May 2018
Comfort sought in private rage
with a group that feels the same
shields its face from public view
as comments echo rage’s words
purity born of shadowed realms
asking all to close the doors
pull the curtains against the world
what’s to be said is for few ears.
Hatred spun in close discourse
with a circle that says it's fine
the stakes are set to forgive
whatever said behind four walls
prejudice is the oil
allowing comments to then flow
when us and them are broken down
to black and white simplicity.
None shall see these ****** cues
projected to the secret screens
be they said in Sunday sermons
or the mob on message boards
all the people in the room
identify on one side of the poles
chanting mantras born of power
turned around to hatred spoke.
If the public hears these private thoughts
condemnation will follow soon
it’s best to put on another mask
when walking amongst the rubes
what’s allowed in confession’s booth
will convict the same in public’s eye
it’s no wonder that schizophrenic is a term
too often apt for private rage.
© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180506.
with a group that feels the same
shields its face from public view
as comments echo rage’s words
purity born of shadowed realms
asking all to close the doors
pull the curtains against the world
what’s to be said is for few ears.
Hatred spun in close discourse
with a circle that says it's fine
the stakes are set to forgive
whatever said behind four walls
prejudice is the oil
allowing comments to then flow
when us and them are broken down
to black and white simplicity.
None shall see these ****** cues
projected to the secret screens
be they said in Sunday sermons
or the mob on message boards
all the people in the room
identify on one side of the poles
chanting mantras born of power
turned around to hatred spoke.
If the public hears these private thoughts
condemnation will follow soon
it’s best to put on another mask
when walking amongst the rubes
what’s allowed in confession’s booth
will convict the same in public’s eye
it’s no wonder that schizophrenic is a term
too often apt for private rage.
© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180506.
The poem “Private Rage” sprung from a single comment in a list of thoughts about the incel movement. The term incel, short for involuntary celibates, is associated with a group identity formally hidden on largely private internet message boards. It occurred to me that these private discussions are only the latest in a long line of “not for public consumption” forums. Microphones at supposedly private events, political and religious (or a combination) have shown a side of groups normally hidden from the public. A lot is discussed behind closed doors. The same would be shamed if repeated in public.
