Lyric Fire: Lace-Fronts and Hymn Books: A Poem About Self-Anointed Truth Talkers

impoverished people love pulpits

looking up to power feels good

suffering is eased for a moment

the music and sideshow enters

the bloodstream like a drug

propelling the pusher to great heights

flights of fanatical reverie like he's never seen

 

i am their king he sings

hand me the crown 

then offer up your youngest

i shall take them to the burning bush

oh how the fires will rage

as i take over mind and body

this is the will of lords

my passion shall be quenched without question

because my words rain down like heaven's hail

i give them direction

their tithes come in envelopes of affection

then sealed with silence

their booty is my bounty

i'm gone make 'em clap to this!

 

inspiring the masses is hard work

i need restitution for all i've sacrificed

no one knows the wars i've fought

the trouble i've seen

all they see is the dream

 

uncover me - lay me bare

who am i really under this lace front hair?

a simple servant - a solider with strong arms

serving my time in this grand army

oh this is way bigger than me

i have duties and responsibilities

it's a 24-hour job

controlling and containing this unhinged mob

their tears weigh heavily on me

their needs become my needs

oh how to fix them?

 

no one sees the light that shines on me in the night

it gives instructions

the illumination was a constant visitor in my youth

while i slept it pulled me awake

i'd then close my eyes 

and prepare myself for the salvation-shake

my whole being would begin to vibrate

i shut off my emotions and ceased to be

this was my daily lesson

the power to preach

was being being passed down to me

it was my calling

i answered the charge

it's now my lot to lead

no one can judge

 

let's sing now oh children

sway and shout!

let's tap our feet and stomp this devil out!

we've created a wall of love

no one can break

outsiders may question

but they have no clue

now tell me again 

what you came here to do!

forget it all

let your troubles come tumbling down

i'll lift you up and take it on as my own

 

we are a family 

some broken

some splintered

i am the glue that keeps us together

without me there is no you

with no you there is no me

we can't escape this spiritual destiny

 

leave if you want to 

you'll always come back

because the love i'm laying down

is stronger than crack

 

don't mistake the message though

i'm not a drug seller

some see me as worse

a self-appointed truth teller

 

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Comments

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Rimly, it sure can be. That's why we must take stock of our own souls before we let others take hold! Thanks girlie!

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Your comments are always as beautiful and reflective as you are as Melissa. Thank you!

[rimly]

I was imagining the whole poem as I read. You really brought out the power and passion of the speaker. How enraptured, mesmerized and captivated one can be with a person who has that kind of sway over people.

[Melissa Tandoc]

This is you at your best Tameka. You are firm, direct to the point and your frankness hits the heart.

I think, Jesus has said something to that effect too ~ Follow their words but not their examples (Mt.23,3).

I think people should be trained to think critically and be assertive so that their own voices could be heard.

I love priests and for their weaknesses I pray for pardon. I cannot say the same thing of our political leaders because we criticize them well. But I do pray for more people like you who'd stand for the truth more than anything else.

On my part, I do have to be always aware of what I say and teach the kids and the people I interact with. May my words and actions always be lifegiving :) If not, then do tell me (please ;)

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

I can relate Leah. Sometimes people in power (preachers, presidents, priests, politicians)have the gift to persuade because of their oratory skills (pardon the pun in this case)and showmanship, but just because someone has charisma doesn't make them a good leader. If you feel something within that tells you the person isn't right, they probably aren't. Thanks for always seeing me the way you do! :-)

[Leah]

I remember sitting in a pew, disagreeing with the preacher (in my mind) and then chiding myself for disagreeing with the preacher; God's anointed. This happened over and over again for years. Come to find out I was right. No man can replace that inner voice or usurp the authority of it.

This was a fabulous poem Tameka. It triggered many thoughts for me.
I see you;)

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Hi Brenda. Welcome to Lyric Fire. I truly appreciate your comment. Come back again! :-)

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

I was hoping that you would be able to see all sorts of subject examples in the piece! Thanks for reading Linda!

[Brenda]

This is very soulful, filled with passion and hope. I can feel the rush. You've summoned up what so many feel in a single POV, and in truth it could be many. Nicely done.

[Dangerous Linda]

WoW! Tameka, I'm thinking of Pastors, Politicians, Puritans and, of course, Personally Myself...

This is something EVERYONE who others look up to needs to constantly guard against.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom in such a beautiful & powerful way -- you are such a gift!

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Thanks so much Jessica!

[Jessica]

Wow..I am almost speechless..really profound and moving.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Martha! Your comments mean the world as I am always inspired by your writings about faith, God and truth! Blessings to you as well!

[Martha Orlando]

So powerful, Tameka!
I could visualize the whole church scene through your amazing words; the calling of a pastor, the temptation of power, the self-proclaimed truth instead of pointing toward the God of all truth.
Amazing and awesome poem!
Blessings always!

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

The title came to me before the words, but I hope it all came together in the end. I was thinking of a lot of ways the masses can be controlled and manipulated by people in power. It could be through our religious, political or business leaders. We must be careful when we follow the doctrines of others. Their calling not be the truest! Happy Friday Jim and it's so good to see you back out here blogging!

[Jim]

I really loved this! It's maybe my favorite of all of yours!!! This has so many meanings..especially during this Presidential Elections period!!! I love the POV that you wrote this from!

http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2012/02/juggling-with-chain-saw-get-bonked.html