Lincoln's Ghost

I don't know why he haunted me in dream, I never voted for him. It doesn't mean I wouldn't have because he really was one of the best of us.

Lincoln's Ghost 

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today."- Abraham Lincoln 

What visage defines the greatest patriot 

A tall stoic man solemnic yet radiant.

A voice that gave hope by the simplest of sound

Inspired better angels with wisdom profound . 

I could see him before me contemplative in thought

A ghostly white mist in sadness and fraught.

And with deep brooding eyes hesitant he said 

The following words which linger in head...

"The height of hypocrisy is railing angrily at 

political elitism while at the same time voting

for it.  An angry voter can easily be manipulated 

into a lost cause, it's simply common sense."

How incredibly insightful and amazingly sublime 

Such prescient truthful words, which didn't even rhyme.

Author's Note

To avoid contact from spirits of the beyond try eating one cookie and half a glass of milk before bedtime. You will thank me later. Feel free to comment or share your thoughts.

Reviews

[Olivia R.H.]

The ending is my favorite. The poem itself has a real magic to it, which is impressive considering it also succeeds in delivering a political message. Magic and politics; only poetry can accomplish that!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Olivia, I really appreciate your thoughts on this piece. It was a satirical and humorous look at a recent conversation I had. Such moments inspire us to our art. And as writers we hope to inspire constructive conversations on subjects that can be controversial and difficult to have at times. Sometimes injecting a bit of humor can make things easier. Thank you so much again for the comment.

[Marina]

His words ring true! It perfectly describes the ill feeling I get in the pits of my stomach when voting in our elections; having no real liking or faith in any candidates yet being forced to choose one, that in itself making me a hypocrite, by proxy at least. There are no real leaders in politics anymore and it's for that reason we rail. Nice wisdom and gentle rhyme here, Carlos. Much enjoyed. 💛

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Marina, for your thoughts. Unfortunately most of the politicians here choose it as a profession rather than a civic duty. A 2 hundred thousand annual paycheck along with perks from lobbyists pretty much buys their vote for rich and corporate Americans. Our system of governance is failing because it really no longer serves the people but companies instead. Unless we restructure the entire system we are advancing quickly into a Plutocracy. Where the laws benefit the rich and not the society as a whole. The hardest part of maintaining a democracy is fighting for it, which entails voting against our own self interests. If we continue to vote rich affluent people into office then we will get the government we deserve, one rotten to the core. Freedom isn't a right it is something you have to work hard to keep and maintain. Your vote is a right, but here that is slowly starting to be lost as well. Our hope lies with the young and future generations, because we the old have failed them drastically. Thank you, Marina, for your comment.

[Daniel Atkinson]

Love the use of "better angels" as another sly reference to the great man's words. Short, succinct, and lovely work.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Daniel, for reading and sharing your thoughts. I totally agree he was truly a great man and arguable one of this nation's greatest Presidents. It is unfortunate that we have lost sight of the values that define strong character and the will needed to be better fellow Americans towards one another. Thank you again for your thoughts.