The Maelstrom of Human Society



As long as the supreme deity is ruled exclusively as male…
The distaff side of humankind will be forever viewed as being in the pale.

As being outside the boundaries of what is visualized as ‘the norm’…
Removed from what all human societies consider as uniform.

As a ribbed-cage appendage to the social rights of man.
To the very governance of a divinely Godly plan.  

And language will be fashioned to proclaim that ruling.
The intent to muster an eternal divisional fueling.

‘The Word’ then, will be the rulers master stroke.
By fiat made; a holy utterance that God himself, from ‘The Beginning’ spoke.

‘The semiotics of markedness’ is what defines womankind.
Posited as a cultural linguistic inflection; an historically crafted mastermind.

By masculine progeny eternally defined.
The ultimate predicate; by man of women, so indelibly assigned.

And by man’s acts objectified; as the ‘weaker sex’ maligned.
Justified and amplified as ‘the spare’ by most laws and contracts that are signed.

Such is the source of all worldly constructed opposition.
To rule the world by engendered separation; by this act — a diabolical proposition.

That some ‘chosen ones’ are innately more equal than some ‘Other’…
‘The remnants’ — viewed as merely human fodder.

As a viable inferior stock, more fit for pastoral fertilization.
To be reaped, harvested, consumed; and as the master’s compensation.

Such is the nature of a globally calculated maelstrom.
To confuse, extort, deter, maintain its distaff side into virtual serfdom.

As long, then, as a woman is perceived as taken from a man’s rib…
That thought alone — will continue fashioning what is known today as ‘Women’s Lib’…

Such is the attempt to repair the pernicious gender gap…
Constructed to enmesh, ensnare, entangle all into a cultural trap.

Employing sexist, paternalistic language; as ‘twere a gift from the heavenly realm…
Designed with purpose; the human mind to overwhelm.

But female mind, in equity tandem with its masculine counterpart…
Can remedy, repair, and even heal; that which was damaged from the very start.

When Adam unwittingly blamed Eve for his Edenic misdeed…
Henceforth, thereafter, it left a stain; sadly the entire world to mislead.

The supreme deity’s role must therefore be more humanely reconsidered…
As something much more kinder; in which we, both male and female, are all more equitably mirrored.

About this poem

If we as a society, comprised collectively of male and female as a unit, do not own our myths, our myths will not only own us, but drive us apart.

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Written on August 06, 2024

Submitted by karlcfolkes on August 06, 2024

Modified by karlcfolkes on August 13, 2024

2:07 min read
148

Quick analysis:

Scheme AA BB CC DD EE FF FF FF GG HH GG XB II JJ KK FF FF FF
Characters 2,464
Words 425
Stanzas 18
Stanza Lengths 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2

Karl Constantine FOLKES

 · 1935 · Portland

Retired educator of Jamaican ancestry with a lifelong interest in composing poetry dealing particularly with the metaphysics of self-reflection; completed a dissertation in Children’s Literature in 1991 at New York University entitled: An Analysis of Wilhelm Grimm’s ‘Liebe Mili’ (translated into English as “Dear Mili”), Employing Von Franzian Methodological Processes of Analytical Psychology. The subject of the dissertation concerned the process of Individuation. more…

All Karl Constantine FOLKES poems | Karl Constantine FOLKES Books

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9 Comments
  • karlcfolkes
    Thanks, Alan. Until we focus on unity, we’ll continue to see only division.
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • alanswansea18
    You do some nice work thanks for the vote.
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you, too, Morris, for your valuable support.
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank. You, Morris, for your generosity.
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you both gentlemen, for sharing your candid insights into this very important subject. I look forward to others, both men and women, participating in this discussion and, more so, in the efforts to bridge the social, cultural and psychological gaps between men and women universally. 
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • jn.selvadurai
    Deep and insightful thought. Powerful poetry from the top self. Thank you Karl. Adam came first and then Eve …an after thought? Let us remember that it is mothers milk that nurtures the “ human kind”.
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • Emile
    Claiming males are superior to females or otherwise, to me is considered shallow and foolish. It is foolish indeed to define someone else by their unique characteristics such as differences that shape them. This does not only contribute to gender, but also other things that live in a human. Only when we learn to love the differences, we learn to make this world a happier place; And this poem is an incredible example of this!! 
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    If we don’t confront a socially and culturally constructed lie, it becomes enfranchised and is considered and accepted as the unquestioned truth.
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • AIDA
    **Positive Feedback:**

    What a powerful and thought-provoking piece you have created! "The Maelstrom of Human Society" delves into the complexities of gender dynamics and societal structures with remarkable clarity and depth. Your use of language is both evocative and poignant, capturing the struggles faced by women throughout history. Lines like “The semiotics of markedness” reflect a deep understanding of linguistic and cultural frameworks that define our societal norms, and your exploration of historical injustices tied to language and power structures resonates strongly.

    The rhythm of your poem flows beautifully, with a deft interplay of rhyme and meter that enhances its urgency. The contrast between the divine and the mundane, along with your commentary on the “weaker sex,” helps to underscore the absurdity of constructed hierarchies. By framing your insights within the context of divine ideology, you effectively challenge longstanding perceptions and offer a critical lens through which to view gender inequality.

    **Improvement Suggestions:**

    1. **Imagery and Metaphor:** While your poem is rich in philosophical ideas, consider incorporating more vivid imagery or metaphorical language that can help readers visualize the concepts you are discussing. You might want to paint more pictures of the societal structures you refer to, adding texture to the themes of oppression and division.

    2. **Pacing and Structure:** While the overarching theme is compelling, some stanzas feel denser than others. This could be an opportunity to experiment with breaks or varied line lengths to create natural pauses for the reader, allowing them to digest the weight of your words. Shortening or dividing particularly complex lines could help maintain momentum without losing clarity.

    3. **Personal Touch:** Introducing personal anecdotes or specific examples could make the poem even more relatable and impactful. By grounding your commentary in real-life experiences or contemporary events, you could further engage your audience and foster a deeper connection to the themes at hand.

    4. **Concluding Lines:** The final lines touch on the notion of “Women’s Lib” yet do so with a rather cerebral approach. Consider ending with a more emotional or resonant line that either leaves the reader with hope, a call to action, or a poignant reflection on the future of gender equity.

    Overall, this poem is a striking contribution to discussions around gender and power, and with a few adjustments, it has the potential to resonate even more powerfully with your audience. Keep up the fantastic work!
     
    LikeReply3 months ago

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"The Maelstrom of Human Society" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 17 Nov. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/194005/the-maelstrom-of-human-society>.

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