"Who forfeits power and freedom with such sublime abandon and why"... so well said, Sandy... and the joke is it is all in the name of Democracy!! It is the same UK. Here it seems largely Democracy driven by the apathy of the vote; our abuse of right, rather than being disempowered of it or by it. But, on another level, perhaps this poem points up the covertness of friends... in that the closer the circle, the more difficult it becomes to highlight where our nearest and dearest are falling off the path... and the betrayal that is then felt by that "one" to discover that all SAW the problems and yet said nothing to them. In our "free" societies, the sleight of hand perhaps comes with the fact that we believe we are seeing what, in fact, is not the actual case. And we believe what we're told. This makes indeed for "festering wounds". Must stop gabbing, but neat write as always. TY Kate xx

If answers seem too terrifying to contemplate then not asking the questions that would provoke them is nothing less than a deathwish that's merely still unfulfilled. It is the mechanism that allows the destruction of this world, the betrayal of Love and the continuation of the fragmentation of the universe. Perhaps the occurance of this event is inevitable nevertheless, but is good to see some at least refuse to go without knowing why. The powerful way in which this was done in this poem gives the effort even more meaning. Thank you for creating and sharing. Take care,

RAge

Hi Sandy:

May our country find peace -- some day.
May we avoid senseless violence -- some way.

Hank

We are afraid to ask because we already know the answers. Powerful reminder, Sandy. Thank you. Love and peace to you,

Regis

You expose the widespread use of covert intelligence and brain washing, that is now very prevalent in society !
Welcome and much needed pen Sandy !
Peter

Ditto Felix!!

Love Tinka

This forces the reader to look deep at the questions you pose in such fine style. Lately it seems we are almost afraid to ask the questions because the answers are just far too terrifying to contemplate. Poliitics, world affairs, education, religions and people have seemed to devolve into somthing we never thought that could be. Well done poem here asking hard questions. Now who will answer?
Felix