If only I could be as naive as you
watching the world, removed
as if it’s a bible story
a morality tale
where the wrong we do comes back around
how I wish it was like that
I grew up in the real world
a northern child from a broken home
I saw the things people will do
sensed what they really think
it doesn’t shock me
it doesn’t surprise me
I understand that people sin
Yes, and I join in…
So, when you pull that face
of shear disgust and hate
I’m more surprised by your reaction
then what the man has done
Please close your mouth
take a breath and think
Yes, people degrade themselves
and if that’s what they want
then let them – let them
When you read these words
you’ll be stunned that I write anything
unable to believe
I could create the way you do
it shouldn’t shock you
it shouldn’t surprise you
just understand that people sing
Yeah, and I join in…
[2005]
Thanks for reading this old poem.
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The Lighthouse 
By changing only one word in the last two lines makes the reader think how much of a connection there is between sin and singing. How easy it could be for one to do it when it comes naturally. And the thought of rejoicing in song, could the same be said about sin? I mean if there’s no one stopping you, no guilt in the pursuit, then why not?
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A very interesting take Kim and I can very much get on board with your thinking. The poem was written about someone who had a very black and white view of the world and who seemed to struggle with the notion that people could be both things at once. The hope of my clumsy little poem was to instil some empathy in them. Thanks for reading.
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This poem has such depth, and it was written so long ago.
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Thank you Cassa, I’m so pleased you got sucked into this one. It’s hard to read old words sometimes – they feel clumsy and badly chosen but what I do love about this one is the final lines “understand that people sing – yeah, and I join in”. I stand by that sentiment all these years later. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Our earlier work may be less crafted, but I do find some early pieces are pleasantly surprising.
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