When injustice becomes law
resistance becomes duty. --T. Jefferson
[image: phillipsblog.com]
Inequality
Such a benign word
For vast differences in wealth
Is it not obscene
When your riches deprive others
Of life liberty and happiness?
When excessive affluence
Denies health
And education
And opportunities
To millions?
Do not speak to me in
Banalities
Rather in
Consternalities
And pains felt
Or dreams denied
Goals not formed
Risks not taken
Pleasures unfulfilled
Treasures not sought
Talents suppressed.
Must we forever fight your wars
Suffer all the casualties
Bear all the burdens
Sacrifice all futures
Pay all costs
So that you can
Build another mansion
Erect another monument
Protect another fortune
Gild another cage
All for the glory
Of you?
If I choose life
Am I disloyal?
Or in seeking freedom
Am I a rebel?
If I do not bow to you
Am I a heretic?
And if I reject your principles
Will you call me a renegade?
If I am any of these things
Then please…
Make the most of it
Because I am not
And never will be
Your slave.
To DM Yates: I have been hammering on this issue for more than 7 years in books, articles, essays and in several websites, as well as in a continuing series of email campaigns. It is now out in the public arena and it is being discussed by a growing number of people. In my latest campaign I have called upon more than 50 economists at the Federal Reserve as well as their chairperson to take action. I don't give up easily. To paraphrase Andrew Jackson, one person with a big enough hammer makes a majority!
Reviewed by DM Yates (Reader)
Reviewed on June 16, 2014
Excellent, but don't worry. They still won't listen or care.
The true patriot, you know the meaning of freedom. You have studied the intricacies of what "free enterprise, unabated" means and you have suffered the hardship of poverty. To me, this poem speaks of Patrick Henry and others who stood up to the Crown because they could take no more of the regal domination of their freedom from afar. If only the libertarians understood what liberty is, they would see to it that all those in poverty would be immediately freed from it so that they too, could benefit from life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Amen! The image seems an apt visual metaphor for our 'runaway train spending' government.
"Do not speak to me in
Banalities
Rather in
Consternalities" Much insight here into the writers heart and mind. And I do agree. rlc
I agree, how much is enough? Folks should go overseas to 3rd world countries. Some folks are happier than we are with much less. Excellent points in this poem!
The deep-dive literary meditations presented as stories, poems, and essays in The American Poet Who Went Home Again, A Mosaic of My Soul at Work, have captivated and inspired readers ever since its first paperback publication in 2008.
'Better Without You'is a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of an affair, hidden secrets, and abuse. It also highlights a daughter's heartfelt journey as she cares for her mother who is battling dementia.
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Ron
"Do not speak to me in
Banalities
Rather in
Consternalities" Much insight here into the writers heart and mind. And I do agree. rlc
Sandie
Kathy J parenteau
Bravo!