'But you know: Tom –and John-
everyone who’s anyone.’
The fervent voice of the wannabeliever;
‘Look!’ He showed me "Hello". ‘OK?'
As if I’d really be swayed that way.
‘Come on there must be something in it. Jeez,
they’re all –like- you know, celebrities!’
He said it with an aweful whisper.
I laughed and said ‘I’m not impressed.’
His face fell and he looked depressed:
depressing too, in his misbuttoned jacket.
‘But, maybe, could be… is it really shite?’
And I looked at my brother, his face quite white,
I wondered at the bareness of his spiritual cupboard,
that he considered believing in L Ron Hubbard.
Comments
lisah | February 16, 2008 - 11:00
Had to read this twice to understand the first stanza. You did a good job of giving details without understanding, so the reader is drawn on the the second part. Last line was very poignant. Based on real life?
Lisa
Ewan | February 16, 2008 - 12:53
I understand about reading twice... something like this you have to get the punctuation right and I hope I did in the end.
Yes, my brother has a history of 'minor' mental health issues and, sadly, is just the kind of person to be vulnerable to unscrupulous cults. Luckily, he has escaped their attentions thus far... but when I listen to some of the things he actually does believe, I find them very ... upsetting.
Sooz006 | February 16, 2008 - 13:49
I love the word 'aweful' This one falls into the category of 'exceptionaly clever'. Lovely word play on the last two lines. People will always be gulible and people will always be preyed upon. Lovely.