Rebellion - Rondel Prime for Mindful Poetry -...

But rebels stand against the rule

In opposition to a law

Defiance is a bitter tool

As many protesters saw

Some will see you as a fool

And say you are grasping at a straw

But rebels stand against the rule

In opposition to a law

Standing for a moral cause

Against infringement of your right

As our forefathers did to fight

Injustice without pause

But rebels stand against the rule

In opposition to a law

Comments: 36

Alice G. Apr 11, 2012, 4:24pm UTC

Well-done rondel, Richard. But all rebellion is not against injustice.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 7:36pm UTC

that may be a matter of perspective as I may rebel against your comment

Alice G. Apr 11, 2012, 11:18pm UTC

Well, I wouldn't consider that rebellion if you disagreed with my opinion that is just freedom.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 12:49am UTC

I guess we need to arrive at a definition of rebellion, huh?

Alice G. Apr 12, 2012, 1:14am UTC

I don't have a problem with your definition if you consider it a virtue. And you are correct, it is about perspective: depending on which side of the issue we are on. When the colonies rebelled against England we saw it as rebellion against tyranny while they saw it as rebellion against a just government. My initial comment was simply to say that it is not always a virture-it is often just against rightful/reasonable authority and often more harmful to the rebel than anyone. I am VERY sure you know all this but you like to draw out the conversation????

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 11:06am UTC

I understand now that you are a reasonable person and see that there are moral and rightous reasons for rebellion, thats all i was trying to see...thank you for your comments, Alice

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Veronica Hosking Apr 11, 2012, 4:26pm UTC

What if you are a rebel without a cause? ;) Great write.

Katryn D. Apr 11, 2012, 6:57pm UTC

and I got a kid movie stuck in my head thanks to a different one I just read and now my twin had to get another movie stuck in my head...

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 10:18pm UTC

Veronica, I felt like that most of my life and always identified with James Dean, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen...etc. and ran with the good and bad guys all my life...thanks so much

Janet "Jax" B. Apr 12, 2012, 12:34am UTC

Better than a cause without a rebel following?

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Virginia M. Apr 11, 2012, 4:56pm UTC

"But rebels stand against the rule..." True, but then there are those inciters that only want notoriety, not a fair and just solution.

This is an excellent answer to todays challenge, Richard.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 7:38pm UTC

agree, notoriety is not a just cause..thanks for reading

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JOHN BECK Apr 11, 2012, 5:14pm UTC

Well done. One can look at this from a couple of directions.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 7:42pm UTC

yep, rebellion is a matter of perspective. a kid may rebell from eating his spinach or a country's people may rebell because of tyranny

Janet "Jax" B. Apr 12, 2012, 12:35am UTC

or the South in defiance of a President's mandate....and want to keep their way of life.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 12:45am UTC

here's to States rights!

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A. F. Stewart Apr 11, 2012, 5:52pm UTC

A righteous, defiant poem.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 7:45pm UTC

always been that way...in the lower grades in school, I always got a check on "does not follow instructions"...thanks for the comment, AF

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Kushal Poddar Apr 11, 2012, 9:17pm UTC

Good work

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 10:20pm UTC

appreciate the compliment, Kushal

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Atticus *. Apr 11, 2012, 10:20pm UTC

Yes, and they write history and laws of their own, provided they are successful. Great poem Richard.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 11, 2012, 10:29pm UTC

and that's the truth and history proves it. I thank you, Sir Atticus

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Susan Budig - Mindful Poet Apr 11, 2012, 11:17pm UTC

Now this is a twist. You took a vice from Doug's list and did not condemn it, but condoned it!

Your success at a rondel prime has its place at Mindful Poetry.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 12:36am UTC

that's the way us rebels think

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stephen berwaldt Apr 11, 2012, 11:39pm UTC

I found myself wanting to stand and place my right hand over my heart as I read... wonderful message...take nothing for granted and protect our freedom, no matter the cost...

Thank you submitting to Gathers Luminous Writers and Artists. Now featured.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 12:38am UTC

exactly right, my friend. I think you and Atticus understand that all rebelliousness is not sin....thanks so much for the feature

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Mustafa Demiri Apr 12, 2012, 12:33am UTC

Rebellion in the face of injustice could never be a sin...
And this poem is more than just a poem, and more of sacred hymn.

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 12:41am UTC

Bless you, rebel and thanks for understanding, I am honoredi

Irina Dimitric Apr 12, 2012, 1:31am UTC

I hate injustice and rebellion against injustice is, in my view, a virtue. Love your poem, Richard.

Granny Janny Apr 12, 2012, 1:33am UTC

Clapping my hands for both of you!

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 10:52am UTC

so glad to have more members in the resistance

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Charli Mills Apr 12, 2012, 7:52am UTC

Rebellion is one of those vices that requires justification. A great rondel that feels righteously rebellious!

Richard Lynn Livesay Apr 12, 2012, 10:53am UTC

"authority" is not always right and must be questioned...thanks for the comment

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Del Nerkez Apr 14, 2012, 3:23am UTC

great deal of analyzing been done here richard - i simply see it as great ink ...

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Rebellion - Rondel Prime for Mindful Poetry - April,11,2012

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