thief on Calvary going to Heaven the same day, but lets use our head,
’Cause Christ remained on Earth for forty days after He had died, and so, instead,
That text should read, “I say to you today,...” not, “I say to you, today…” as read,
"You will be with Me in Paradise,"
The translator’s bias getting in the way, we told of a resurrection day,
Lazarus hardly brought back from Heaven, but waiting too, a much fairer way.

Hence why we’re told that many haven’t got what was promised, but at Christ’s return,
’Cause He’s bringing His reward with Him, and of this, in the Bible we can learn.
Greek influence having once again crept into things, the saved dead still with us,
’Till that time when (as prophesied) many will witness the return of Jesus.

If the wicked burned forever, they’d be immortal too, and that cannot be,
’Cause only the saved will receive immortality, live for eternity.
Oh, how wrong beliefs are perpetuated, and thereby, God painted badly,
And He hardly happy about that, and hey, what might He do with the guilty?

Yes, many put off Christianity by that Hell fire thing, cruel and scary,
And often used as a club, it just as askew as Darwin’s hairy theory.
The Creator God no torturer, but dying on our behalf — oh, such love,
He delaying His return that more might be saved, and waits patiently above.

And how He bleeds over all the suffering, wanting to end it all, quickly,
But He having to wait ’till that final showdown of the great controversy,
That battle between Him and Satan, a devil who’s seeking your heart and mine,
’Cause we were made in God’s image, and why monkeys who weren’t, suit the devil fine.

And thus “Ashes to ashes and dust to dust” being true, no separate soul,
The breath of life returning when at Christ’s soon coming we’re once again made whole.
Our blueprints safe in His hands, He who knows the number of hairs on any head,
And who Himself, after having rested a day in His tomb, rose from the dead.

Finally,

Death and Hell were thrown into the lake of fire, God’s Word goes on, figuratively
(Yet prophetically, Revelation talking apocalyptically),
That fire having kind of pooled after coming down from Heaven, but fleetingly.
In other words, Death and graves no longer, they too having gone for good, you see,
Nothing ever marring the happiness of the saved who’ll live eternally.

They living in those mansions Christ said He’d build and then come back to get them for,
The saved dead rising from their graves at Christ’s return (and He almost at the door).
Yes, they rising first, and then the saved who’re still living, both meeting in the air,
No one getting to Heaven sooner, nor watching their loved ones still struggling here.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 7 September 2020.

" 'Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,' says the Lord Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the Lord Almighty" (Mal 4:1-3, NIV).

“And all these [faithful Bible heroes of all the ages], though commended through their faith, did not receive
what was promised [eternal life, immortality], since God had provided something better [much fairer] for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect [immortal. They will have to wait]” (Heb 11:39,40, ESV).

" 'In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again [the second coming] and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also' " (John 14:2,3, ESV).

See further texts under poem 78.


 
It was the ancient Greeks who taught that a soul departed from the body at death and went somewhere.
Christianity (the gospel of Jesus Christ) does not incorporate pagan beliefs.

Any comments in text brackets have been inserted by the Author, and this poem also appears in my
Christian section where more on this subject is revealed.





Christian content or degree.

81.  And There's No Secret Rapture Either

Just like there is no eternal Hell, there’s no secret rapture either, and thus
Many believing things that were never taught by the apostles or Jesus.
Those Left Behind books nothing but fiction, thus there no secret snatching away,
Sheep and goats separated at Christ’s return, that longed for resurrection day.

No Christ’s not coming like a thief, but surprising like a thief (with most asleep,
Much like those five foolish virgins with no oil, who their folly were seen to reap).
Christ coming in great glory, we’re told, and every eye will see Him, which means
God’s faithful will have to face the meantime, because there won’t be those rapture scenes.

“Here’s a call for the endurance of the saints,” the book of Revelation says,
Speaking of the ills and persecution that will mark the warned of End-time days.
God not wrapping His people in cotton wool, never has and He never will,
All why they suffer from pain and heart-break too, mindful of that refining mill.

Yes, two people may be working in a field, one taken and one left behind,
But this occurring at Christ’s bright, momentous return, which the unsaved will blind.
Yes, they unable to look upon His glory, the saved caught up in the air,
Christ not setting foot on Earth, but heading back to those mansions He said He’d prepare.

All why He’s coming back, none taken to Heaven yet, ’cause that’s just fiction too,
Nonsense that crept into the Christian Church, it naught but a Greek-cum-pagan view.
No souls departing at death either, such nothing but more pagan fantasy,
Christ hardly returning just for bodies, but to grant us immortality.

Yes, that’s when we’ll be made whole, thus loved ones not up there looking down at the hell,
’Cause there would go their peace and joy, and thus as far as Heaven goes, all not well.
Hence why we’ll all be made perfect together, a better idea, God’s Word says,
No one having some advantage, the dead rising first, then us, lips full of praise.

If the dead were already in Heaven, they’d hardly be roused from their graves, and
We hardly joining them in the air, just like the Bible says Jesus has planned.
That rapture theory but a concoction, all why God warned of false prophets, who
Here, create a false sense of security, given what we’re called to go through.

If Lazarus had gone to Heaven, Christ would hardly have brought him back, or his soul,
All why the idea of someone (who’s saved) going to Heaven at death just doesn’t roll.
And hey, what’s with the witch of Endor summoning poor Samuel up, and not down?
No, it all hardly making sense, and why together, we will receive our crown.

By Lance Landall


"The soul that sinneth, it shall die..." (Ezek 18:20, KJV). Note also Matt 10:28; James 5:20.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:9,10, NIV).

“ ‘When the Son of Man comes in His glory [at the second coming]...He shall separate people from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep [righteous] from the goats [the wicked]’ ” (Matt 25:31,32). Note Matt 13:24-30; 2 Thess 1:7,8.

“Now he [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,
Felix was afraid…” (Acts 24:25, NKJV).

“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus [this is referring to the time of the worldwide persecuting "beast" power (Rev 13:11-18)]” (Rev 14:12, NIV).

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Tim 4:8, NIV).

" 'Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done' " (Rev 22:12, NIV). Note also Matt 16:27.

See further texts under poem 77.

Any comments in text brackets have been inserted by the Author. See my Christian section where
more on this subject is revealed.






Christian content or degree.

82.  As For What's Done In God's Name

Most of Israel’s kings were bad (so much for them wanting a king), but you know,
God still allowing such kings to have their successes at times regarding some foe.
Not because He approved of their wrongful ways, but with the Israelites in mind,
They still His people at the time, and why even today, God’s mercy we find.

