In a Nutshell

We cannot let our fears take hold

that threaten now to paralyze

to eat away at who we are—

from those who’ve traded out their soul

for living out a life bazaar.

The moment that we realize

each stop and start, each interruption

devised to keep the truth at bay;

meant to divide and polarize,

the repetition to hold sway.

Smoke and mirrors for corruption

from leaders who would dummy down;

there’s so much more than meets the eye:

with plans to take healthcare reductions,

bold-faced lies on tax deduction,

and votes on women’s reproduction—

each new derision ‘systemized.’

It seems this ship has run aground

in shallow seas and rocky shoals,

overcome by waves of hate.

But even kings can come uncrowned

when their thoughts become unsound.

And so we must assess our goals—

call bullies out for what they are

and listen to that inner voice

that holds our path and keeps us whole.

For each of us, we have a choice—

and even if we do not know

the course that history will take,

we must hold to that spark of truth,

and never cede to undertow,

standing ground for what’s at stake.

The simplest of rules apply:

Let your conscience be your guide

find the truth inside each ‘lie’

Trust inner voice to recognize,

to see through cleverest disguise…

and though you may be criticized,

never take the compromise.

© Ginny Brannan 2017