Clara Mae Gregory
This piece IS well written and provocative. It is worthy of responding to. It can provoke healthy communication and discussions or not. Our choices, really. Each of us, as unique individuals, will get different impressions with different responses. I really don't know why Allen felt it necessary to include me within his. He could have just as easily stated it without contrast to mine. But, since Allen is making what I said as part of his commentary (which I thought was discouraged when making a comment, but whatever), I will clarify what seems to be possibly misunderstood by the words in my phrase "Man's disgusting behaviors".

Sameen's words caused me to reflect what he said on a deeper level concerning mankind's relationship with "God" and the associated behaviors. Such as:

The fact that several ancient civilizations practiced human sacrifice and prayer to appease deities and secure rain for successful crops. These offerings were viewed as a vital transaction—giving life to the gods in exchange for the rainfall and agricultural abundance required for the community's survival.

And equally brought to mind the fact that religious music and hymns function much like prayers and sacrifices. They are powerful vehicles for appealing to God for help, protection, or forgiveness. Through melody and lyrics, believers express devotion, make petitions, and offer the "sacrifice of praise," establishing a spiritual connection that transcends spoken words.

Man's disgusting behaviors he invented for himself....because he does not know and understand the one, true God, our Creator.

It's all related.

When God doesn't answer or in the way you want is another, related topic. The question why? Is quite an open one....And it effects us all.
2026-07-13

jim
Dammit, I got it wrong, I meant blank verse. I'm so sorry!

Milton, right?
2026-07-13

jim
Your free verse suits you so well, i admire and admire and admire it.
2026-07-13

Griffonner
In my reading of this well written poem I didn't have the same thoughts come to mind as Clara. The fact is - as far as I believe, we assume that our God wants it to rain at this time! But it may not be within the master plan of our God - that we are, remember, a part of: So when you entreat your god for it to rain and it doesn't, you immediately question if there actually is a God. You might pray, you might sing, you might jump up and down chanting, criss-cross the sky seeding clouds, and it might still not rain. (When I say 'you' I use the term metaphorically.) The magnificence of this reality we find ourselves within, is so complex and beyond us, but I reckon our God knows this, smiles, makes a mental not to explain it to us... some day.
:o)
Blessings, Allen
2026-07-13

Clara Mae Gregory
Man's religious-religion-related behaviors are rather disgusting...I get you....and what you are really conveying. I understand very well and I am not judging you...I have questioned too....just like you. I am ashamed to admit that I have cursed God out with the worst words possible. As to introducing music in the mix, it is very powerful. I see song and music as a means to influence and control our emotional side. Play the right song may influence your sense of inner strength, but playing the wrong ones can weaponize and indoctrinate the mind just as well. I wish you the best, Sameen in finding your own truth that gives you contentment and joy. Every one's journey will be and is different and unique.
2026-07-13