The Mark of the Beast
The Mark of the Beast, a symbol of the end of days, when all hope is extinguished. As the numbers of free men and women dwindle and the pressure increases, what choices will they make? What options remain?
Weary from the constant wrestling
Choose now and never change course
Innermost privacy under pressure
Self-criticism my obvious muse
Feeding the forecast of tragedy
Tearing at the controlling reigns
An honest man in a dishonest world
Now fearing unconscious thoughts
The tragic pathway to damnation
Obstacles conquer and divide
Damaging any remaining bits of remorse
Until imagery is no longer focused
When the eyes sting from unseen lash
A pounding that echoes endlessly
Tis no source of comfort or solace
The soliloquy shouted to no one
Choose now and never change course
My arrival at an unpropitious moment
When sincerity no longer passes for honor
Pride remains an inordinate opinion
Dignity carries the brand of superiority
Esteem has become an arm of the collective
The will to survive takes sacrifice
Self no longer the associative term
Respect, control, employed, motivated
Migrated to satisfaction from belonging
Awarded from empty achievements
Static scenes with scripted moments
Stone faced hordes awaiting the signal
Destroying the notion of individualism
Dissenters and deserters hunted down
Time to fight, time to die, time to submit
Choose now and never change course
Again, plagued by hopelessness
Haunted in every waking moment
The unruly mob demands submission
Take the mark or take the fall
Choose now and never change course
Take the mark and take the fall…
- When We Lost Control - October 13, 2025
- The Crumbling Space Around Me - October 10, 2025
- Sorrow - October 9, 2025
Indeed for those who worry about end days, who stay awake each hour, waiting for the final one. Afraid and worried about being forced to take the Mark. The beast is within their minds, heaven or hell is right here below every step we take. The beast already reigns, technology has seen to that. We are marked whether we believe it or not. Evil is here among us, mankind has filled it’s boots with it. So live each day like it could be your last, don’t fret about the numbers of 666 or being forced to embed a chip. They have our minds and souls already, that we surely must believe. I fear no beast, I have learned to live within the system made by man and ignore much of it. The beast machine is healthy, it’s the citizens that are sick from it.
Great assessment and you view it from an angle I’d not thought of (being already inside the minds of the fearful) – great comment
A very powerful piece of poetry, Ralph. Growing up predominately with a Christian inspired background though rarely attending church, I was brought up to, not fear exactly, but be constantly alert for the mark of the beast. The End of Times or the Rapture appears forever closer, and especially with the current world situation being under constant threats from ISIS, terrorism, and sometimes our own inner societies.
An interesting view of this hour so near. I can see the many sides to be seen and felt as the years have gone. Like always having a master and now we must choose between two and well…not an easy choice for the price either way (well as a human view anyway).
Actually I am so glad I read this. I may write on this too since it has plagued my mind many times also.
Great write, hope many read this!