The Message OR Aspiring to Peace on Earth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

As regular readers know, I subscribe to no religion. Nor would I call myself an atheist as I like to think I have a strong sense of spirituality... that I take from nature, nowhere else. However, I have open-minded, open-hearted friends of all faiths, including a close Muslim friend. It is my experience that the majority of ordinary men and women, whatever their belief or non-belief, are ready and willing to take others as they find them and do not let religion get in the way of establishing lasting friendships…however much their leaders, deliberately or otherwise, might encourage them to do so.

Tragically, it is the fundamentalists (in any religion) who shout the loudest and not only make themselves heard but are exploited by a world media who would have us believe they are 'typical' Muslims, Christians, Hindus...whatever.

It has been my experience that the majority of people from ethnic minority backgrounds are culturally homophobic although many self-styled ‘devout’ Christians no less so. However, I am glad to say there are many exceptions and, hopefully, these will eventually prevail over the bigoted majority.

Even so, these are worrying times for gay people. For example, a local newspaper in Tower Hamlets, a borough in the London’s East End that has a significant Muslim population, recently reported what reads as a very disturbing case. A teenager, apparently described by teachers at his school as “devout, humble Muslim” was recently acquitted on the charge of murdering a school student support office last November amid allegations that the victim was a “predatory paedophile”. The 17-year-old defendant admitted wielding the kitchen knife that fatally injured the man but said he had feared being raped or killed by him; he also admitted taking a knife with him in case the man tried to force him “into sexual acts”. Subsequently, he was unanimously cleared of both murder and manslaughter by the jury:

http://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/united_kingdom/8353101.A_Level_pupil_is_cleared_of_murdering_student_officer/

My problem with this case is that, as the article reads, whether or not the victim was an alleged paedophile or gay man, if the student thought he might be sexually assaulted, why visit the man anyway and take a knife with him?

Does this not give the green light to the view that 'It's okay to kill a gay' as I heard two schoolboys discussing on a bus only the other day? Worse, could it not also be interpreted as fuelling the misconception, commonly expressed by the less enlightened among the heterosexual majority, that gay = paedophile?

Whatever, the deplorably narrow-minded Far Right and may well be on the rise in the US and Europe, along with others easily influenced by some of their worst sentiments and, yes, they may well win a few battles in the years ahead…BUT...it/they cannot and will not win the war against those who uphold the principles of a common humanity. Humanity is bigger and better than that…yeah?

This poem is a villanelle.

THE MESSAGE or ASPIRING TO PEACE ON EARTH

The message of Islam is peace
though some people have other ideas;
beware, who dares undermine this

It’s of love the Koran teaches
though some people play on its tears;
the message of Islam is peace

To the world, its prophet reaches
though some people play on its fears;
beware, who dares undermine this

The truth about Islam is kindness
a prophet’s wisdom across centuries;
the message of Islam is peace

May religion, its martyrs embrace,
reject paltry egos poisoning its prayers;
beware, who dares undermine this

We are a common humanity, no less
for its religions and secular philosophies;
The message of Islam is peace;
beware, who dares undermine this

Copyright R. N. Taber 2010

Alternatives OR My Life, My Choices (No one Else's)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Several readers have contacted me about my poem 'Only Human' about the guilt many Catholixs are made to feel for being gay. Opinion was divided for and against and only marginally the former. One person wrote, ‘…you should be ashamed of yourself for attacking the Holy Father, you along with gay and transgender s**t heads everywhere. As for saying you are not disrespectful of religion, it is not the impression anyone would have from reading your blogs. How dare you share your sick mind and spirit with others…?’

Well, the reader is entitled to his or her opinion of course…and so am I. I have always thought it's a great pity more people aren’t prepared to agree to differ rather than insult or fight each other.

Meanwhile…

Most people who wrote in were sympathetic to my point of view whether or not they agreed with it. One person, though, said ‘It is typical of a gay man to turn his back on God. Go on, admit it. You would be too ashamed to face Him…that’s why you can’t handle religion, because you know God disapproves of your lifestyle.’

