Reflections From Deep Water

Contemplate upon the power,
even the devastation of an idea:
As a rampant fire it sweeps
through the minds of men.
We cling to it in the midst,
as it swells with agreement.
Whether right or wrong,
it becomes obsession --
a mob revels in righteousness.

Entertained, it assumes
a life unto its own being;
swelling with passion,
pulsing with indignation
toward unbelievers.
It burns, but is not consumed
in the fire of our souls,
pride glowing so brightly
that we lose the direction
of common sense.

We believe,
thriving upon each other's acceptance,
willing to kill a dissenter;
to debase our own morality
to prove a point.
Like the churning tide,
we froth and surge,
eroding the very ground
beneath our own feet.

We become so caught up in ourselves
that we lose sight of God --
our eyes so focused upon each other
that we cannot see his plan,
or abide his will.
We flame like a huge bonfire,
consuming ourselves until
we run out of fuel, and
die.

Consider this, and be thankful:
men are driven by passion --
God is driven by mercy.

Dallas D'Angelo-Gary 00