Brimstone Boxes.

Summary

The text reflects on the struggle to find self-guidance and trust in oneself amid societal pressures to conform, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and inner belief.

Abstract

The poem "Brimstone Boxes" delves into the human quest for guidance in a world where reliance on external authorities overshadows self-trust. It critiques the allure of power and wealth, suggesting that these attachments can lead to deception and self-betrayal. The narrative underscores the detrimental effects of societal norms that stifle individual growth and spiritual freedom, advocating for a return to personal truth and intuition. It encourages readers to reject fear-mongering and to embrace their inherent worth and leadership capabilities, highlighting the significance of self-reliance and the pursuit of personal vision as key to overcoming external manipulation and achieving genuine empowerment.

Opinions

The author questions the necessity of external guidance for a king, implying that reliance on people or institutions may be unnecessary or even harmful.
There is a critique of religious and societal structures that impose norms and expectations, which may lead individuals to ignore their inner voice and personal convictions.
The text suggests that conformity to societal norms can suppress individual potential and spiritual growth, fostering fear and preventing self-discovery.
It is posited that brimstone, a metaphorical tool of control, keeps individuals confined within societal boxes, leading them to live inauthentically.
The poem conveys that self-belief and inner truth are essential for personal empowerment and that these qualities can be reclaimed despite societal conditioning.
The author expresses that true leadership is about empowering others to lead themselves, rather than gaining followers for personal gain.
The text emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in the pursuit of one's goals and the manifestation of one's desires through action and belief.

Who can we turn to for guidance when we’re taught to not trust ourselves?

Why does a king need more than his people? I’m looking for guidance while underneath steeples. The attachment to more could have sworn that was evil. But life has trap doors to defeat you. To do more, I implore the cathedrals. Seems their horns speak of scorn and mislead you.

The spirit that conforms to the norms that they feed you cannot perform when implored to just lead you. Flood you with fear so you’re torn from the seeds who, if watered, might inform and then free you.

Uncomfortable in the skin that we bleed through. Running from feelings inside us that bleed too. So busy kneeling and sealing our thoughts, we can’t keep cool. Brimstone keeping us flocked to a box, we’re playing the fool. As far as sides, most have to keep two. Divide from the divine become deceitful. Lying about what is inside, so blind to the truth. Funny how what we deny is what can seep through. I lied but my actions belied and start to reach you.

Belief in ourselves we have to recoup. Funny how on what we used to rely, no longer teach truth. Unless you were blessed with the ability to see through, the darkness covered desire to defeat you. To automate you, no longer able to relate to mirrors when they face you. Lose the intimate understanding of God’s planning when you keep panning from the vision that he gave you. The innate feeling of being grateful, for the freedom to make, and choose.

Empower yourself, know that power ain’t wealth, and anyone who wants you to follow probably out for themselves. A true leader wants to teach you to lead, to know you are worthy of unending belief. But there’s work to be done, there’s practice you need. And you have the power within, to manifest what you’ve decreed.