Ode to Religion, Politics, & the Titanic

When it comes to the corruption
of religion and politics,
It's like racing around upon the icy decks
of the Titanic.
Trying to warn people
of the impending disaster;
A disaster we have repeated
many times throughout the ages.

Yet, the warnings go unheeded
in the light of distant stars,
And "Kill the messenger"
is echoed upon the wind
from bow to stern.

The young and poor have allowed
apathy to take hold.
The middle class
is too busy being pious
for pious sake,
While playing games
and sipping drinks.

The upper class
is too busy bribing the Captain
to go faster for profit sake,
As the iceberg fills the watchman's face.

And as the great ship sinks
and the children scream,
All pray for yet another chance,
but it's too late;
For the folly of their way
has come to pass.

Photo: NARA, RG 306, U.S. Information Agency. Poem Copyright 2005 © by William C. Gladish. All Rights Reserved.