Oh, dear, Roger’s in hot water again…

For a start, I certainly don’t believe it is ‘typical’ of a gay man or woman to turn their backs on God; many gay people have succeeded in reconciling their sexuality with their religion in spite of innumerable obstacles placed in their paths by the less enlightened among heterosexual family members and friends, not to mention religious leaders who use religion not only as an excuse but also as a weapon to defend their bigotry.

While I take issue with many aspects of religion, I respect all those who are prepared to enter into its basic humanitarian rather than just theological principles; that is to say, keep an open mindedness and open heartedness without which dogma and ritual are little more than play acting.

Everyone is entitled to believe in what or whom they will or nothing and no one at all. But lose our capacity for humanity and its respect for those with whom we can but agree to differ and we may well find ourselves but play acting in the longest running soap opera of all…

There are always alternatives, even if only sometimes rock and hard place. Moreover, maturity entitles us to make our own choices, not have them made for us by those who like to think they always know what’s best for us, and for whom the sum total of those same alternatives is invariably their ultimate nemesis.

We don't have a choice about being gay, it has to be in the genes or there would be no accounting for gay people worldwide from all manner of socio-cultural-religious backgrounds. No, choice comes if, how and when we decide to openly acknowledge being gay or live a lie. Some societies make this all but impossible, in which those circumstances, it may well be enough to acknowledge our sexuality to ourselves and those closest to us (who may need a little time to get used to the idea). Meanwhile, those gay people who have the moral courage to go a step further and knock on that gay-unfriendly society's door  to be let in deserve our praise, admiration and gratitude since that is the only way bigotry will be defeated.

ALTERNATIVES or MY LIFE, MY CHOICES (NO ONE ELSE'S)

I looked for God in heaven
but did not find Him there,
looked again, in sun and rain
for Earth Mother

Some say it’s, oh, so pagan,
as bad as being gay;
I just see myself as someone
looking nature’s way

God is many things to many,
interpreting His conditions
for the good of all humanity
according to its religions

The sun rises, sets, rises again
and no one takes issue
nor that moon and stars shine
or songbirds sleep as we do

Let nature sue for harmony,
hear our confessions,
and we feed less on acrimony
spread by world religions

To wake, sleep and wake again
may or may not imply rebirth
and, yes, each to his or her own
but we share a common earth

Who looks for God in heaven
and does not find Him there
has but to look in sun and rain
for Earth Mother

See, too, nature assert its power
where humankind gone too far

Copyright R. N. Taber 2008

[Note: From: Tracking the Torchbearer: poems by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2012; revised ed. in e-format in preparation.]

Paperback Lives

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Readers ask when Book Three of my intended gay-crime trilogy Blasphemy-Sacrilege-Redemption will be available. The answer is I am not sure. I have not been well and have had to put Redemption on a (very) slow burner. Hopefully, it will be finished one day.

The American publisher of Blasphemy  was  hoping it would give him better access to the UK market; when it didn't, he changed his mind about publishing the trilogy, making some very rude comments in the process. Thanks for asking, though, and it gives me an excuse to post this poem.

While it’s true to say my foray into fiction hasn’t been a roaring success, I have received some lovely letters and emails from readers so that makes it well worth all the hard work. Nor have I lost out financially even if it hasn’t made me rich. Moreover, readership of my fiction blog continues to rise so that is also very encouraging, especially as I am primarily a poet.

http://rogertaberfiction.blogspot.co.uk

Some people ask why I bother writing poetry or fiction at all unless it’s going to make me rich and famous. Well, I write both because I enjoy it,not least because all fiction has its roots in real life,and I get to have great fun engaging with my characters. Besides, for me, writing is a necessary therapy in my daily fight against depression; readers are always a nice bonus. In any case, I always knew that finding a publisher when I am writing gay-interest as well as general fiction (and poetry) would not be easy.

Find more info about my fiction at:

http://rogertaberfiction.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/news-updates-fiction.html

Any creative activity - including sport - can be a more effective weapon against depression or a troubled mind than antidepressants alone; the arts, gardening, cooking, whatever gives a person pleasure and a sense of achievement. For me, it just happens to be writing, with a special interest in poetry that I inherited from my mother.

