TIME TO THINK

The Jonestown Massacre happened on Nov. 18, 1978. The mass suicide took the lives of more than 900 people. But one refused to forfeit a right to think.

TIME TO THINK

“Shut up and drink the Kool-Aid,”
Charged cult leader Jim Jones.
“Leave Rest to Me.” Sharp words said
Cutting like knife, by king on throne.

“Don’t want to die,” she replied—
Vexed teen soul, impulsive mind.
“God’s will won’t be denied,”
Con lectures direction blind.

“Gulp it down, God’s always right.
Others lie, they’ll do you wrong.”
“No!” she screams, tears drowning fright.
“Back home is where I belong.”

“You’ll be with Jesus; drink quick,”
Jones cajoles, feigns winsome tone.
“God wants me home, this is sick.
Can’t die here, I’m not yet grown.”

Clan raids, cup falls, she breaks loose.
Finds Peoples Temple. Paid price.
Faithfuls restrain. Shot infused.
Made ultimate sacrifice.

Avails today time to THINK:
Cyanide Kool-Aid—Should We Drink?

-JOE COBB CRAWFORD