Yes, God is good, but not always those who rule, oppressing or leading astray,
Yet God still allowing them certain successes which we too might see today.
Such rulers even doing things in His name, perhaps, Iraqi an example,
Because we know that false talk of weapons of mass destruction led to great ill,

A war that should not have happened — oh, America, how you created a hell.

The truth is, God sometimes allows things for His ultimate purposes, and so
They not always meeting with His approval, but some end that in time will show.
And those errant rulers destined for destruction, be they Christians or not so,
Just like those errant rulers of Israel who God allowed to crush some foe.

And who are those people who tell some ruler he’s God’s appointed man? — oh dear —
False prophets and teachers abounding, we’re told, the evidence painfully clear.
Certain successes seeming to suggest God’s approval when such isn’t so,
Or not quite so, hence why we should mind what we read into things, nor some trumpet blow.

Ancient Israel was repeatedly plagued with foes, surrounded by them, and
With Israel being God’s chosen nation, it oft ridding them from the land,
’Till Israel became just as bad, and there within, apostasy was seen,
Yet it still prideful, ’till divorced by God; and who might well repeat such a scene?

Yes, patriotic fever, things said in God’s name, a Church and State look-alike,
Military forays, seeming successes, troops stationed in every land.
And God allowing it, but not ’cause it meets His full approval, but some end,
One that shows man’s folly, the truth of what Christ warned of, His coming ’round the bend.

Thus God’s allowances aren’t necessarily what He’s happy with at all,
And much done in His name knowing nothing of Him — in fact, nothing but a gall.
Ancient leaders often having led astray, and it’s no different today,
Men distorting the will and Word of God, or ignoring what He’s had to say.


Lance Landall


For further on this, see my page Apologetics which is on my poem list page,
secular section, purple box, left hand side.





Christian content or degree.

83.  No One Will Get Away With Anything

For those who’ve got away with some unconfessed crime, one that they’ve lied over, say,
Fear awaits, ’cause God will deal with every such secret come His judgment day.
Yes, eternity not theirs, be they a murderer, rapist, thief, liar, or
Some angry rioter who set fire to some building, acting against the law.

No, such things are to be confessed and the earthly penalty paid, otherwise
God will not cover them with His grace, He no accepter of deceit and lies.
In other words, it’s that putting right that counts, with God, man and the victim too,
Thus repentance, jail time, say, and displayed remorse, all being what one must do.

One not going to a priest, by the way, because only God can forgive, so
One using that direct access gained via prayer, which every Christian should know.
And not just God hearing that confession, but the police and the victim too,
No one hiding behind position or power (which they will have cause to rue),

Nor hiding behind some confessional box, a practice terribly askew.

It’s bad enough having done the ill without making the victim look a liar,
Which only fuels the wrath of God, who of that multiplied crime will soon enquire.
He not wanting anyone treated so, their cries of foul play reaching His ears,
Everything noted, and why before He returns, over those notes He peers.

Only a fool putting off that confession given that death could intervene,
And thus it far too late then, the penalty still not met like it should have been.
The God of love also being the God of truth and justice, and hence that day,
When over unconfessed crime, ignored debt, and damage done, He will have His say.

Though God forgives sins, He doesn't let anyone get away with murder, or
Anything else, because what would that say, and so much for any rightful law.
All why God has His laws too, justice (we’re told) being the foundation of His throne,
Which makes sense, because how could a righteous God any ill and evil condone?

Why shouldn’t He feel angry over ill done to others and His creation,
He looking at a rebellious, lawless, selfish, harsh and cruel situation.
And (in love) having borne long with such, thus judgment overdue, and come it will,
But no fear in the eyes or hearts of any who’ve refrained from evil and ill.


By Lance Landall


"...Only God can forgive sins!" (Luke 5:21, NLT).
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5, KJV).
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind
by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NIV).
“The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right
are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:10).
“Many [Christians] will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name
cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew
you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).
“For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing...”  (Eccl 12:14, NKJV).

Also see my poems With The Kavanaugh Case In Mind and I'm Concerned For Catholics
which can be found on my Foes Of Humanity page, secular section, purple box.





Christian content or degree.

"The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded."
Charles-Louis De Secondat (1689-1755)

84.  Trump's Folly

Sorry, Mister Trump, but climate change is for real, and an apocalyptic end,
Though a renewed Earth free of ills awaits those who repent and all their bad ways mend.
So who’s been convincing you otherwise? Errant evangelicals, false prophets?
’Cause Scripture’s very clear — hence its signs of the times — so best put sense before profits.

Yes, mind the religious who’re after power in order to achieve wrong beliefs,
God not setting up His kingdom on His return, but rescuing from Earth’s griefs.
A renewed Earth coming later, His coming toppling everything that’s man-made,
Hence those mansions in Heaven He’s preparing for those who His will would’ve obeyed.

Hence His warnings too, true prophets not glossing things over, or telling what’s a lie,
Because God’s wanting us to take very serious all that’s been going awry.
All these calamities and so forth but a wake up call, not that He’s zapping us,
But is slowly removing His restraining hand, our only hope found in Jesus.

Thus your denial of climate change but the response of a scoffer, sad to say,
Or someone who’s been wrongly fed; and perhaps you’re thinking you’re God’s man of the day.
Well, you wouldn’t be the first to wrongly think so, and meantime this Earth needs our care,
’Cause it's our very nest, still God’s creation, so some blame you could be facing here.

All why God’s saving call and the ills of climate change should be activating us,
As our suffering could be greater, and many having reason to fear Jesus.
Like yourself, Mister Trump, if you’re erring badly here, ’cause some things are clear to see,
Like climate change, not to mention those other things that are repeating history.

Why would someone want to drain a swamp only to fill it with more toxic waste,
A boastful, dictatorial, lamb becoming a dragon like smell and taste?
Outside of that theocracy that once was, God accepts no Church and State wedding,
So mind, Mister Trump, because 
politics, religion shouldn’t be bedding.

I thinking of that photo shoot; a bible in your hand, a church behind you,
Such reminding me of a persecuting Church and State power that once was too.
Hence why many fled to America, Mister Trump, so tell me, what’s going on,
Or won’t we know ’till the chance to stop history repeating itself has gone?


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 6 June 2020.

Also see quotes under the poem that follows.


“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens

will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare”
(2 Peter 3:9,10, NIV).

"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36, KJV).

“FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SECURITY; THEN SHALL SUDDEN DESTRUCTION
COME UPON THEM, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.”
(1Thess 5:3, Douay-Rheims Version).

See my page Foes Of Humanity, purple box, secular section, poem list page.
For the signs of the times (preceding an apocalyptic end) mentioned in the Bible, see my page:
I Saw Beyond It All, grey box, secular section, poem list page.






Christian content or degree.

"Don't pray that God's on our side, pray that we're on His side."
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

85.  Mind What Some Evangelicals Are Teaching

Oh yes, mind what some evangelicals are teaching, ’cause the good Word’s told us
That falsehood and heresy will abound, distorting the sound words of Jesus.
And those evangelicals having got the ears of some who are in power,
Convincing them to follow a path that’ll be rebuked come God’s judgment hour.

Jesus never said that He would set up His kingdom on Earth at His return,
But would simply come back to take the saved to that paradise for which they yearn.
Yes, they ascending to Heaven to occupy mansions Christ said He’d prepare,
And returning later with Him to this Earth made new, and which He too will share.

We’re told that when Christ comes for the saved (who will rise up to meet Him in the air;
Pointless if still to stay here), all that’s on this dying planet will be laid bare.
Yes, as in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah when it rained fire and brimstone,
So it will be at Christ’s return, He surrounded by angels (thus not alone).

Therefore, those Christians trying to gain power in some pointless preparation,
Are involving themselves in a deluded, not-for-Christians operation.
Christ hardly setting up His kingdom on a sin infested planet, and why
He’ll be separating the goats from His sheep, ’cause just His sheep, to Heaven fly.

No, Christ’s not coming like a thief, but catching most by surprise, just like thieves do,
’Cause scoffers abound — and like I said, a lot of falsehood and heresy too.
There no peaceful millennium on Earth prior to His return, such but a tale,
Ones reward or penalty coming with Him, hence that joyous cry or sad wail.

The rapture’s another tale, one invented by a man, no one whisked away,
But rather, amidst the ills and evils plaguing this planet, will have to stay,
Until Christ’s return, that is, and then each follower’s cross removed (forever),
But at no time in the meantime, that just the spiel of a devil who’s clever.

And the devil (and all those other fallen angels too) has his agents here,
Be they those scoffers, the deluded, or the anti-Christ, hence that need of care.
And Satan oft working from the inside out, hence that error found in the Church,
Or those evangelicals who have sought a forbidden political perch.

By Lance Landall


For the signs of the times (preceding an apocalyptic end) mentioned in the Bible, see my page:
I Saw Beyond It All, grey box, secular section, poem list page.

"On the right and on the left, ordained and self-proclaimed "reverends" and honorary "doctors" appear to spend more time trying to reform a fallen and decaying world through politics and earthly power than they do promoting and proclaiming the ultimate answer [the gospel] to that fallenness."
Cal Thomas

"As Christians we are not here to provide an ethic for society or the state, but to clearly define an ethic for disciples of Jesus Christ. In the American system of government it is difficult for this stance to be understood. We operate with the myth of being a Christian nation, and we seek to interpret for society an ethic that we can bless as Christians. We need a new awareness of the pluralism of the New Testament, that the crucial issue is the difference between the church and the world, and that the church operates "within the perfection of Christ," while the world operates outside the perfection or will of Christ. Christians influence the state for good through Christian ethics and integrity, but they do not equate church and state. Only an indepth understanding of this issue can save us from a cultural and a civil religion."
Myron Augsburger


“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because
they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy
One of Israel or consult the Lord!” Isa 31:1, ESV)

" 'In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place
for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again [the second coming resurrection]
and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also' " (John 14:2,3, ESV).

“For the Lord Himself will DESCEND FROM HEAVEN with a CRY OF COMMAND, with the VOICE OF AN ARCHANGEL, and with the SOUND OF THE TRUMPET OF GOD. And the dead in Christ will RISE [upwards to heaven] first [out of fairness]. Then we who are alive [the righteous living at the time of Christ’s second coming], who are left [because the dead at that time are already rising upward], will be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS to meet the Lord IN THE AIR [the majestic Christ does not touch the defiled earth], and so we will always be with the Lord [will never be parted from Him again]” (1 Thess 4:16,17, ESV).

" 'But on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all
[the living wicked]. It will be JUST THE SAME on the day that the Son of man is revealed [returns to Earth]"
(Luke 17:29,30, NASB)






Christian content or degree.

"Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported
entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever seperate."
Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885)

86.  Please Get It Right, Fellow Christian

Christ, via His Word, has made it very clear that Christians aren’t to cause trouble, nor
To hurt, harm, damage, rise up against governments, or willingly flout the law.
The Christian’s focus being God and Heaven, living right and saving souls, who
Won’t be receptive should they see hypocrisy, or if they’re told what’s askew.

Christians aren’t here to force God’s will or desires via legislation, the law,
But to simply be a voice, to write or engage in dialogue, and no more.
Their position compromised if an MP, prime minister or president,
Always remembering that it’s not of Earth but Heaven they’re a resident.

Christians aren't living in a theocracy like the ancient Israelites were,
And which doesn't exist now, and why our allegiance to God we shouldn't blur.
Joseph, Daniel and Esther, say, were in circumstances beyond their control,
And there, God simply using them for His good, not having given them that role.


If one thing’s clear too, it’s that Christians aren't to be involved in any evil,
Deceit, dishonesty, immorality, or behaviour that doesn't gel
(With God or Heaven, that is), but living up to the light that’s a blessing to all,
And at peace with all, saint or sinner, moving to God’s, not man’s or Satan’s call.

But never afraid to speak out — however, such should be done with love and care,
The errant to be helped to see, not hammered with condemnation, filled with fear.
Christ’s return all about His love, not His wrath — though of such, one should be aware,
He just as much a God of justice as He’s a God of love, but always fair.

Yes, no rants from Him, no forcefulness, no hypocrisy — just loving warnings,
Lest we be deafened via our busyness, pleasure seeking, or perilous yawnings.
Hence the Christian’s mission, it all about things eternal, not temporary,
So please get it right, fellow Christian, because that’s our first and foremost duty.

Christians have never been told to pick up weapons, nor to seek power somehow,
And only before the great throne of God, and God himself, should they kneel or bow.
Though pastors stand before the flock as representatives of God, that is all,
They merely servants, not worthy of homage, and before God’s throne too, should fall.

