pictures in a prohibition
Pictures of the prophet found appalling
by followers fanatically now calling
for vengeance against those who have offended
their laws give rise to irony that’s splendid.
These people who in Muslim streets are ranting
consider violence to be enchanting,
supporting suiciders in Manhattan
who shred tall towers just like cheese au gratin,
and have no conscience pangs while killing
young children and their mothers, very willing
to turn all countries upside-down unless
they follow laws about which they obsess.
The Decalogue forbids an image graven
of God, but does not tell us to be craven
towards the people who, iconoclastic,
believe in taking remedies more drastic
that any God who’s worthy of respect
demands from those who call themselves His sect.
Non-Muslims now in Europe are declaring
that pictures of the prophet are too daring,
and even in America they say
that one should not offend the men who pray
to Allah and his prophet. I believe
that those who thus capitulate deceive
themselves that it is not too late to com-
promise about a turban with a bomb
that cartoonists depicted for instruction
of infidels now targets of destruction.
2/8/06
by followers fanatically now calling
for vengeance against those who have offended
their laws give rise to irony that’s splendid.
These people who in Muslim streets are ranting
consider violence to be enchanting,
supporting suiciders in Manhattan
who shred tall towers just like cheese au gratin,
and have no conscience pangs while killing
young children and their mothers, very willing
to turn all countries upside-down unless
they follow laws about which they obsess.
The Decalogue forbids an image graven
of God, but does not tell us to be craven
towards the people who, iconoclastic,
believe in taking remedies more drastic
that any God who’s worthy of respect
demands from those who call themselves His sect.
Non-Muslims now in Europe are declaring
that pictures of the prophet are too daring,
and even in America they say
that one should not offend the men who pray
to Allah and his prophet. I believe
that those who thus capitulate deceive
themselves that it is not too late to com-
promise about a turban with a bomb
that cartoonists depicted for instruction
of infidels now targets of destruction.
2/8/06
posted by Gershon Hepner at 11:38 PM
1 Comments:
This is well written as usual and intelligent. I feel initially embaresed at the misinterpretation of Catholic pricks in my poem enter reconception. It is obvious that you hold steadfast your religious views which is admirable. I hope I have not undermined my Catholic views in my choice of words. I never plan what I write it just flows. Maybe thats my flaw. As for images of God I dont think there outlawed and there is a general fear or disdain of Muslims. I was in Turkey recently and I was amazed at how frequently the whole society stops to pray. I found them so hospitable. Also I was a member of a gamelan orchestra which was a superb experience. This music of Indonesia which inspired Debussey is played all over Indonesia and is so divine. Maybe you should listen to Sambasundas song Cinta Cinta. It is so nice. Please keep in contact. Sorry the poems I last wrote were a bit angry. I had just returned to a small village after an extensive time away and was suffering from severe reverse culture shock. Thanks for your comments.
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