(written after 11 September 2001, on 16/9/2001)

Conflict pollutes the soul of man,
From natures' seat the struggle's innate
But all are born innocent
With the capacity, but no knowledge of hate.

All are born without religion,
Upon them it is soon imposed
And with each the mantle of prejudice
That from every religion flows.

The wisdom from all philosophies for a balanced life
is embraced by many,
But rejected by others as error
following their one narrow literal, to seek Gods' love
The seduction by fundamentalist fervor.

Blinded by bigotry, polarized by ignorance,
Insular and exclusive, afraid of the different,
Intolerant minds cleansed of reason,
The power of mistrust and fear.

No land escapes this disease of the mind,
Is organised religion the prophets betrayal?
Extremists the enemy of tolerant, pluralist, free thinking man.
The choice must rest with the individual, always
To be guided in life by the freedom of heart, body and mind
To borrow and build upon the best thoughts of all time
And to live in peace without terror, amongst all mankind.

Danny Draper

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/freedom-from-terror/