Indeed every Christian’s a servant, relying on God’s power, not man’s,
And this being why they should mind patriotic fever and Church and State plans.
Jesus not having endorsed either, His ministry on Earth our example,
He shunning political ambition and the plans of men, which just bring ill.


By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 23 May 2020.
Note also my page Apologetics which is on my poem list page,
secular section, purple box, left hand side.





Christian content or degree.
This poem was penned on 12 October 2018 and has been placed in my
Christian section but with three extra verses.

87.  So Sure, So Sure, But So Wrong, So Wrong

Perhaps it started with Peter loping off an ear, as if Christ’s body guard,
But Jesus having nothing of it, He not wanting His earthly mission marred.
However, despite Christ rebuking Peter, there are Christians who follow suit,
Enter same pit bull soldiers, the born again enforcer, sock it to them brute.

No, never saw Christ acting that way, just errant followers of His, sadly,
Oh, the things done in His name, when He said, “Hands off, you mustn’t act so badly.
People will judge Me by what they see of you, and why I’ve tried to make things clear,
Love the only way, and righteous living, and that cross that I’ve asked you to bear.

Yes, leave things in My hands, fallen men only messing things up, their ways not Mine,
Hence why more often they cast a cooling shadow when I’m wanting them to shine.
It’s My reflection I want seen, you My ambassador, no weapon, no force,
My kingdom not of this world, and why I warned my disciples off taking that course.

If it’s not the Church being hi-jacked, it’s Christians being misled, or straying,
They turning to earthly means, or listening to men and not what I’m saying.
Oh, how they put their trust in others, revere them too, though I’ve told them not too,
And this how Satan gets his hands on things, and how the wrong things Christians pursue.

Yes, so sure, so sure, but so wrong, so wrong, even prepared to kill in My name,
A right that no man’s to claim; and how the God of love, truth and justice they shame.
It all a mess, they following strange shepherds, opening the door to wolves, and
Going by feelings rather than My Word, their new theology built on sand.

Out with the old, in with the new, a gospel that the apostles never knew,
Christians saved though still rebelling, a holy and unholy mix sanctioned too.
And many no longer believing in the separation of Church and State,
Thus handing Satan the keys of the past, coming heads on a historic plate.

Depart from Me, I’ll tell them, that time near, a lamb becoming a dragon, oh,
They’ll see too late, politics and religion being how they’ll seal their fate, so
Leave such alone, I’ve said, but meddle they have, some New World Order not of Me,
I only coming to open graves, not stay, hence My pointing to the heavenly.

So don’t waste your time on any wrong means, but seek the lost, set an example,
Making sure your beliefs are correct, that you’re on the way to Heaven, not Hell.
Not that Hell exists, of course, just the destruction of the wicked, false Christians,
All why you’ll know them by their fruits, and in this case, their erring path, wilful sins.

Yes, once they pick up some weapon, or flex their muscles, you’ll know they’re not of Me,
I speaking via My Word, never enforcing anything legislatively.
Render unto Caesar what’s his, I’ve said, and render unto Me what’s Mine, and
Before you sit in judgment, remember those things that I once wrote in the sand.

You know I shunned government involvement, so why would I go saying to you
Do otherwise? — Church and State operating differently, opposites too.
Christians encouragers, not enforcers, the State worldly, the Church heavenly,
And I having only sanctioned one theocracy (lost in antiquity).

So sure, so sure, but so wrong, so wrong, My example cast aside seemingly,
And My prerogatives seen as being theirs too, usurping My majesty.
Many only too happy to crack a whip, enact My judgments, use My name,
When in their hearts, I want humbleness, selflessness, gentleness and trust to reign.

I could’ve said love instead of trust, but love I’ve already said, and hence trust,
’Cause many have turned to chariots and horses, success soon lost in the dust.
Yes, many having taken things into their own hands, convinced that I said so,
When had they rechecked My example, rightly read My Word, they would’ve seen, No!

When the world embraces the New World Order and it’s universal rest day,
Just like the Jews who said, “We know no king but Caesar,” and shoved Me out the way,
You’ll see another kind of tearing of curtains in that temple man has built,
His probation period ended, dreams and hope left lying in Earth’s silt."

By Lance Landall


"Lamb becoming a dragon," see Rev 13:11.
This poem also appears on my page Foes Of Humanity.





Christian content or degree.

88.  The Kind Of Christians People Detest

Now, there’s nothing wrong with holding to strict teachings and applying them daily,
But everything wrong with being in faces, and ranting arrogantly.
No, there’s nothing wrong with straight talk, even warnings, but there’s a time, place and way,
Which certain (and most un-Christ-like) Christians choose to ignore, having gone astray.

Yes, they bringing heaps of shame on Christendom, and even worse, Jesus Christ too,
Who wants Christians to attract and not repel-cum-militancy not pursue.
But there they are, angrily marching, demanding this or that, oft in God’s name,
Their understanding lacking and twisted, and how Christ-wise, they don’t act the same.

Yes,
followers of Christ, but not following Christ, ’cause by their fruits you’ll know them,
The genuine Christian only doing what’s right, and not what Christ would condemn.
“My kingdom not of this world,” He said, yet power they seek, their faith and trust poor,
All how Satan gets a hold of things, ’cause rather than shut, ill opens the door.

Yes, they try to force, want to legislate, but Jesus never spoke of such things,
And all why with His teachings, their worldly howls, ways and behaviour hardly rings.
Christ-like love and tolerance seemingly not for them, though they might speak of such,
But oh, how hollow it rings when that very same whip is seen within their clutch.

Yes, they arguing and not debating, more Roman soldier-like than Christ-like,
And given their zealot-like determination, they more Saul-like than Paul-like.
Oh, how they want the world their way, when this world isn’t made up of just Christians,
Who, by the way, have no right to point the finger given their own glaring sins.


By Lance Landall


One of the signs of Christ's coming:

"...holding to the outward form of godliness [the external characteristics of religion]
but denying its power. Avoid them!” (2 Tim 3:1-5).

A correction was made to the third verse on 15 December 2020.

"As Christians we are not here to provide an ethic for society or the state, but to clearly define an ethic for disciples of Jesus Christ. In the American system of government it is difficult for this stance to be understood. We operate with the myth of being a Christian nation, and we seek to interpret for society an ethic that we can bless as Christians. We need a new awareness of the pluralism of the New Testament, that the crucial issue is the difference between the church and the world, and that the church operates "within the perfection of Christ," while the world operates outside the perfection or will of Christ. Christians influence the state for good through Christian ethics and integrity, but they do not equate church and state. Only an indepth understanding of this issue can save us from a cultural and a civil religion."
Myron Augsburger





Christian content or degree.

