Black Sheep Resists Surrender


We are bred to be assimilated.
Trained from birth to make use
of ten percent of our brain.

We are bred to chase the dollar
to the point that some
will take from another.

We are bred to own.
To seek contractual castles
that permit us to hoard the sky.

Our herds are growing in number
yet our shepherds are content
to place the strain upon our backs.

We are bred to spend.
Supporting secret tribes
that only covet power.

We are bred to birth
Quality bloodlines
stamped with a government seal of approval.

We are bred to kill
For the heard is only as strong as its weakest
and we must march despite the pain.

Our heard has found its injured
still the shepherds demand we march
rather than simply putting us out of our misery.

We are bred to march
To stay strong
To complete the food chain

We are bred as sustenance
So that the ruling class
May not know suffering.

I was born to know suffering
I was born to overcome
I was born to stop the march

Heal the wounded
Help those in need
and steer them clear from the slaughter.

NH

Comments

Absolutely wonderful. I say you join the Occupy Writers movement, as this is ultimately triumphant, empowering and transcendent.

Moskowitz the Brown Sheep
Brian Miller said…
bam bam bam....lambs to the slaughter to the sound of the drum...barum ba bum bum...we need more people just crazy enough to dance to a different beat...nicely done tash
Claudia said…
ugh yes..we are on that march and wounded or not, the drum beats us to go on and on and on...and i agree with bri...we need people to stop that madness, to care for the wounded, to get us out of that foul game..
It sounds bad - but I often sit and people watch - and without wanting to sound like a dick- I often see nothing but people just wandering around in their own worlds. Ive seen people step over people fallen in the street. I've seen people unwilling to look at the homeless person hungry. I guess more and more, nd particularly as thevinternet makes the world smaller, we have become more isolated- which is strange if you think that we have access to more information. You've touched on a tricky subject here - is it inherent in human nature that we are happy to live like sheep? Or is it because of how we are controlled. I'd love to think I wasn't a sheep- but am I really any different?....hmmmm this raised some questions....look what you've done- you've made me ramble! Ha ha - v thought provoking piece Tash!
Chasing Tao said…
"We are bred as sustenance
So that the ruling class
May not know suffering."

And that has ever been the case throughout the history of this species, except for small enclaves here and there, which never seemed to last very long.

I definately liked the tempo and sustained pace throughout the poem.

Keep sending out your beacon of light Natasha...they are waking-up!

Roger ☺
Laurie Kolp said…
You have touched upon the sad state of the world today. I like the hopeful empowering ending.
Shelley said…
Glad to know you're markching to a different drum! Nicely done!
Pat Hatt said…
That damn dollar just keeps rolling, it would let me catch it, we did to switch back to paper bills, stupid loonie..hahaha..always following the crowd, doing that none should be proud.
I never fail to be amazed at your insights. Your view of the puzzles in life is one I covet.
Manicddaily said…
I feel like a very tired sheep today! Your poem has great energy for us tired sheep! K.
Love this Tash! This iece is so strong and says all the right things (at least to my ear!)
Anonymous said…
very revolutionary words

sonnet 36
Timoteo said…
This is you...bringin' the fire all the way! With a poignant ending.
Aaron Kent said…
Absolutely brilliant poem. I got a feel of resentment towards what we know and trust, deserved resentment though.
Anonymous said…
I see Stuart's point, how do we know if we're assimilated or not, how far are we willing to go to seek change, is it inborn or a side effect of culture? All good questions Tash!
Unknown said…
wonderful poem! a shame how most humans slide right into that group of dumbasses and enjoy the parade of ignorance. tsk tsk tsk
Anonymous said…
Fabulous piece - I agree it's time the sleepers woke up and stopped being sheep - slaves to consumerism and ideologies
Anonymous said…
Strong, powerful and thanks to your use of language, a unique take on an established theme.

That's pretty great right there.
Anonymous said…
A brilliant poem :)
Delivered with conviction and really reaches :) An awakening is needed...it is happening...slowly but it is! I love this! :)
Anonymous said…
deep and well worth the reading, totally loved the last six lines.
sirwilliamprice said…
I loved the repetition and the power of your voice in this. Very motivating and forceful. Thank you.
ayala said…
Excellent piece...keep fighting for what you believe in !
henryclemmons said…
Why are you picking on me? :) Seriously, excellent points, many I battle with, but thankfully, for the most, hold true to me, and enjoy the risk of investing truth to self and making a difference to driving a mercedes and turning off the news when it gets too real. I like to be around those who try to be involved with action and not just commentary. Don't get me wrong, I love the stability of my day job, but long for the adventures during the breaks I'm allotted. Thank you for your visit to my page and encouragement. You can tell writing isn't my main thing, but it's my passion if it moves someone. be kool. Would like to see you smile.
Unknown said…
wonderfully expressed message Tash, let the truth cry out! ~ Rose
Semaphore said…
Poetry as socio-political commentary, ultimately empowering and ambitious in its scope.
mrs mediocrity said…
I was born to know suffering
I was born to overcome
I was born to stop the march

yes, this. i love that you stand up and say these things out loud.
said…
Sheesh, Tash. This is one of the best poems you've written (of those I've read, anyway).

Your opening is the strongest for me:

"We are bred to be assimilated.
Trained from birth to make use
of ten percent of our brain."

rosemarymint.wordpress.com
It seems there are many kinds of death marches. Some symbolic and others like the senseless killing of the Florida teen Trayvon Martin. This is a march of hatred, that takes the form of many things (racism, sexism, homophobia). It is a herd of sheep led by cowardice. Very good insight in your poem Natasha.
It seems there are many kinds of death marches. Some symbolic and others like the senseless killing of the Florida teen Trayvon Martin. This is a march of hatred, that takes the form of many things (racism, sexism, homophobia). It is a herd of sheep led by cowardice. Very good insight in your poem Natasha.
Unknown said…
Your poetry has been awesome lately, not that it hasn't always been very very good, but I truly believe that you are riding a high and the results are fantastic. I've noticed your topics/themes and use of layering has expanded and anyhow, just a fantastic outcome. This piece is no exception, really like how you move from start to end here, the thoughts you force reflection upon, the call to arms/understanding in here. Again, fantastic. Thanks
jackie dick said…
Powerful, percussive piece, Tash.. and I like the march to a different drummer..that was a clever pun if I read it correctly herd/heard. Your social conscience brought to poetry is much needed...and always done effectively with strength and beauty. Excelsior!
Resistance is not futile. Good one Natasha! I'm sure I will see you succeed in making a difference in this crazy world.
Unknown said…
Love the strength - in both the observation and then in the rejection of what you observe! Long live the rebels, and especially the poet-rebels. To know and embrace what you were born for is surely one of the hardest battles of all.
James Rainsford said…
Great power and angry conviction in this piece Natasha.
Wolfsrosebud said…
totally a sad group we are... but there is always hope
Scarlet said…
Powerful voice here Tasha ~

I specially like:
I was born to know suffering
I was born to overcome
I was born to stop the march

Did you mean herd (instead of heard)?

Happy spring day ~
Tashtoo said…
Don't usually do this, but I was trying a bit of word play with heard and herd...you'll note it's spelled properly when first used, but I was hoping to open ears with this piece...guess it wasn't so smart ;)

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