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Image for the poem The Pilgrimage To Mecca (Straight Talk)

The Pilgrimage To Mecca (Straight Talk)

Forgive Them Father For They Know Not What They Do    
              
In the civil unrest years of the 1960's minorities needed hope, we needed prayer to bridge racial disparity among the masses.              
             
I am writing this in regard to an important part in our history, some if not all have long forgotten, in addition, for those who have survived it.      
     
May your nights be restful and for the ones who were left beyond, may the memories stir your mind to give it much needed comfort and rest.              
             
Let’s visit the year 1977-1978. Guyana. And Jim Jones Peoples Temple.              
The Peoples Tempe opened its doors in 1956
             
             
The phrase, 'Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid' holds far more importance than one would ever know, a mental memento to a many, but in such of those horrific memories. Those very same words were the amalgamation of 909 people including children and babies. Could this incident have been prevented, did the congregation of the The Peoples Temple imagine this could be their fate under the dictatorship of a Cult Fanatic.              
             
As I was delving into the research of writing this piece. It saddens me so many average minded people, believed in a man who was mental unstable; was it the words of society againt, us the soothing mechanism to one’s soul when uplifting was crucial during that time.              
The truth shall set you free, if that was the philosophy that had most members, seated every Sunday in Jim Jones’ church, could they have not predicted the outcome of someone who was accused of abuse in July of 1977.              
             
For anyone to ask you to isolate yourself from the world, denounce your world possessions, and come and follow me is somewhat questionable. Several members defected from the Peoples Temple was deemed a traitor.              
             
Jim Jones was considered a Messiah of his evangelical flock who led his loyal followers to a remote jungle in Guyana to live in Jonestown. Jim Jones commenced his followers with the ideology as an agricultural commune rich with food, no mosquitoes or snakes and in good faith for people who wanted somewhere with dry air climate, temperatures hovered around a perfect 72 degrees every single day.              
             
Welcome to Jonestown              
1977 Guyana 150 miles from Georgetown
             
             
It was such a beautiful beginning of a new world. No televisions, no phones to connect to the outside world. A paradise was what most expected, a labor camp defined by others was what was given.              
             
A new fostered appreciative of untilled virgin lands that weeped of honey and milk. A galaxy for the eyes to see. Building a community where color was not burdensome, and the gospel upheld the core of dying souls thirsting for wisdom and spiritual knowledge.              
             
Jim Jones had expectations of his flocks once his community of the Peoples Temple was erected. Peace was there at a hidden cost. You were punished for trying to flee, due in part, no one could leave on their own free will; permissive was not an expressed option. There were reports of sexual abuse of children, drugging, and guards patrolled within the realm of the dwellings and grounds.              
              
Jim Jones held several mass suicide drills to see how the crowd would respond, and who would cause him trouble. He made those people line up first, his philosophy was, if they killed the children first, then the parents wouldn’t have any reason to live.              
            
In 1978, Jim Jones was accused of violating Human Rights.    
 
11-13-78 through 11-18-78      
 
The five days leading to such a horrific mass suicide noted in history. For the defected members who still had love ones, including children residing at the Peoples Temple, the concern for their loved one’s safety prompted Congressman Leo Ryan to investigate.              
             
Congressman Ryan and several family members, his traveling entourage, and several news reporters, landed at an airstrip in Guyana.              
             
Jim Jones was alerted of their presence for his belief that society wanted to condemn his dream and investigate his congregation’s antics, he had his members to show them hospitality with song and dance.              
             
11-16-78              
             
One of Jim Jones members slipped a note to one of the reporters who was touring Jonestown; a note advising him of the concerns, however the deception was observed by another People Temple's member.              
             
Several more members came forward, sixteen in all, asking Congressman Ryan for safe passage out of Jonestown. As the Congressman, his traveling entourage, and the departing members were boarding a plane to leave, they were all gunned down. Five people were killed that day, including Congressman Ryan.              
             
11-18-78              
Back At The Camp
             
             
Fearing that those who had escaped might bring in authorities, Jim Jones activated his suicide plan. He alerted his flock out of the comfort of their dwellings for a state of emergency. Most assumed the panic call was just another drill.              
             
Jim Jones sat upon a stage in the Settlement’s Pavilion and what would be his final preaching to his congregation.              
             
Jim Jones and his loyal servants under gun wielding, mixed a concoction of Cyanide laced punch for everyone to drink. Babies and children were ordered first, over a course of several hours, men, woman, and children, voluntary and some involuntary drunk of its deadly poison After the planned mass suicide, several dead bodies rested on the soil of Peoples Temple in Jonestown.              
             
Nine Hundred and nine blessed delivered souls until the Creator they all returned on 11-18-1978.              
             
Jim Jones died from a single gunshot wound to the head, self-inflicted.              
             
I wanted to write this piece in remembrance to an event that occurred in history, an unforgettable time, whereas, I was not even conceived.              
             
What a sad Straight Talk to have researched and sadly to have written of its history.
Written by SweetKittyCat5
Published
Author's Note
A lot of people are tired around here, but I'm not sure they're ready to lie down, stretch out and fall asleep.

Jim Jones
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