I wanted to put something here this week before the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States changes the world in so many unimaginable, unbelievable, unsavory ways. I wanted to express how embarrassed and ashamed I am that my country allowed this to happen, and how determined most citizens are to unite in opposition, prevail against and overcome the man who is neither my president nor representative of my values. My old friend Lito Tejada Flores recently composed two poems that speak for the best and, since Hillary Clinton won the democratic vote, majority of Americans. Thanks, Lito.
(Un)happy HolidaysNo one’s ready, no one’s eager,In fact, we’re all a little afraid.It’s happened before, that’s the problem,A would-be strongman, & crazy promises,& crowds of believers, blind believers.Christmas cards at the post office,Every day, same as always—But it isn’t the same, is it?Merry Christmas? Maybe, why not?But we can’t say: Happy New YearWith a straight face. We shake our headsIn disbelief, knowing it’s true.It isn’t *Kristallnacht* either, not yet,But it isn’t over. It’s up to us . . .
AND
Trump
Must be that ill wind blows nobody no good,
Must be what somebody wanted, so many wanted,
Must be too late now to change their minds,
Must be a plan B somewhere, another option . . .
No, there isn’t. Must be what we deserve.
So where’d we go wrong? What did we do? What
Didn’t we do? Didn’t help, bailed out the banks
Not the little guys who believed those banks.
Weren’t kind enough, generous enough, didn’t care,
Because we were okay, not really, but just enough,
Not our brothers’ keeper, or sisters’. Too busy to care.
And what did we learn? Nothing compared to what
We’re about to learn. No one gets a pass this time.
Must be what we needed to wake up. Can we?
Thanks Dick,
I’m glad I’mnot the only one feeling gut – punched every morning….