89.  What Exactly Is the Gospel Of Jesus Christ?

Well, going by some Christians, one would think that it’s all about End-times, but no,
Rather, it’s all about the love of our Creator, hence that blood seen to flow.
Calvary the focus, that sacrificial love we don’t deserve — yes, that grace,
Christ wanting to spare and save us, all why reality we need to face.

Yes, warning and justice has its place, but the focal point being God, His love,
This the centre of things, we not to dwell on Earth below but Heaven above;
In other words, the good news gospel, not the bad news gospel, that doom and gloom,
That in the lives of certain fixated Christians is given far too much room.

Sure everything has its place, but the Gospel’s all about Christ’s love and care
That hope and promise that’s found in Him, all why we shouldn’t go installing fear,
Because though there is a judgment, and Earth’s soon to end, we’ve no cause to worry,
But everything to look forward to, and that’s the focus, not some urgency.

No, not the signs of the times, they simply reminders of a reality
(One we’re facing), hence that choice we must make, lost or saved for all eternity.
It all a meantime thing, not the centre, nor to be our focus, but Jesus,
That relationship that’s suffered since the Fall, that love that should be found in us.

Oh, how Christians should shine like stars in this darkened world, choosing their time and place
(Very carefully), and displaying sensitivity, thus not in one’s face.
Each of us Christ-like satellites orbiting the centre of it all, Jesus,
Beaming His will and ways via our lives, that love for others that He has for us.

Jesus to be the focus, hope and promise in our voice, not threatening tones,
And thus we encouraging, uplifting and empathising, not throwing stones.
We not ranting at sinners, but showing them the way via how we live and talk,
It always Christ and His love at the centre of our humble joy-spreading walk.

Yes, the end is nigh, but it ushering in another Eden, joy untold,
A joy beginning in our hearts on Earth, and that’s where we’re called to be bold.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” it all about love
(Gentle persuasion and respect), that Saviour who waits excitedly above.

The good news gospel isn’t helped by Pharisees or Sadducees-cum-those who
Are fanatical or liberal, and thereby their own agenda pursue.
Both distorting the love, will and ways of God who speaks for himself, hence His Word,
Where the central theme is love (His), distorted by what’s misunderstood or preferred.

By Lance Landall






Christian content or degree.

"We must move as quickly as possible to a one-world government; a one-world religion;
under a one-world leader."
Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations


90.  Nothing Will Prevent It From Happening 

According to John the Revelator, via the Bible’s book of Revelation,
There’ll soon be a New World Order, global power controlling every nation.
And so, nothing will prevent it from happening, no voices, no actions, and thus
Our only hope of true freedom, liberty and real joy being found in Jesus.

The Bible says that this coming power will work amazing signs and wonders, and
Fool most of humanity via such, and just as Christ’s enemy (Satan) has planned.
So yes, speak out do, because it’s a persecuting power demanding worship
(Or else) — well, eventually, that is — and why all will soon feel its iron grip.

I wish it wasn’t so, but it’s been predicted, and much evidence can be found,
It no conspiracy theory, and the Bible’s pages well and truly truth bound.
It’s accuracy proven, its signs of the times happening right before our eyes,
Yet, because of unbelief, most will fall for the lies, and thus be caught by surprise.

And so, it hardly a smooth road ahead, and hence some strange things that are going on,
Things that just don’t add up (evil agents at work who desire liberty gone).
Total control the agenda, and the devil the mastermind behind it all,
Wanting Earth for himself, having opposed God’s authority ever since his fall.

It’s just been a time thing, God having to wait till it comes to fruition, and then
He on His way soon after it’s begun, but nobody knowing exactly when.
And thus believers in Christ told to endure until His wrath ends that wicked reign,
His command to love just like Him, and never cause harm to anyone, more than plain.


By Lance Landall


"Then I [the apostle John] saw another beast [power] coming out of the earth [a new land]. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon [changes character]. He exercised all the authority of the first beast [a past persecuting power] on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast [fulfills the past
power's historic evil intentions], whose wound had been healed [it reviving from its previous historic fall]"
(Rev 13:11,12, NIV).

"He [the coming global government] was granted power to give breath to the image [copy] of the beast [the first beast], that the image [copy] of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image [copy] of the beast to be killed [here it's referring to dissenters, those who won't bow to certain demands]" (Rev 13:15, NKJV).

“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image [copy], and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God…’ ”
(Rev 14:9,10, NKJV).

"Persecution, whenever it occurs, establishes only the power and cunning of the persecutor,
not the truth and worth of his belief."
H.M.Kallen

"Persecution is disobeying the most solemn injunction of Christianity, under the sham plea of upholding it."
Paul Chatfield


See my page Foes Of Humanity, purple box, secular section, poem list page.





Christian content or degree.

91.  Some Wise Words For Americans, And Even Others

Americans should be more concerned about their hearts and minds than Trump or Biden,
Neither being their saviour, but Someone else who is very concerned about SIN.
Unfit leaders have always plagued society, and plagued ancient Israel too,
But everyone is able to make up their own mind, and right or wrong pursue.

Tell me, who would let the devil run their country (no matter how smart he might be)?
And so, we hardly letting unsound, unfit people either, come democracy.
However, leaders can be a reflection of the state of things, what God calls sin,
That ill soiling society, those harmful or evil thoughts and desires within.

All why we can’t afford a corrupt saviour, because one day the tables can turn,
And turn on us; that flawed “end justifies the means” being how both ways things can burn.
Yes, such saviours often using the same sad tactics as those of which they accuse,
And hence why when it suits their selfish purposes, their own kind they’re seen to abuse.

Such is how it has always been, and will be, and thus hope not found here, but above,
The only Saviour who’s not corrupt or fallen being Jesus, the God of love.
And His kingdom’s to be installed in our hearts before He will install it on Earth,
‘Cause it’s not made up of sinners and saints, but those who have experienced the new birth.

No, His righteous kingdom’s not made up of corrupt politicians, nor rioters,
’Cause the one who fights fire with fire is someone who also foolishly errs.
Hence why all wrongdoers will be held accountable in the heavenly court, and
One very soon coming day, and before the great God of truth and justice, will stand.

And so, to Americans (and indeed everyone), I say Christ is the way,
One not putting store in this man or that woman, but He who will fix things one day.
Yes, that God of love in whom no flaws or guile is found, ’cause the answer isn’t here,
A renewed Earth soon replacing this sin infected one, where joy and peace we will share.

