Religion and Nationalism

Religion is the opium of the people,
A superstition, evermore in fashion,
It's an addictive and combative passion,
Based on premises - quite irrational,
Creating a society - divided, fractional,
In addition, flag waving 'patriotism',
And other chauvinistic
Values of nationalism,
Turn into obscenities,
With humans its fatalities.
All these 'values' are promoted
By predatory profiteers,
Politicos, imams, preachers,
Corporate raketeers,
Dictators, Fascists,
And 'Compassionate Republicans',
Or corrupt members
Of some other well-connected clans,
Who are all compelled by greed,
While we, the people, starve and bleed,
Not realizing that for religions
And nationalism there never was a need.
Without these burdens,
We could live very well,
The world could be a heaven
Not a veritable hell,
On this unique blue planet,
With six billion people on it,
Home of our blessed human race,
Endowed with intellect and grace,
Brothers and sisters all,
Regardless of the hue of our skin,
Living in one world as one people,
Realists, sharing the scene,
But divisive religion
And aggressive nationalism,
We'll turn humanity
Into the 'might have been'.

Alfred Charasz
Copyright 2006 Alfred Charasz