If mankind has dethroned the ancient gods,
then what has mankind brought upon itself?
since - no more prayer, requests – no special treats
for those who offer up humility?
no god above the lesser gods – the One
who favoured those who followed ‘our’ stern creed;
no longer faith, or hope, or charity,
no longer blest by loving-kindliness?
what shall we place upon those empty thrones
and still avoid the legion of Man’s sins?
those virtues which our forefathers saw as good –
which made the gods to smile – have they now changed
and Lying, Cheating, Killing, our new gods?
it cannot be.. so what of Reason’s rule?
and what of Love – that even the gods themselves
declared the essence, binding ‘them’ and ‘us’?
so Reason says – what godly things we sought
by some divine decree declared ‘out there’
we must now seek within ourselves; as did
the Greeks; as do the Hindus now;
and find a glorious god within, at rest
until we waken him or her, and shine
as godly good in our most inward self;
believe ourselves so wholly perfect thus,
remembering in ourselves, magnificence
which pours out glory as those gods declared..
but where to start? with gratitude; and praise;
for all those things which so enrich our days;
for thanks and praise in life stand by themself;
they call forth love, which makes all things, oneself.
Michael Shepherd
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0011-for-the-godless-but-good-natured/