Meantime, pray for your leaders, they human like you and I (those corrupt ones aside),
And thus they erring too, and all why we should forgive (like Christ), our arms open wide.
Christ being the one who’ll deal with the corrupt, though what goes ’round comes ’round, hence why
Some are toppled from power, end up in prison, or via the hands of others die.

All why it’s on the renewed Earth that Christ will set up his kingdom (the wicked gone),
Only true followers of Christ inhabiting it, and not those who two hats don.
The saved no longer having to worry about this leader or that leader, and
There no countries with boarders, but an all encompassing, eternal, promised land.

At the end of the day, dear friend, it’s not Trumps or Bidens that make a great country,
But sound and loving minds and hearts (which rightfully, demand accountability).
Thus we not looking so much at our leaders but ourselves, and oh, what do we see?
’Cause there is the root of it all, leaders being a product of society.

And society isn’t in very good shape, I thinking of what’s on TV,
Or in movies — yes, great violence, and every form of immorality.
It’s a do whatever you want world, an anything goes world, Darwinian too,
Few believing in a day of judgement, nor a God who’s faithful, loving and true.

Yes, He knows what’s wrong with this world, but who’s listening, so it’s politics instead,
Another Trump or Biden, most having forgotten all those things that Jesus said,
Or never having known, and hence those suicides, ’cause the answer’s not found here,
But in He who is searching each heart, and whose wisdom has become painfully clear.

Oh yes, we’re in a mess, our nest in danger of collapse, and down we’ll all fall,
All why it’s just as well that Christ is coming (Eve first, then us making same wrong call).
Christ not heard above the riots, those red and blue waving flags, the porn, drugs, booze, fame,
Money, ambition — yes, as it was in Noah’s day, ’cause things are looking much the same,

And then came rain.

By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

92.  An "Act Of God," They Say

Yes, it seems that God gets the blame for so much, thus it’s an “act of God” they say,
When it has naught to do with Him at all, though there’s something that I must convey.
And that is, given man’s cup of iniquity is full, and an end in sight,
God’s clearly and slowly removing His restraining hand, and such He’s a right.

However, much He’s held back would’ve happened anyway, eventually,
Given how man’s fouled his own nest, and there’s that volcanic activity.
Yes, earthquakes by the dozen now, this planet affected by the global flood,
That decay that entered via sin, and sin having resulted in Christ’s shed blood.

So, we needing to be awakened, a choice to be made, His way or our way?
We either accepting Him or rejecting Him, ’cause there is that coming day.
Yes, He soon returning, reward or penalty in hand, ’cause rebellion must go,
That cause of this mess we’re in, the results of our folly more and more on show.

We knowing better, apparently, but things getting much worse, tragically,
And instead of admitting guilt, many blaming God who’s shown great mercy.
His patience unbelievable, ’cause how many hundreds of years has it been
Since that thoughtlessness in Eden? And here these people are, thinking God is mean!

And coupled with this, a mean devil at work, who causes more mayhem and ill,
Oh yes, he behind so much, yet God getting the blame, which clearly doesn’t gel.
No, Calvary shouting otherwise, it Satan and men who’re responsible,
God in the clear, yet mercifully seeking to save, and if we repent, He will.

So why doesn’t God stop Satan, bring an end to all those evils of men too?
Well, Satan wants complete control of Earth, all why kings he has sought to pursue.
Thus God having to wait until Satan succeeds, because it’s only then, friend,
That all will see that God was right, and then He bringing all the ill to an end.


By Lance Landall


More on this is found on my page Apologetics which is found in my secular
section, poem list page, purple box.






Christian content or degree.

93.  The Good News About The End

Many fear God’s warning of the soon ending of this world, as if that’s bad news,
When the truth is, it’s actually good news for those who right (and not wrong) choose.
The end of this world (as we know it) ushering in an incredible one,
A renewed, unspoilt, perfect and joyous paradise — its king, Jesus the Son.

Yes, that same God who died on our behalf, who healed, pitied the poor and loved all,
A God full of compassion, long suffering and merciful, and hence His call.
He not wanting anyone to miss out, but it all coming down to ones choice,
We either ignoring or heeding the earnestness and urgency in His voice.

And thus the heeder having nothing to fear, but so much to look forward to,
Perfect health, boundless energy and never ending amazing things to do.
Yes, every day a great day, no more pain, no more tears and no more worries,
Peace and harmony reigning, selfishness gone, everyone seeking to please.

But not before this sad old world’s final days where things will get even worse, and
Where a world of a very different sort will be seen, just as Satan planned.
We having to hang in there until the battle between good and evil ends,
An end worth waiting for, living for, dying for, and that God who restores and mends.

Yes, everything beautiful and wholesome that one could dream about, desire,
Sin and evildoers gone, there no cruel (misinterpreted) eternal fire.
Just another Eden after a taste of Heaven, we all new Adams and Eves,
This promise the sure reward that’s given to the repentant one who believes.

And meantime, we’ve that same God to call on who deeply cares and wants to hurry,
But who’s delayed His return that more might be saved, one over whom we worry;
A brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, cousin or friend who could be lost,
And hence those prayers we utter, the loss of Paradise being too greater cost.

Oh yes, God knows our battles, but they’re only for three score years and ten, and then,
An eternity of happiness beyond what can be described via the pen.
And therefore, the end of this miserable world something to look forward to,
It all about the good news, not the bad news, but a broken world that’s made new.

Yes, despite this world being doomed, and we having messed up our lives, possibly,
There’s a new world to come, another chance at life, and successful we will be.
And if that’s not good news, I don’t know what is, ’cause you can’t get better, believe me,
A new world, new life and God promised guarantee that’ll last eternally.

Oh yes, that’s good news alright, the good news about the end — so share it, dear friend!

By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

94.  Looking For Hope?

Going by the Bible, my Christian experience, and that of others too,
God is REAL, God is LOVE, and has delayed His return to Earth because of YOU.
God has never wanted to see anyone struggle, suffer or end up lost,
Which is why He’s trying to reach you, and why on Calvary He paid that cost.

No other religion having a Saviour, by the way, and true it is too
That hope’s not found in Darwinism either, such like a room without a view.
But Jesus Christ another story, an authenticated one, and why here
I wish to convey the truth of the matter, and such wonderful Good News share.

Scripture says that proof of a Creator can be seen in creation, and so
I point you to wonders and beauty found there, that craftsmanship that’s on show.
Such too mind-boggling to have happened by chance, the intricateness, precision,
Which, when it comes to believing in God, has helped many make that decision.

