This Red is Dead

I once followed in the footsteps
Of Marks, Engels and their kind,
Was committed to the 'betterment of man'
Gladly swallowed all their concepts,
Read all 'red books' I could find--
To 'emancipate the masses' was my plan.

I was full of good intentions,
Sure the 'plebs' would understand
Our philosophy would satisfy their need--
We'd destroy the old conventions,
Class distinctions would be banned,
Rid church and state of the opiate of creed.

From my soap-box all looked rosy,
Eager faces spurred me on
For my message was enticing to their ear;
Way back then they all supposed me
One they could depend upon,
Well informed and charismatic and sincere.

But the gloss showed imperfections,
On the surface cracks appeared--
The 'camaraderie of men' became a sham;
In my times of introspection
Met the hypocrite I feared--
By God's grace I saw the wretched man I am.

None can heal another's eyesight
Whose own vision is impaired,
To be able to assist we first must see;
Should your guide think night is daylight
You'd have reason to be scared--
Dark as night the light that once shone out of me.

But His Light dispelled the darkness,
Changed my outlook on man's needs,
By His truth I see reality anew,
Sin and death in all their starkness
And the remedy decreed;
I thank God--Through Christ He changed my point of view.


Vincent Lyons.