This is a poem written for the chaplaincy at HMP Highpoint. Having been asked to write non-denominational poems for specific events such as poppy day and the harvest, I felt it only right that I should make my opinions known. It is of great credit to the chaplaincy that they gave me a platform for expression.This poem should actually be twinned with ‘On being a Vegan‘ and neither of them should be seen as seeking to be a great work of art, but rather as trying to deliver a message to those of the prison population who might be fed up with being treated as idiots with no desire to learn and no moral compass.
On Being a Humanist
Let this life of mine do minimal harm
As homage to humanity I pay
Neither to icons, of paint, wood or stone
Nor to heavenly spirits I pray
In that your views respect those of all others
I’ll fight for your right to believe
That you may practice whatsoever you preach
And your credo your doubts may relieve
Freedom to discuss all our differing views
Is an absolute human right
Provided the rules be applied to all
And no privilege be given to might
Accidents of birth are of no import
No person beyond the law
Let all be judged by what they have done
Not what they are, may think or stand for
Let all life be sacred, of man or beast,
All persons and property protected
Let the suffering of beings be reduced
And all human rights be respected
True humanist views must always be
Completely international
That all goodness be found in woman and man
A credo essentially rational
So I ask of my listeners to do unto me
As they would wish themselves to be treated
That we all join hands on belief’s divide
And that man-made mistrust be defeated
Let us open our hearts to humanity
As I express this humanist plan
Whatever the culture, the faith, the ethnicity
All salvation lies within man