They hunted, gathered, somehow stayed alive
They lived in caves, began resenting pain,
Evolved somewhat and grew a larger brain—
To satisfy an itch, learned how to wive.
They wondered, doubtless, what’s this all about?
What’s the point of living when doomed to die?
Responding, clever thugs designed a lie—
Invented angry Gods, armed with fierce knouts.
We’re put here by those Gods, they taught, to dwell
A certain way—be pious, sacrifice—
Exalt and worship Them, avoid all vice.
Life’s aim? Gain pearly heaven, avoid hell!
“Unlike the swine we eat, and spiders, lice,
You all have souls that last eternally.
So praise those Gods because you’re not a flea—“
Our priests declaim—“hard life is heaven’s price.”
Now seven billion humans live on Earth—
Endured parental shaping, went to school
Where competition and ambition bloomed,
Where teachers taught humanity has worth.
Six thousand seven hundred languages
(Astonishing, not so?) convey ideas—
Twenty-two faiths require us to fear
Twenty-five hundred gods and goddesses!
Don’t believe me, look it up! Satisfy
Your selves that humans are quite mad, yet still,
Despite propensities to loot and kill,
Superior to microbes and horseflies.
I understand the sources of our fears,
The idiotic smugness I abhor—
So why do I feed cats at our back door?
And why do moving words compel my tears?
(12/27/12)