A reflective, socially conscious poem that encourages readers to examine how wealth, status, ideology, and prejudice shape their treatment of others.
Its strongest qualities are its sincerity, hopeful conclusion, and vivid central images of navigating through "shoals of hate."
While the recurring metaphor of "Paper Views" could be clarified slightly for first-time readers, its openness also invites interpretation.
As a spoken-word piece in particular, it has a thoughtful cadence and a clear emotional arc, moving from introspection and warning toward hope and collective responsibility.
(A lone voice whispers)
Discard all those old Paper Views.
For sometimes your Paper Views can define who you are when you sometimes judge those less fortunate
Does your social status elevate you above others, and then onwards, to serve the conditioned hate?
Can your own divine morality be quietly silenced by the propaganda of the State?
Or can you see beyond your own personal worldly achievements,
and still navigate?
These are dangerous waters of late.
Shoals of Hate fill its dark, murky depths.
Swim above it all and show your true inherent kindness.
You were born full of love, don't just casually forget.
Don't drown in hatred's dark depths, full of judgmental regrets.
Be one of the many who have pulled back the veils?
Who see past the illusions of delusions?
"It's not what we do for ourselves that matters, but it's what we do collectively.
For hatred's dark mirrors, we must shatter."
Do your Paper Views define who you are, when you sometimes judge those less fortunate?
I hope not.
Be one of the many who still believe, and there's still so much hope for what humanity can truly achieve.
Don’t let paper views encourage your kindness to underachieve.
Don’t give your soul a reason to grieve.
(C) Copyright John Duffy
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