The Neglected Signboard Poem by Philip Winchester

Poem Title: The Neglected Signboard 103


I strayed for an unguarded moment,
from the route of Life.
Turned left on the road Redemption,
Just North of where we are.

I`d been travelling for a lifetime,
dogged purpose, vision perfect clear,
deterimined, bold and earnest,
without the cares that hold you back.

If you can understand you`re special,
with what little skills you have,
you can blossom as a flower,
and flower, year on year.

To this end I have ventured,
and stand here on this day,
upon the Road Redemption.
I`ve not been here before.

It`s overgrown and rutted,
no sign of much foot-fall.
Just a twelve foot notice board,
obscured and ivy clad.

I can just make out the first few words
though in a quaint old fashion script.
Now bear with me and I shall read,
It shouldn`t take too long.





It appears to be”The Word of God”
The script goes on to say.
And God he must have spake these
The words go on to illustrate.

That out of the land of Egypt,
and the house of bondage taken.
“Thou shalt not have no God but Me.”
“No graven Image err be making.

Never in the Image of Anything,
be it in Heaven up above,
or on the Earth beneath,
or even the water underneath.

Thou shall not bow down to them,
nor even try to serve them,
For I am a very Jealous God,
and can punish all your Kin-folk.

I will however show Mercy,
to the Thousands that Love Me.
As long as you just try to keep.
My Commandments written here.

Thou shalt not take my name in Vain.
And will not find you guiltless if you do.
Remember to keep the sabbath Day.
To keep it Holy that means you!

For Six days you may labour,
But the Sabbath day is Mine.
This again must apply to all
Your family, friends and neighbours.



For in Six days would you believe,
I managed to make Heaven and Earth,
The sea and all that Man has too..
I rest upon the seventh day and keep it Hallowed.

Honour thy Father and Mother, Whatever.
That thy days may be long upon the land.
Thou shalt never ever Kill.
Or worst still, commit Adultery.

Thou shalt not steal or rape or pillage.
Nor ever bear false witness to a Neighbour.
Neither shall you covet the house next door,
nor his Wife or anything at all within.

So proceed along Redemptions Road,
use caution guile and cunning,
My Commandments help you on your way.
Remember I`ll be Watching!

The 1000th Man August 2009