Oh, and never measure success by some else's measure of failure.

PAPERBACK LIVES

Walking in the park…
saw you lying on the grass
eyes closed, face turned
to the sun. I had never seen
such beauty. No, not
in anyone. I sat down nearby,
trying hard not to look,
pretending to read a book
upside down, peering
over its worn, torn cover
at my dream lover

Later, we chatted…
my heart skipping beats
like a lamb for the joys
of spring in glorious sunshine
reflected in your smile…
grateful just for living;
too soon, we parted,
your hand in mine so firm
and strong, carrying me
halfway to heaven on wings
of a favourite pop song

I tumbled to earth
as blue as my novel’s
paperback cover,
dreaming a happy ending
for each other, unable
to resist one backward glance,
(an, oh, so wistful look);
Ah, but neither could you
who ran back too,
making real the best chapters
in my paperback novel

Copyright R. N. Taber 2002, rev. 2010

[Note: An earlier version of this poem appears under the title 'Paperback Writer' in  First Person Plural by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2002.]

Rewards

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

This poem first appeared on the blog in March 2009. It is repeated here today especially for ‘Ric’ and ‘Gemma’ who contacted me about the poem and to relate how they have tragically lost their respective partners during recent years.

Words can never say enough. I can but hope the poem speaks for itself and will help, in some small way, to ease the pain of losing a loved one.

If love has a season, it is an eternal springtime of the heart... for everyone, both sexes, all ages; nor does it (ever) discriminate.

So never wait for spring to feel love in the air, and give in to its persuasion.

REWARDS

In a spring breeze
I'll run my fingers through your hair,
the love in your eyes
my reason for being alive

In a summer twilight
I let your lips play a sweet love song
on my heartstrings
to remind me I’m still alive

In an autumn cascade
I can feel us falling like leaves of red
and gold, nature’s way
of preparing to stay alive

In a winter snowfall
I’m so wrapped up warm in your body,
the heat of our love
my reward for being alive

No season passes
when you don’t take me in your arms,
fill me with the joy
that’s risen from your grave

Some say love is not for gay dreamers,
but Earth Mother has other ideas

Copyright R. N. Taber 2008

Publish and be Damned (Welcome to my World)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Regular readers will know that I see gay-interest and general poetry as voices of the same genre; it has always been important to me to include both as I do on my Google Plus site. Moreover, while being gay is an integral part of any gay person’s identity, it is only a part. I, for one, get fed up with people ignoring the other parts as if our sexuality is all that matters.

I started the blog some 10 years ago to give gay people a voice where relatively few voices have gone before in the poetry genre. Hopefully, too, it may give non-gay readers an enlightening insight into the whole gay ethos where, far too often, stereotypes and various socio-cultural-religious conventions provide an unhelpful distraction.

Many of you will recognise an old chestnut of a post here. The poem first appeared here on my gay-interest  blog in 2008. 

Sadly, in many parts of the world, including the UK, it is rare to see two gay men holding hands in the street, let alone kissing. Yet...why shouldn't we? Straight couples do it all the time and no one seems to mind much here when women kiss in public.

It cheers me immensely whenever I see two men or women, plainly in love, demonstrating their feelings in public. It is unfair and wrong that we guys are, more often then not, afraid to do so. Whatever happened to equality, eh? If some people are offended, that's their problem. 

Until we can not only go public but also demonstrate our feelings for each other without fear of prejudice raising its ugly head and shooting off its mouth at us, anywhere, in the world, the whole Gay/Human Rights ethic will continue to have a hollow ring to it. I often listen to the 24/7 BBC TV News channel while I am working on the computer. I hear much talk about inequality and oppression bur rarely are gay issues aired or even mentioned.  I may have missed it but not once in the recent General Election here did I hear a candidate suggest that more should be done to help gay men and women feel more at ease in societies world-wide. [Some do, of course, especially here London. But a lot still don’t and, yes, even here in London.]

This is the 21^st century, for goodness sake! It’s high time less enlightened elements in societies world-wide got real, stopped hiding behind various socio-cultural-religious excuses and began working together towards an expression of common humanity which is, after all the foundation of everything good about society, culture and religion. Where it isn’t, it darn well should be. 

