you infuse my thoughts
and lighten my heart with your
quirky smile and kind respect
a gentle soul who can reflect
on the impact of craziness
as you care for so many
a real man with all the right attributes
unafraid to call out the violence of
fanatics who are suppressing women
in every manner …
you went public questioning their choices
their fear lead to you being goaled
guessing they will ensure you suffer
[your children cry for you]
for pointing out their vile weaknesses
just as all those who speak up or take action
have been exiled, goaled or slaughtered
fanatics who’ve lost their way
having used religion to vindicate
their misguided actions, men so
fearful they must oppress others
no respect for their own mothers
ignoring their own creed to justify
their wanton needy violations …
when sportspeople, chess players
academics and so many others
are marginalised for no real reason
the world watches their madness
astounded by their ignorance
for only weaklings need to suppress
misery comes from distorting their Teachings!
dedicated to Ismail Mashal and all those dealing with atrocities under current fanatical rule!
“His children have been crying – they miss him,” said a member of Ismail Mashal’s family. “They keep going to the gate and asking why he’s not coming home.”
Professor Mashal, a university lecturer and outspoken campaigner for women’s education in Afghanistan, was arrested by the Taliban government on 2 February.
[this is speaking to the Taliban’s treatment of women and other regimes are doing likewise; as are the Israeli’s to the Palestinians; the Hindu to the Muslims; the Buddhists to the Rohingya; the Christians to their women and children … none of us are immune if we do not actively defend those wronged …]
artwork by Banksy titled Valentines Day Mascara … “The British street artist’s new mural shows a 1950s housewife with a swollen eye and a missing tooth apparently putting a man in an abandoned chest freezer.” ABC news
aroused 
All religions and traditions teach peace as the basic lesson, Islam especially, as it literally translates to peace. But the irony is, well we all know what the irony is, a thoughtful poem, Kate. I REALLY liked that ending, “misery comes from distorting His teachings!” 👏
Ps: Happy Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate Love🙂
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indeed yes, and this man loves deeply to make such a sacrifice … this is indeed deep love of his daughter, his wife and all women!
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Such a powerful message Kate. Yes, we all need to speak out against oppression.
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we can lead by example and address all incidents as they arise 🙂
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Yes I agree, people who stand by and watch are worse than the predators
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Powerful and poignant…such an important message! Thank you, Kate, for writing this and sharing it!
Thank you, too, for the link So sad such things are still a part of the world. 😦
(((HUGS))) ❤️
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It seems to be never-ending, but you are right, we can’t stand silently by. (K)
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So many oppressors acting in the name of religion! All of the religions mentioned profess to believe in some form of the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated. To me, that is the ultimate guide to human behavior! A well-written and powerful post, Kate! ❤
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Very powerful words Kate and so true. I can’t say much about other places but as of now in India the majoritarians, literate or illiterate are under such a wrong influence that they do not want to use logic. Such a sad state of affairs.
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Hope to see the old India.
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me, too … I loved the open acceptance of one and all 🙂
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Your Poem Kate is a beautiful tribute in support of this courageous man who has stood up for women in a country where this brutal regime has no respect for women or anyone with views of their own..
My prayers go out to him and his family….
Sending LOVE ❤
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How horrible! I pray for all those who live in oppressive regimes. It amazes me how often we can turn our back on the plight of women who are abused.
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👌👌
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Kate, your verses share the wanton suffering of many, feeling powerless to ignite change in a hostile world. No religion is free of those who actively distort the basic covenant and teachings of their faith. I appreciate the update about Ismail Mashal.
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[…] have borrowed a line from Kate’s […]
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