Chain-gang

This is a poem I wrote in 1985.
Watch me perform it on YouTube.

I was a slave

and my master was the world

he led me in his wicked ways

and

knowing no better

I followed him.

He snapped his fingers

and I jumped

he raised his gun

and pumped me

full of death.

Life poured out from the holes

he tore in my heart

so  I was too weak to fight.

Resistance was useless.

I sinned

and thought that it was good.

A preacher came to the camp telling of a better way

and his words

were like a candle in a dark

dark room.

He spoke of a great Liberator

who would free me from my bondage

for all eternity.

Yet surely I could not be saved

from such a lowly

place as this?

I waved good-bye

to my hopes

but I kept on listening

because I liked the preacher

and enjoyed his words.

The preacher left

and bereft of my friend

the world took up my chains again

and told me to act

in his evil pact

and I did

though grudgingly

as I thought of the Liberator.

The preacher came a second time

and saw that I was falling further

into confusion over his message

so he explained again.

And I decided to follow him!

He baptised my head in holy water

and my soul in Jesus Christ

whom I believe is the Son of God

then I thrust Satan out

and let Jesus in

to my heart.

I felt released

and looked down

my chains flew off!!

I ran away with Jesus

and the preacher held my hand

It was dark

but I could see

for the Holy Spirit guided me.

The world was furious with me

but I just hid in the Rock

and the world passed by

a slave no longer am I!


Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."