E Pluribus Unum: “Of the Many, One”

Words written long ago
For specific times
For specific places
Are reinterpreted
Out of time
Out of place
Amid claims that they have
Gazed beyond the gossamer veil
That separates nature from the supernatural
And they
Among so many
Throughout time
In many places
Are the ones who have been chosen
Out of many
Over time
In many places

They market their truths as being self-evident
Because they have
Wealth
Because they have
Power
Because they have far exceeded
Their fifteen minutes of fame
They have established a
Monarchial hierarchy
Where those at the top reap the benefits of the harvest
While lower levels are expected to be grateful for the chaff
The remnants of liberty and justice for all
Lie scattered along the wayside
Awaiting a time and a place
Where the people
Of a specific time
Of a specific place
Will gather the remnants
And build pathways that lead to
A time
A place
Where the veil of separation will be lowered
Allowing the many to be free

• Author’s Note:  A poem written after reading The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart

 

Paul Cech has been writing poetry since 1970. Several of his poems have been published as Saturday Poems in the Pittsburgh- Post Gazette and the Thomas Merton Center of Pittsburgh has published several of his poems in NewPeople. Read other articles by Paul.