I wrote this in the midst of the incomprehensible incumbency of he-who-shall-not-be-named, the most reprehensible human being to ever hold high office in our neighbour to the south. I wrote it hoping that it would quickly become obsolete, yet writing now, some six months after American voters (despite all efforts to the contrary) chose someone else, it still seems depressingly topical.
I wrote it out of sheer frustration at the news cycle and out of a desire to re-claim my time, my attention and my values from the slow-motion car crash of American democracy, decency and civility on display every night on the news and every minute in the pockets of millions.
We only have one life as we know it, and I have discovered with time, that the precious and finite nature of it reveals itself in greater and sharper relief. I got to a point where I Just. Couldn’t. Do. It. Any. More. There are way more important things to focus on, that DO deserve my attention. I’ll be doing those things now.
Buh-Bye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
I’m sorry, dear cousin
I must look away
at the crumbling of your empire
at what you have to say
It’s not that I don’t notice
It’s not that I don’t care
It’s just that I must offer
something better than despair
I know that evil prospers
when the innocent stand by
I know the lasting danger
of the unrepentant lie
But I won’t be a witness
to the death of your world order
As you try to slam the door
Upon your artificial border
Your unrepentant despots
are in their death throes now
Their values dying with them
while a newer world, somehow
is rising from the ashes
of their immolation pyre
An earthly resurrection
a hope that will require
all the love and wisdom
we can gather in our hearts
all the inspiration from
the furthest, far-flung parts
So do not be offended
if I now avert my eyes
and train my stubborn vision
on an ancient, higher prize
I’m patiently with joy
preparing my resistance
Listening to children
and plotting their existence