Poem

The following poem was written by Brian McLaughlin, and more of his work can be found at his website -- Beej's Poetry Corner.

The Breaking Down of the Wall

The wall had been built

strong and sturdy it was

it kept the state 

from dictating religion

It's purpose to insure

that all men, women too

could believe, or not

worship, or not

in short to have their own faith

and that all may be treated as equals

It was built 

to stop the witch burnings

to end the persecution of the baptists

to bestow upon all men, women too

the freedom to have their own faith

The differences were many

folks seemed to get stupid

thinking

“There's only one way

and that's mine”

“Laws should be made to

give me advantage”

“After all

can't you see God is mine”

They picked up the sledge

started hammering away at the wall

attempting to mold it, shape it, yes change it

and with all this pounding it started to fall

They were claiming the first

and yes they've that right

what they forgot

was the first was for all

they had picked the wrong fight

Then the fourteenth was born

to bolster the wall

build it back up

to insure to all

their rights be protected

but that wasn't enough

the hammering continued

and the state said

“ENOUGH”

“All have these rights

and you've no right 

to deny them”

You claim you're non-profit

you've been given the freedom 

to worship and believe as you wish

and in your church build your kingdom

But if you're licensed as business

I know this sounds hollow

but you've really no choice 

it's the laws of the land you must follow

You've been given protection

and what did you do

started tearing it down

tell me

Who's encroached upon who?