Losing My Religion

What kind of world do we now inhabit?

I wait below,

far below,

innocent

yet not so

innocent,

watching you

watching me.

 

immature

of earth's crisis

and yet passionate

for earth

and earthy things.

 

I am a simple being,

simply trying

to feel my way

in a world fraught

with intense pessimistic

intent.

 

A world where

simple tastes

are frowned upon

as we must all

rise

and rise again

to become saviours,

each and every one

of us.

 

Me, I chose to let the saviour

die,

to let all  deities

in all of their forms

turn to ash.

 

We are higher beings

ergo we must lack

the base elements

of man and become

thinking, intellectual

godly creatures.

 

Artificial intelligence

supersedes us,

as does computer-generated imagery,

so no need for touch

anymore.

 

We no longer yearn

for the lingering kiss,

instead we look for the sterility

of an internet

of flying saucers,

of shopping without shelves,

of on-line friends,

in multiples of hundreds,

of virtual love

and a surfeit of sleazy,

easy pornography.

 

Soon we will not know

what skin feels like.

 

27/08/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

McF, you seem to be on a roll. Another heavy one here, decrying the state of the world and the trap our electronic marvels have set for us. I know you're down on religion, but you sure as hell sound like an Old Testament prophet here. Good work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha! You made me bust out laughing early this Thursday morning. Old Testament prophet indeed! Many thanks JTB.

[R.E. Ray]

Our pursuit and mastery of all things convenient has made us lazy, and the internet has made it possible to exist without human contact. It seems we have reached the tipping point, losing the balance between what’s good for society and what’s good for the individual. That’s what I take from this, sir.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed and what is good for the earth/planet. Many thanks R.E.

[Fran Marie]

Think we have all lost our religion to technology cyber space seems to be the new religious realm of today's society..but I do still linger for that intimate kiss and the touch of skin..a sad world we have become if we. don't
Nicely penned

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes I so, so agree Fran Marie. Many thank yous!

[Ted Kniffen]

This is spot on, John. I see young people all the time...head down staring at that little screen...thumbs moving like crazy.
I can't help but think of my grandfather growing up before Tv...radio...airplanes...automobiles and yet becoming comfortable with them all...but not a slave to them.
I remember being told to turn off that TV and go find some friends to play with... of course, back then it was a black and white and signed off at 1:00 a.m.
Come to think of it, technology is the new religion...and the acolytes follow blindly.

A good write my friend. Well said.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Ted. You are right technology is indeed a religion.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, I am a fan of REM. Much to ponder on here John. Much to be scared about when you think of where we are heading. Technology taking over everything. Artificial intelligence is mind boggling. I've always been a technophobe, can just about manage my mobile phone, but hopeless at much of it. What a terrible thought to lose the need for human touch. Losing my religion? Yes, it didn't fly out of the window, it was more a gradual process. I guess I am more spiritual and like the peace and love scene too.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah a hippy at heart then Chris. When I ran a youth club in my spare time I set up a music section and worked with a guy from the local authority who advised me. I phoned him one day and he said he could hardly hear me. I asked him where he was and he said he was in Ireland on the REM tour bus as he played with them when they toured GB. Felt like I was there with him lol! Many thanks Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Lucky chap :) Good morning John.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i for one, still long for the lingering kiss....I'm no angel, but don't profess to be...but still believe in peace and love...and certainly less technology...
but the whole religion thing...wow...can we still be quite spiritual but lose our religion at the same time?

i wonder....but you had me reading this absorbing, thoughtful write while humming R.E.M.

j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Glad it had you thinking and humming Jacob. Many thank yous.