And there’s only one God, the Bible tells us, which makes a lot of sense to me,
More hardly needed, but just that trio that’s called the Godhead, or trinity.
The Father (God), the Son (Christ), and the Holy Spirit (another being too),
But all considered as one, like a three strand rope, working together for you.

The Father’s Son having chosen to come and die on our behalf, then Jesus
(After ascending) having sent the Holy Spirit to help and strengthen us.
The love and goodness of the Godhead an amazing thing given rebellion,
Those fallen lustings deep within us that are responsible for so much sin.

But enter God’s GRACE, that undeserved mercy that can’t be earned, it but a gift,
Which, when accepted on repentance, brings about an amazing paradigm shift.
One seeing differently, walking in a new direction, hope at the end,
’Cause God has promised eternity to the faithful, and may that be you, friend.

God’s love is revealed in many ways, even in suffering, ’cause learn we must,
We oft the cause of our own troubles, and why in all things, in Him we should trust.
He knowing best, but still there when we falter and err, somehow letting Him down,
All why when we seek His forgiveness, we’ve the assurance of His righteous gown.

Oh yes, how long He has borne with me, and hence why He’s still waiting patiently,
That you might respond before He closes that window of opportunity.
Yes, He’s coming soon, love having to bring an end to all the evil and ill,
And where He’ll rescue those who’ve acknowledged Him and gladly carried out His will.

This world’s coming to an end, and what’s it got to offer? Three score years and ten,
Fleeting pleasures, heartbreak, misfortune, ill health, and mind those foolish plans of men.
Christ offering better, all why He died for everyone, despite their sin,
And now waits by Heaven’s gates, His arms open wide, and He bidding all come in.

The Bible’s accuracy has been proven, its signs of the times coming true,
Hence the worsening state of things, and why Jesus is urgently seeking you.
I don’t know what I would’ve done without Him; He’s been so very good to me,
Answering prayers, healing inner wounds, guiding my footsteps, and helping me see.

And so it will be with you, your understanding growing, and inner joy too,
There nothing like that peace He leaves one with, but hey, it all being up to you.
You’ll have to exercise faith like I have, and then you’ll more clearly see
That love of God that daily surrounds you, and that growing truth that sets men free.

So, don’t believe His attackers, nor those scoffers, but those who have found Him true,
Loving, compassionate, impartial, and more than interested in you too.
But in the meantime we having to endure, though knowing that He’s by our side,
It only but a little while now, and those tears of yours will soon be dried.

Yes, Christ would love to return now, even well before, but He unable to,
Because Satan’s ultimate plan for total control of Earth must be proved true.
The Bible having warned of such, and Jesus needing to be vindicated,
Other worlds and Heaven watching, and Christ hurting too, given how He’s waited.

But wait He must, well aware of this fallen planet’s evils and misery,
And that situation of yours, friend, and how you’re still treading perilously.
It breaking His heart, He so wanting you to recognise your true Father, and
Longs for your return, so well aware of what that wicked devil has got planned.

So respond I would, dear friend, there no one else who cares for you like Him, and why
He has provided that proven guidebook in order to counter any lie,
Like that of Darwin’s, Satan having been behind every lie that’s been told
All why many view God badly, and why in time the truth of things will unfold.

However, in the meantime, we have that beautiful story of Calvary,
Surely sufficient in itself, a God who shed his blood for humanity.
Only love doing such a thing, and I’ve experienced that love personally,
A love I don’t deserve either, but am grateful for, and take seriously.

Just like you should your decision, because there is really no alternative,
Nothing else that’s out there, and why nothing but purposeless lives so many live.
This world so shallow and full of empty promises, with nothing at the end,
But not that world where God reigns, and where I'm hoping that one day I’ll find you, friend.


By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

95.  When Disbelief Or Doubt Fills Your Mind

When disbelief or doubt fills your mind and says, “There’s no Creator God on high,”
Just dwell on the wonder of humanity, Nature, those bright stars in the night sky,
And the fact that our planet’s always spinning, and the complexity of things,
How as regular as clockwork the sun sets and rises, and a new day springs.

Yes, everything clearly co-ordinated, and clearly designed that way,
It all too amazing to have just evolved, and why such notions are astray.
The seasons, creature migration, the sun and moon’s critical appointments too,
All having a purpose that ties in with the whole, just like all worthy things do.

Oh yes, those seeds that grow, the miracle of birth, marriages and family,
There being a reason to everything, even the disorder we see.
The latter fitting with an enemy of the Creator God (called Jesus),
Who will restore and renew this fallen planet after He has rescued us.

Things just couldn’t have happened by chance, there both good and evil in this world, and
A battle making sense of it, thus suffering easier to understand.
Life not just about us, but galaxies, other worlds unlike this fallen one,
All loving watched and reigned over by the same selfless, misunderstood Son.

Yes, most having exchanged Him for a hairy theory, and some supposed big bang,
On which their sad take on everything (and subsequent behaviour), they hang.
Yet the evidence of a designer, creator God clear for all to see,
And the activities of a devil too, who, was the cause of Calvary.

Christianity having an impressive pedigree, solid history,
But not so that godless, man-invented, hopeless, dog eat dog, callous theory;
Humanity and Nature’s incredibleness attributed to nothing,
Having come out of nothing (staggeringly), and why with sense it doesn’t ring.

So don’t sell yourself short by believing that you somehow came from a monkey,
Rather than being made in the image of a God who cares for you deeply.
One whom you look like, though sin having marred that representation (soon restored,
So long as you’re amongst the repentant ones who He has promised to reward).


By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

96.  Bitterness Won't Get You Far

Yes, bitterness won’t get you far, be you a believer or not, and therefore,
Come Christian or atheist, there’s a kind of positive and negative law.
My poem really to do with believers, but acceptance a friend to all,
’Cause bitterness won’t get you far, and as far as ill goes, invites more
your call,

'Cause who wants more?


So, bitter, angry, not moving on? Well, God doesn’t want you feeling that way,
But is wanting you to learn to live with, make the best of, what has come your way.
Otherwise, you’re not truly trusting in him, leaving it with Him, which is sad,
Because He’s promised you a new life, and why midst ill, we’ve reason to be glad.

It’s wrong to gripe about this life when we’re getting another one, better one,
Thus this life but a learning curve, and why from difficulties we shouldn't run.
God knowing what’s best for our meantime growth, and this world full of heartache and pain,
Which we won’t be free from until Christ’s return, when evil will no longer reign.

