Why I Gave Up on Politics

I do tremble, though,
fearing not my choice, but those
who do not choose to stand on solid ground;
they know that on the sands of fear,
the breeze of change
does not refresh, but cloy.

 
They rest in shallows, seeking only
lovers of an ancient tale, a fortress
of perceived security that values
not an island paradise to share. No,
an enemy is needed--a rallying cry,
the barricades gone up, plowshares
to be melted into swords.  We stare
beyond the reef.  They're coming, see...
we must be vigilant!

 

And I protest.
This gaming of the politic
is tragedy enough, for it defines
our truth, inflated not by wisdom,
but by our restive media
of currency, and nothing more;
it buys us,
sells us,
rolls upon us like a paper river,
drowning all beneath its paper flood.

 

No more for me!  With all my quivering,
My knees grow strong,
though few around me dare to speak,
looking west into the bloviating wind
of corporate power...paper-thin,
yet binding, blinding all its servants
with a shining, corporate seal.
See how quickly it dissolves
beneath the acid light of truth.

 

I shall not join my brothers
tanning in that sun. 
While I have power to speak,
to reason, yes, to love--
my fears are of my country's course--
theirs are only of their own.
I shall not relegate my loyalty
to that which is for sale--its value
crumbles in my fists, and then
my wallet too, will fall away.

 

I give myself to those
malnourished, broken from the noisome spoil
of pride and profit that invades
our loyalty,
our voting booths,
and I dare say, our faith,
because
When any man gives up on man,
it is his death as well.
     ~

 

Reviews

[Zahra]

A strong, thought provoking poem, well penned, sir! thanks for sharing

[Dean]

Thank you!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You are a master when it comes the "thinking poetry", my friend. I always feel a very cerebral pull when I read your work. Unorthodox, and still very classical at the same time; your style intrigues me so. Well written and thought provoking piece.

When any man gives up on man,
it is his death as well. -- so very eloquently put, and so very true.

[Dean]

Dunno about this master bit...but I appreciate a thoughtful read.

[Marie]

But what are you giving up on then?

[Dean]

Because politicians betray. I guess I would vote for such as Barbara Lee or Alan Grayson, but I do not live in their districts. It's hopeless.

[Marie]

No, I don't believe it's hopless. And I am a confirmed cynic.

[Dean]

So long as elections are based upon how much money is spent, it is truly hopeless. That is not what politics is for!