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Helter Skelter, 42 Times [Warning: Graphic Imagery]

by Bruce W Niedt

In a tough part of Philly,

four teens – three boys and a girl –

lured a friend to the woods

with a promise of sex.

When he got there, pockets full

of a freshly-cashed paycheck,

they bashed his head in.

And while his eggshell skull

leaked blood and brains into the soil,

they circled for a group hug,

as though they had just finished

an Antioch weekend, some religious retreat.

They divided his money, just enough

for a few days of drugs.

When he confessed to the cops,

one of the boys said that,

before they executed their plan,

they listened to “Helter Skelter” by the Beatles

forty-two times.

 

What is it about this song that fits so well

into the geometry of madness?

Were they emulating Manson,

or is there some deeper message missed

by the sane among us?

When I hear it, arguably the loudest song

the Beatles ever recorded, I hear McCartney’s screams

and distorted guitar, intense lyrics,

but nothing that says, “slaughter the innocent.”

 

When Manson and his sycophants

butchered Sharon Tate and her friends,

the song was still new. Now it echoes forward

a generation later, once again a mantra for murder.

Peel off civilization’s veneer –

it’s not very thick – all you need is obsession,

drugs and sociopathy, a potent stew.

When your life is cheap, others’ are worthless.

Almost any song will serve as your soundtrack.

And when you dispatch those in your way,

the Devil will sing along.

06/22/2003

Posted on 06/22/2003
Copyright © 2024 Bruce W Niedt

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Marjorie Anne Reagan on 06/22/03 at 05:08 PM

When looking for an exuse you can always find one. If you can link it to an infamous song and become part of the infamy.....(sarcasm here) A Jolt of reality and a good editoral.

Posted by Mara Meade on 06/24/03 at 01:37 PM

Just the title gave me an idea of what this would be about... As Marjorie said, its a great commentary. I remember the fury over "Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult and being amazed that it would cause such a stir. But, like you say, if you're looking for something to believe in, almost anything will do. It's a shame.

Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 06/28/03 at 05:27 PM

your pen brills with viewpoint and tis not presented to the eye with disattachment and rasoning, wan and frigid, but this crystal clear and warming upon our awareness.

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 05/21/04 at 07:42 PM

Don't know how I missed this one Bruce; happened upon it in the recently read listing. Well put, couldn't agree more, especially the part of peel off civilization's (thin) veneer. Something I too touch on in my The Primitive's Mirror. Ironic too as I just bought McCartney's DVD, Back In The U.S. which just radiates with love and good feelings. A must see (30 Beatles and post-Beatles songs) if you haven't already. Fortunately Helter Skelter isn't one of the songs included.

Posted by Michele Schottelkorb on 06/07/04 at 06:53 AM

true true and true... it is inside, not outside, that spurns evil... great piece... blessings...

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