By the way, anyone interested in my fiction blog (serialising several of my gay-interest as well as general novel might care to visit:

https://rogertaberfiction.blogspot.com/2016/05/news-updates-fiction.html

PUBLISH AND BE DAMNED (WELCOME TO MY WORLD)

We strolled hand in hand,

my love and I like millions of lovers

under the same sky,

yet we were cautioned by two cops,

warned we were likely to offend

(not breaking any laws)

since not everyone agrees

that gays deserve the same rights

as others

We may well be attacked

for our sexuality, the cops observed

with wry concern;

not everyone shares our morality

and some may take it personally

(an affront to religion?)

while others will be culturally

opposed to same sex lovers finding

heaven

The cops moved on, we too,

still holding hands, even pausing

now and then for a kiss

and, yes, some folks called us names,

others waves rolled umbrellas

(weren’t cheering us on)

but most people were more inclined

to raise a grudging smile than

be seen to frown

It‘s publish and be damned, my love and I,

among millions under the same sky

[From: On the Battlefields of Love by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2010]

Among Secrets Of The Heart?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

No one likes secrets. Even so, many if not most of us have some. Sadly, even in this sorry looking 21st century of ours, many gay people feel obliged to keep their sexuality a secret for all kinds of reasons; family/ peer pressure, state persecution in some countries, potential career damage…whatever. It’s all the more refreshing therefore when someone - especially a young - person in the public eye comes out to the media and, for the most part, people wish him or her well.

Not so long ago, TV’s Pop Idol winner Will Young came out. Now X Factor winner Joe McElderry has followed in his footsteps. Significantly, the majority of viewers who had already taken these young men to their hearts continue to wish them well in their lives generally as well as singing careers.

All credit to Joe (who admits to having kissed plenty of girls) for discovering and telling us that ’I’m really happy. Now I know who I really am.’

Let’s all wish Joe and Will every success in life, yeah?

AMONG SECRETS OF THE HEART?

Who does not guard secrets of the heart
they dare nor reveal, fearing rejection
by the object of their affection and desire,
lighting a fire in us we dare not share
(can but warm ourselves and take comfort
from each rising flame of unrequited love,
loneliness by any other name)?

Oh, to love and be loved in return, the fire
burn higher, fiercer still, in two hearts
instead of one. Yet, what can we do but keep
the secret safe? How to live, knowing
for sure we love in vain, nothing worthwhile
to hope for but kindness and a chance smile
kindling our pain, exposed for a fool?

If gay people can find a courage of heart
to come out, stand up and be counted
for who they are and all they stand for,
why not a straight person too? No one
can tell us what to do. Our decision. Quit
the lonely hearth, though it serve us well,
or make of heaven a hell on earth?

Better, surely, to let love’s secrets go free,
regardless of race, creed, sex, sexuality?

Copyright R. N. Taber 2010

[From: On the Battlefields Of Love by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2010]

Holiday Snaps for the Photo Album

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Although not written until 2000, the occasion today’s poem celebrates took place in the 1980's. There was still a lot of homophobia about here in the UK in those days (significantly less in your face now, mostly driven underground by Political Correctness!)

Years ago, a sunny weekend in Blackpool turned out to be a refreshing change in more ways than one …

HOLIDAY SNAPS FOR THE PHOTO ALBUM

Side by side, we met the tide,
plunged into the sea
and swam with the fishes;
now dipping, diving, risen again,
my love and me

Hand in hand, we crossed
the sand, smiling
at everyone; nudge-nudge,
wink-wink on our backs, hotter
than the sun

We stayed just long enough
to gather up our stuff
and stroll the daily gamut,
pausing for a kiss - to oblige
the local press

We hit page three, you and me;
Breakfast  was strained
at the B and B till one guest
declared, a fine pair we made,
and the rest cheered

Over greasy eggs and bacon
and mugs of stewed tea,
we grinned happily, enjoying
a grand vacation, my gay love
and me...

Copyright R. N. Taber 2001; 2014

[Note: An earlier version of this poems appears under the title 'Wish You Were Here' in Love and Human Remains by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2000]