Conventions

My response to watching political conventions & the whole process!

I'll take the red pill
And you'll take the blue;
We'll walk together through the world
Two by two.
An ark is awaiting,
I'll board,
Wait for you . . .
I pray you'll join me soon.

I'll see behind
What they call reality,
Well past false freedoms
That approach absurdity.
You'll raise a shout
That proclaims victory,
'Cuz you closed your eyes
While I opened mine to see.

You took the blue pill
And I took the red.
With Tolkein's elves
To the blessed realm I've fled;
No more in waiting
Will I fade 'til I'm dead.
Left on the shore
for you
One More Red

Author's Note

Tolkien's elves depart when middle-earth is poised for an evil war- from what I've read, an elf who stays behind and becomes mortal fades until they die, and this may cause them to be trapped as a spirit far from their homeland. I hear a march in my head when I read this, like the song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home".

Reviews

[. serah .]

~ poets and writers are usually apolitical elves who indulge in social commentary which is enlightening... ~ when i see people in power in my country, i am reminded of all the wise people who've said that the position a person occupies is not important... ~ elections are a struggle to occupy a certain position... ~ if people who get elected do great work, they are remembered for it... ~ whether it's clinton or trump, ultimately what will matter to history is their contribution to nation-building... ~ from where i'm looking, the work of the poet and the writer begins after the elections, when the poet turns into a critic and critiques the policies and decisions of the person in power...

[Marianne Rose]

Well, yes, I am apolitical, but I do watch for the essential characteristics and intentions of candidates that will telegraph what they will contribute when they take office. The office isn't important- but the power to contribute is. I do think it's unfair to put humans in positions of power and then judge them after the fact for failing our expectations. They are, after all, just humans like us. I just don't like all the tales spun during this time in the competition that obscure the truth- I want to see through the hype to who the people really are, and what their true intentions are- almost impossible- hence, I'd rather be on the boat moving away from the illusory and real world of this pre-election time. Thanks for your review and reflections!

[. serah .]

~ yes, that's almost impossible... that's why our option is to be vigilant commentators who keep politicians on their toes... ~ our independent media does that quite effectively... ~ also, i'm glad i spent time on your posts today... ~ i'm planning to do this more often... and by that mean... exploring several posts by one poet... ~ it's a rewarding exercise and helps one understand the story of the person behind the words... the poetry in that story... and not just the poetry in the words...

[H.L. Cerveise]

I love it a very cute way to talk about politics that makes it more interesting than it is in real life this time around. Very well-written and shows what a great imagination you have.

Well done.

[Marianne Rose]

Thank you, HL, I had to do something with myself after watching the first day of two weeks of conventions! Thanks for picking up the cuteness, not quite satirical, cuz I am getting on that boat to flee! It is kinda fun to hear the tune of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" in my head, part of this unstoppable mind. Thanks for the complementary review.

[H.L. Cerveise]

I am hoping upstate NY can leave the USA and become part of Canada, lol.

[Marianne Rose]

Love it, LOL. Funny, after tonight's speech, a few of us were talking about moving to Canada ourselves. Maybe if enough of us try to leave, the 2nd wall will be up north.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

but the red and blue could be the parties...and yes, illusion and delusion...and i like the reference to Lord of the Rings...i really like the parallels in this poem to the convention...but i would leave out the author's note and let the poets see what they see...because the double meaning of the red and blue really works...

yes, even Mordor would be better than this country these days...and Sauron might be a better president than whom we choose.

j.

[Marianne Rose]

You know, I put the author's note in so people wouldn't think I was saying the Republicans see reality as it is, but you're right, it is an interesting juxtaposition, and what do I care, eventually I'm on the ship off the a place where there are no pills to take one way or another. So I like your idea. And yes, at this point, my Gandalf soul, were I to get involved at all, would rather deal with Sauron! I thought this one might appeal to you- glad you like the parallels and double meanings possible. Thanks for a great review.

[iamshadowine]

wow! this is so amazing!! :))
keep writing :D

[Marianne Rose]

Thanks so much! It's one that will appeal, I think, only to certain readers- I'm glad you read it and left a review. Much appreciated.