The Cynic's Heart

The Cynic’s Heart The cynic’s heart that beats within this chest has problems understanding Faith and Trust; these seem to make unnatural demands on intellects accustomed to deceit. ‘Believe in God’ the testament commands, but men interpret strangely what is just and each religion chooses different tests. Our lay apostles suffer from such lust for Mistress Power that few will take a stand for conscience’ sake but follow all the rest whose sole concern is gubernation’s seat. Religious leaders sue a zealot’s quest, convert or conquer those who countermand their tenets, answer dissidents with ‘Must!’ The politician knows we understand that words are obligations writ in dust; his actions prove intent to those oppressed by legislation’s impudent conceit. The prelate’s prayers, so openly addressed to Heaven’s King, are mistral winds that gust in vain attempts to move the desert sand. My cynic’s heart refuses to attest to ‘truths’ men utter, often so robust that reason balks, rejecting out of hand dogmatic diatribe and fawning bleat. Societies need rules and laws to stand, Religions need their faithful’s blinkered trust: the cynics of this world are doubly blessed.