when i was young and raw and mixed
open as a road far from fixed
i let within all earth illusion
and laughed at every mind confusion
but time then forged a wary shield
welded block in magnetic field
and spears to throw when threats arose
weapons against potential foes
and barricaded in self-protection
i fought the world’s increased rejection
learned to look on each new advance
with narrow eye suspicious glance
if i try to tell this change of heart
to those who’ve yet to play the part
i squander hours still left to spend
and gamble the chance for a happy end
each privileged man pursues his taste
picks what’s precious from the waste
selects what suits discards the rest
in quest for all that’s bright and best
but poor and hungry and dispossessed
don’t have the chance to choose the best
they dream what dreams are sent their way
and watch in grief while others play
and at the close they cannot say
‘i had a chance i threw away’
they pass unmentioned and unsung
to the nothingness whence they come
and i despite acquired protection
shall also pass without detection
into the labyrinth of the dead
wrapped and boxed from toe to head
so why the struggle against illusion
and rejection of all past confusion
when the reward i shall acquire
is the selfsame quenching of desire?
if i hadn’t fought when i had the chance
there’d be little point to this frail romance
since i’d have spurned the gift of choice
given in faith to a privileged voice
johnpoetflanagan 
Perfection in words, I adore this my friend, amazing.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️K
Reblogged this on Peace, love and patchouli and commented:
Sometimes words come unexpectedly and touch something so deep, had to share and hope you enjoy as much as I did. Amazing poetry. Peace, K
Thank you so much for the fine compliments and for the reblog which i appreciate deeply
with my very best
john
I loved it and you are welcome my friend, you did magnificent on this😊 peace and blessings, K
Reblogged this on | truthaholics and commented:
Wonderfully pithy, poignant prose on the hidden costs of false privilege.
Thank you so much
You’re welcome, and thank you for sharing your insights, my talented friend.
Hello John,
I was reading about privilege earlier today. Your words are so fresh and send my thoughts all over. This was lovely. Thank you for this today.
Sincerely,
Jackie
Jackie
so good of you to read and respond.
Thank You
Always with my best
john
Wonderful verse and sentiments, John. Very relatable.
Michael, Friend
Thank you
Ever
john
Thoughtful, intriguing , and excellent as always John Potent words perfectly penned love, Holly
Holly
Thank you very much
for all the excellent support, it means everything
lots of love
john
Life’s deep impressions leave their marks like scars. And, like scars, we grow thick and obvious despite our attempts at discretion. Regret and 20/20 hindsight are ruthless house guests. Riveting, John.
Beautiful response
Gina
elegant, thoughtful, highly relevant
Thank You
much love
john
Profound. Thank you.
Marilyn
Thank You very much
best to You
john
Powerful. Thank you for the eloquent reminder.
Russ
Thank You very much
Best Wishes
john
Reblogged this on World Peace Forum.
Dave
Thank You for reading and for the fine support
Best to You
john
Without the humanely obligatory self auditing of past performance we lose touch the stinging realities that are the paths of the world’s majorities. What a shame to have never compassionately examined the living portion of the human spirit’s journey of those so less fortunate. Equality is the sure and certain visit of the Grim Reaper. None shall elude or delay when it is his intention to complete his divine mission. You have it all here John. Our lives are almost over before we at last become cognizant of what we have done who we have become in life as a result of our privileges, save for the majority who have had not. This rings clear as a church bell on a Winter Sunday morning. “And the earth shall have us all.” Thank you for this journey of the human spirit. Ever your friend, Jon Michael
An eloquent, profound commentary
Jon My Friend
for which i thank You sincerely
Ever your Friend
john
A wonderful commentary in poetry! I liked “i fought the world’s increased rejection” – perfect line for an author. Your words reminded me a little of Ozymandius. We only remain as long as the last person’s memory of us; time erase us all.
Noelle
Thank You once again for the wonderful support and encouragement,
it means a great deal to me
Big Hugs
john
Gifts of life…choices…never easy…often squandered…often denied and cut short…lucky are only few who can say at the end I made the right choice…the dynamic of life – love it, John 🙂
Love your response,
Dear Ina, love it.
Thank You
Big hugs
john
John, what a poem. Beautifully written. Powerful in its message. Great work. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you so much for the finest of supports
and encouragement
Best Always
john
“A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both
Yes, Mihran, yes.
Hope you liked even a little of the poem.
john
John, “privilege” a poignant commentary, especially stanza eight, we’re all equal at this point regardless of the “privileged voice”. I truly appreciate the structure of this piece, not only the thoughts behind your words but also the rhyme scheme used — WONDERFUL!
Warm wishes,
Pepperanne
Pepperanne,
An anchor, a strength i deeply appreciate.
Big hugs
john
The privilege of living in a time and place where we can replace hearts and knees and even head strokes off is incredible. And the privilege of living in a time where ordinary people can communicate with one another across the world and where hearts and minds can be heard without the privilege of money or status or even exceptional talent.
How fortunate we are.
A fine response, Eileen
…and i never take anything for granted.
Thank you for the excellent support
much love
john
And in the end we are but nought. This is a fine poem, John, and the rhyme structure and rhythm add credence to the tone. To some extent we are all ‘privileged’, yet it is only with hindsight that this becomes apparent. A thoughtful reminder of the oppotunities that we have to do good.
Wonderful response, Chris, from a poet who thinks as well as feels.
Thank You
john
Wonderful words and the sentiments expressed are highly admirable… 🙂 Loved this one…
Maniparna
Thank you so much and not just for responding to this post
but to the many you have responded to – such great support!
big Hugs
john
🙂
Dear John, this standout poem encapsulates your very essence – quality, understated, speaks volumes, simply stunning. The circle of life. This poem has to be shaken loose, to fly all over the globe. Eye-watering perfection.
Angela, Friend
You are much too kind
Thank You
love always
john
It is always with amazement that I read your beautiful work John , the rhyme , sublime ……love , megxxx
Meg
Thank You
Thank you a thousand times
big hugs
john
Meaningful and beautifully expressed.
Margaret
Thank you very much for this generous response
Best Wishes
john
All earth illusions – some of them quite strong and long lasting. Thought provoking writing.
Take care and have a wonderful week!
Love
Inese
Dear Inese
Always a gem, always such support!
Thank You
Big Hugs
john
When poets use rhyme, it often comes off as “trying to hard”…the rhyme does not feel natural. You, however, have a true mastery of it.
I especially love the flow of this stanza:
each privileged man pursues his taste
picks what’s precious from the waste
selects what suits discards the rest
in quest for all that’s bright and best
Thank You very much
Reachingjoy
for such praise and encouragement
it means a great deal to me
Best to You
john
Gorgeous open fire
Thank You very much
thefeatheredsleep
i appreciate your reading and responding
Best to You
john
It is my total pleasure john♡♡♡
You have received the Respect Award. The Award is at
https://blackbutterfly7.wordpress.com/2016/02/15/the-respect-award/
Xena
i’m honoured, truly.
Thank You so much
Big hugs
john