Unheard Voices

Where are the moderate Muslims

Whose voices remain unheard?--

Who allow the religious extremists

To have the final word?

 

Where are the moderate Christians

Who will speak out against fanatics?--

Against hate-mongering leaders

Or manipulative charismatics?

 

What about moderate Hindus,

Or moderate Buddhists or Jews,

Who will stand up to radicals

And their discriminatory views?

 

Where are the moderate voices--

The voices of reason and love--

That focus on sense and compassion

And promote all aspects thereof?

 

When religious fanatics

Manipulate and distort

The truths behind their scriptures,

They sell their religions short.

 

When worshipers speak out with reason

And love--embracing ALL people--

Then goodness will flow from every

Temple, mosque, or steeple.

 

So let the voices of wisdom

Drown out expressions of hate

And stop the spread of ignorance

Before it is too late.

(9-30-14)