in subtle patterns of our prejudice
we see the specks and not the depth
within our brother’s eyes
in subtle patterns of morality
we persecute each other for transgressions
forgetting virtues of compassion
in subtle patterns of neglect
we forget each other
for instant sugar-drop rewards
of narcissistic laughter
in subtle patterns of revenge
against the innocent
when justice is collateral to greater good
we cheer our neighbors death
in subtle patterns of destructiveness
after generations – chasms
and razor-wires raised
so we cannot see
the children in our neighbor’s house
in subtle patterns of humanity
we embrace our darker side
of devilish simplicity
From Wikimedia Commons
Today at dVerse MTB, Victoria wants us to ponder patterns on all levels, in art, nature or behaviors.. My choice as so often before is relating to the destructiveness of humanity.
Björn Rudbergs writings 
a sad reality…our destructiveness…our bent it seems on oppressing each other….perhaps because of our own self image…feeling the need to make ourselves more…and it seems to spiral onward…
There is an element of phoenix in humanity… we are at our best when we raise from the ashes of our own self-destruction.
Bjorn, Well written and thoughtful piece. It seems easier for some to just follow the crowd into injustice and bigotry. —Susan
A very important point.. we have a tendency to be followers rather than the opposite.
Yes, we do follow subtle patterns even to justify our apathy when we would have every reason to be up in arms against so many things. Another pattern which leaves me puzzled and wondering at the moment is the ice bucket challenge. Is it really helping or just comforting our sense of smugness?
I just saw that.. it seems like a narcissistic way of showing off that you are good…
Each stanza makes a wise point, Bjorn. I am especially struck by those who are so willing to condemn others for their imperfections or transgressions, forgetting the importance of the quality of compassion.
Mary.. these points are very close to my heart.. and seeing how on every point humanity seems set on confrontations — even for just cause, it’s likely to end in a downward spiral.
So much to reflect on in this, Bjorn. Both in the message and in the poetic structure you take the prompt to a whole new level. Thank you. This really hit home for me today…as I suspect it will for many if not all of us.
Many thanks.. I have pondered so much of what we really are doing to our world.
In this short span you’ve included so much with great power…a shameful existence for the humankind…
Humanity have a pattern of destructiveness…. I think
Indeed you saw the flip side – my next poem I am examining the idea of “evil” and the “devil”. I think it’s taxing to go there in our poetry..goodness seems to be a simple virtue, one of giving, of kindness (of course it’s isn’t – it requires strength, restraint, courage, and vigilance). While evil seems a loss of control, a planning of destruction, a giving in to temptation but it’s not that easy to dissect either. I think you showed that it does develop in patterns, and in transmissions. Excellent work.
Thank you .. yes there are different patterns to follow. almost like the road less walked …
The side we aren’t so proud of, and yet we each have it…in verying degrees.
It’s a pattern that we always need to strive to get out of.
Yes..instant gratification is the monster since the advent of agriculture..the struggle of life..is what brings us close together..when there are common goals for survival..always now!
The devil
is
in
time….
The way of that instant gratification.. the me instead of us.. that’s what the devilish simplicity is.
Yes..most definitely..agreed..:)2!
Bjorn – such patterns are so tragic – until we break free of such behavior, we will continue down this path of self destruction.
And as group – humanity seems unable to act in any other way.
Masterful! It needs to be examined again and again. Apathy too easily embraced, creation too often neglected.
Oh! And how subtle is that anymore? To ourselves are we blind.
Such an excellent poem! I wish I had written it! (Ghastly video! even with its redemptive end.)
it is sad, but there is repetitive violence against our fellow man throughout history…a pattern we seem destined to continually repeat
This is excellent Bjorn. How true of the world we live in today.
Very well done–the darker side, for sure. That first stanza, seeing the speck and not the depths–powerful!
Oh, the inhumanity of humanity. I don’t think there is a cure.
Heartbreaking reality…sad.
Your poem poignantly reveals the broken nature of humanity…very insightful, Bjorn. “Devilish simplicity” indeed! We need help, i think.
Bjorn, once again, you have raised the bar for a sly form of protest poetry. Every stanza, every form of darkness you took on helped point out the stain on our country. Racism, classism, and the rest. And to think it’s all human nature to divide instead of unite? That’s the saddest, sickest part. BRILL. Amy
How much longer do we need to ponder these things before we begin a shift and awakening to who we truly are?
So true that we have a bent for destructiveness.
Your opening stanza really resonates, Bjorn. Brilliant observation. As is “when justice is collateral to greater good”. A powerful write for these times.
It seems as in subtle patterns at the core we have a system of rewards instead of truth…~ powerful poem! xx
a little dark for you… but you’re right there are two sides… you pictured it so well… so much depth to this
Very powerful, Bjorn. I especially like this stanza:
“in subtle patterns of neglect
we forget each other
for instant sugar-drop rewards
of narcissistic laughter”
Oh I love the title and the repetition of is….often I wonder if people are programmed to march to whatever is trending instead of think for themselves and pioneer new paths..nice write
Sad but true…breaking these patterns is so difficult.
Superb verse – has that ”protest’ quality and beautiful philosophy.
You’ve reminded us of the oft-forgotten necessity for tolerance, care for others, and openess of heart. Your pattern hammered the thought home. Bravo.
The metaphors and language woven in this drives home a potent message. Kudos.
vivid and revealing… the ending is quite striking.