Piercing the bubble of invincibility
delusional figures reach for recognition—
They’ve perfected the art of going nowhere
and the science of measuring nothing
while conducting symphonic blasts of hubris.
“Flectere si nequeo superos, acheronta movebo.”
They swallow swaths of whole blue sky
as half-hearted promises gasp
under the weight of gravity’s corporate rainbow
and the crushing obligation
of dark money’s quid pro quo.
The success of the entitled congressus lies
not in meeting needs
but in its spectacular ability
to continually disappoint.
Barba tenus sapientes.
The body politic is hurting
and crying performs no miracles.
Tears educate
like the second, third and fourth kicks of a mule.
Plebeians display a remarkable lack
of survivor skills—relying instead on
ramped up promises of tomorrow
from silk-skinned saviors
and shark-skinned sleazeballs
who make a fetish of the flag,
mine the gap between desire and hate
and pollute ambitions of those who wait.
“Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.”
The current level of corruption is unsustainable.
The friction of democracy creates heat,
but don’t expect it to easily soften
the glacial hearts of the ruling oligarchs
without pain and suffering.
“You must be able and prepared to give
until you cannot give any more.” ((John Lewis, former US Representative and civil rights activist))
“Never, ever be afraid to make some noise
and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” ((Ibid.))