July 4, 2020
we normally
barbecue burgers
let potato salad wilt in afternoon heat
spit watermelon seeds against oak trees
raise flags, drink iced tea and warm beer
as dusk draws down
into purple, and then black
punctuated with shimmered light
but this year
hollowed out,
we pick ourselves up
let potato salad wilt in afternoon heat
spit watermelon seeds against oak trees
raise flags, drink iced tea and warm beer
as dusk draws down
into purple, and then black
punctuated with shimmered light
but this year
hollowed out,
we pick ourselves up
read these
words
and hold
them to the light
we lost our way
have allowed this destruction of life
he bends justice watching it break
binds judges to his will
muffling justice’s
voice
abdicates responsibility
abandons us
without protection
sacrificial
lambs to his economy
pummels, incites,
excites division
stroking,
always stroking
his fragile
ego
a death clock ticks
130,000 dead
and counting
now is the time
end this long train
of abuses
of tears
of death
signed,
The Founding Framers
now is the time
end this long train
of abuses
of tears
of death
signed,
The Founding Framers
copyright/all rights reserved Audrey Howitt 2020
Posted to Poets and Storytellers Pantry
Note: On July 4 this year, I sat down to read the Declaration of Independence and was struck by its language. This piece grew out of and tracks that language.
I wish I could say that I didn't understand where this one was coming from. But I can't--the pain and outrage and truth is shared. We must indeed, continue to fight to find a way to stop the atrocities.
ReplyDeleteIt is a different summer for sure............he continues to behave in ways that would never be allowed of anyone else and I fail to understand why there are no strong forces to stop him.
ReplyDeleteWell put, and it seems most of us follow your train of thought. Let's hope enough of us do!
ReplyDeleteThe pain, the outrage is palpable even for those of us outside of the US. Atrocity in any form is and should be deemed unforgivable. The time is now and we will indeed put a stop to tears, abuses and death.
ReplyDeleteA sad time indeed for the US and for caring hearts outside
ReplyDeleteStay safe. Thanks for dropping by my sumie Sunday today
Much💖love
Beautifully said!
ReplyDeletethis summer just didn't have the magic of the 4th. it was forlorn and melancholic for some.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, and sad that it was necessary to write it. I think you're spot on about the 'fragile ego'.
ReplyDeleteViewing the USA from afar other nations must be aghast that such a proud and powerful country is crumbling with the inept treatment of the Covid 19 crisis and its total indifference towards it's own citizens. Many nations over the centuries have fallen through such treatment of its people.
ReplyDeleteWe have lost our way as a nation. We have never been perfect, but today it almost seems like we love our imperfections. Let's hope we find the true path soon, my friend. Loved your work, as always.
ReplyDeleteNice poetic thoughts
ReplyDeleteSo many have been sacrificed already, with people practically lining up to give up their oldest and youngest for some false sense of "normal". Sadly, I think things will get worse before they get any better.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The time has indeed come to stop the runaway train. May it happen decisively on Election Day!
ReplyDelete"thoughts closed book" ... is a fascinating phrase that will stick in my mind. So many possibilities there!
ReplyDelete