The Jesus Statement (Poetry)

The Jesus statement is a poem I wrote yesterday while thinking how crazy the people in America have become. We've taken up sides and now are tearing each other apart.  Americans like to characterize their culture and nation as a 'Christian' nation, a light to the world.  A casual observation of the goings on in the streets of America is also an observation of what is going on in the hearts of Americans. The light, apparently, has grown dim.  (found this lecture on fascism and the Christian right by Chris Hedges after posting.)

  

Frankly, Jesus the figure found in the four gospels of the New Testament, would not identify with many who claim the name of Christian.  I don't either.  But there is something about this man Jesus and his example of self sacrificing love that when placed side by side with the current goings on makes him look like someone worth emulating. His social sensibilities, his ability to see through the bullshit, his enduring love, hope and faith are what is lacking among us.  If we are to help ourselves, and we are the only ones who can solve this problem, we must make these sensibilities active through love and respect for each other. The lack of these sensibilities is what we're seeing in the streets of America. Making 10,000 laws will not help, there needs to be a change of heart. When the heart is changed all things are possible.

Jesus had good sensibilities.  He cared if you were impoverished or ill, he cared if you were spiritually deluded or spiritually unfulfilled.  That for me is the crux of the matter.  The soul of America has turned from the light and so it has become dark.  
Hatred is darkness, 
love is light, 
war is darkness, 
peace is light. 
It's time to smile on your brothers and sisters. 

Where the treasure is so is the heart

The Jesus Statement

I pledge no allegiance

to nation or flag.

My allegiance I pledge

to my fellowman.

The state didn't like it,

and I didn't care,

man needed help,

so I was there.

My fellowman

is the reason I live;

and the life I have,

to my fellows I give.

For my brothers and sisters

I came and I cried,

for the needs of my siblings

I lived

and I died.

I pledged no allegiance

to nation or flag,

I pledged allegiance

to my fellowman.

Those who follow me will sigh,

because for man

they've lived and died

without thought of state or flag,

without thought of native land;

they'll Keep on Truckin'

with Me they stand

in solidarity 

with their fellowman.

(C) 2017 by David H. Roche