So let's not act ungrateful, because God's not responsible for all the ill,
But a prideful, rebellious, deceiving angel who became a cruel devil.
Adam and Eve falling for his spiel too, as did many of Heaven’s angels,
And thus your bitterness, anger, not moving on, and loss too, what Satan wills.

So please, don’t give so much as another minute to what will spoil more days,
But rather, grab what joy you can, as little as it may be, and learn to praise.
We often better off than others, who would gladly exchange their lot for ours,
But what folly, when to the destructive will of that sadistic devil, one bows.

Yes, he wants our hurts, upsets and disappointments prolonged, that bitterness too,
'Cause the more we wallow in such, the bigger buzz he gets, just sneering “Boohoo.”
Yes, there’s nothing gained by it, and why rapidly downhill one is seen to roll,
Because nursing hurts and holding grudges rots the body and poisons the soul.

Okay, so you have a lovely car, and someone writes it off, enter upset,
But then, your insurance company says, “Tomorrow, a better car you’ll get!”
One far better than the one written off, and that tomorrow’s coming for you,
That new life that God has promised, but not if bitterness you’re still clinging too.

No, 'cause that’s like a “I want a great life here too!” temper tantrum, and unfair,
God just as unhappy about it all, and midst it all, there’s His love and care.
So mind those “It’s your fault” shoves, others oft deeply regretful, and God not to blame,
Yet graciously providing another chance, and why to save us all, He came.

By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.

97.  Living In A Disappointing World

What once was meant to be, was torpedoed by disobedience, wilful sin,
The forbidden tree having been partaken of — and for Satan, it a win, win.
First a third of the angels, next the fall of man, and here we are today, friend,
Quarantined on a planet we need rescuing from, it coming to an end.

Thus Christ coming to take us back to those mansions He’s building for the saved, who,
Meantime, will have to endure whatever, any distresses they’ll go through,
Like Satan’s ill, and those disappointments and frustrations that have resulted,
'Cause Earth’s not perfect anymore, hence that randomness, order having bolted.

All why things often don’t work out for us, or why things all come at once, sadly,
And why certain things happen to good people too, many affected badly.
Hence those plans that crash, those shattered dreams, which as Christians we’re to take on the chin,
Making sure we hang in there, which is what its all about, lest the devil grin.

In other words, we learning to be content in all things, grateful despite ill,
Counting our blessings, joyful in our hope — knowing that in the end, all will be well.
And I meaning, we rescued and heading to Heaven, that new life to come, where
We can start our life all over again, freed from every burden we bear.

Meantime, we should mind our complaining given that we’re part of the problem, and
Well aware that this planet’s a battleground where we’ve the choice to cave or stand.
And thus making the best of a bad situation, one that’s about to end,
But when rightly responded to, proving a blessing, making us stronger, friend.

And stronger we need to be in order to deal with what we can expect, and
That being, things that hamper, spoil and hurt, and which the God of love never planned.
And this why our dreams and desires shouldn’t have too bigger a grip on us,
We aiming but not perturbed when we miss, because our hope and joy’s in Jesus.

We can’t expect too much from this fallen world, though enjoying any success,
And still following and praising God when what’s on our plate is leaner or less.
It all about acceptance and contentment, ’cause empty lives will soon be filled,
And over all those who’ve faithfully endured, the whole of Heaven will be thrilled.

So, we shouldn’t interpret God’s character via our life experiences,
Because God’s character is something independent of our experiences, 
Giving us an external, unchanging fixed point outside our circumstances,
We learning God is good regardless of what happens in our life, and glory His.

Otherwise, dear friend, when life is good, we’ll see God as good, and when life is bad
We’ll see God as bad (as a God who changes between good and bad), which is sad,
'Cause we’ve been told that God’s both unchangeable and good beyond our wildest dreams,
Yes, always good, and always worthy of worship, no matter how something seems.

And so, we hanging in there, in a holding pattern, as it were, and waiting,
We “just a passing through,” as an old song goes, and not unfaithfully dating.
No, we the betrothed, the Bridegroom soon appearing, Earth more of a meantime place,
Our home above, to which we’ll be taken, where love has been preparing more space.

 
By Lance Landall






Christian content or degree.

98.  Sixteen Hundred Kilometres An Hour

This planet is spinning at sixteen hundred kilometres an hour, and that
In my eyes, is a miracle, yet some still trying to prove that the Earth’s flat.
Such reminds me of the Bible and its signs of Christ’s return, all coming true,
Yet many thinking otherwise, who, like (mad) Mike Hughes, such thinking could soon rue.

That flat Earth believer wanted to prove his theory, and built his own spaceship,
Dying shortly after takeoff, and as most think, having lost his mental grip.
Flights to space (beforehand) having proven this Earth’s a ball, like the Bible states,
Its accuracy both proven and being proved, but oh, there’s still those debates.

And so, if those signs are coming true, why aren’t more taking them seriously,
They showing how things will worsen, which surely every one of us can see.
Social engineering hardly having improved things, and no surprises there,
Darwin calling the shots, not God, well aware of fools and iniquity here.

Yes, think about it, sixteen hundred kilometres an hour — yet chance, they say,
No, that’s not chance, that’s precision, something mathematically designed that way
(Slightly too slow or fast and we’d be no more), and everything else in sync,
The moon, the sun, and need I say more, yet we on an apocalyptic brink.

Yes, we having thrown things out of sync on this Earth, our nest fouled, our world ill,
There very little left now that’s still noble, righteous, wholesome, worthy and well.
Scoffers to the left, scoffers to the right, evolution making the Headlines,
Not that warning Saviour Jesus Christ, nor those almost fulfilled signs of the times,

They just pictured, not referred to as such, believers reading between the lines.

Surely we all know that love’s better than hate, so why not good better than bad,
Yet most choosing what’s bad, hence all those pressing problems that we once never had,
Or certainly not like we have today, bad called good now, and good called bad now,
Yet here we are looking at the ills and things going wrong and wondering how.

Well, it’s very clear as to how, all that wrongdoing opposite to God’s will,
It now a case of “God says, but I think,” or fewer believing in Him still.
And yet, this planet still spinning at sixteen hundred kilometres an hour,
A testimony in itself of an amazing supernatural power.

By Lance Landall


Poem loaded 9 April 2020 and some corrections made 10 April 2020.
For the signs of the times mentioned in the Bible, see my page: I Saw Beyond It All,
grey box, secular section, poem list page.