Take it On Faith

Take it on faith—evil infects the world
Take it on faith—freedom is threatened
Take it on faith—the threat is perpetual
Take it on faith—the cure is the flag unfurled

A watchful eye patrols from above
benevolent and filled with love
the eagle eye that sees all and uncovers the opening
to export freedom by injection from poison-soaked talons

Is the noble bird at fault for freedom dispensed
from bomb bay doors?
Is the noble bird at fault for countless
human carcasses splayed on all fours?

The eagle has been pressed into service
The eagle has been maligned
The eagle is now freedom’s false idol
To false ideals aligned.

Are we to take it on faith that peril is constant?
Are we to take it on faith that evil emanates solely from others?
Are we to take it on faith that the eagle dispenses freedom?
Are we to take it on faith that no other bird can join this lonely flight?

The one way road of faith empties onto a desolate cul-de-sac
What bill of goods have the faithful been sold?
Blind faith has led them astray
Blind faith has laid waste to their principles bold

And if we continue down this dead-end path?
If we continue the eagle’s servitude to graft?
How long will the suffering last?
With teary eye, quoth the eagle, “Evermore.”

—Robert Hieger
    November 9, 2004

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