Broken Glass

Some recalled Kristallnacht,
the white mob’s facial fever,
once the same fever of a night,
now the fever of a day-mare.

Some recalled Charlottesville,
the white mob’s lust for blood,
once the same blood craved,
now the blood of a purgatory.

Some recalled Greenwood,
the white mob’s rampage,
once the Tulsa rage inflamed,
now the ire of the privileged.

Oh persecuted one,
aspiring despot, so maligned and martyred,
your words hang in the air like the endless
echo of wailing toddlers.

Captain of the siege,
What incendiary drivel have you sown? 
What lie ignited white wrath again?

Broken glass, shards of democracy.
To steal elections, accuse your enemies of it.
To win by fraud, manufacture it.
To decertify black votes, rile white mobs.

Broken glass, shards of democracy
swept from the floors of the capitol,
the bloodied casualties,
the pipe bombs awaiting discharge,
	while white thugs are protected by white justice.

Broken glass, shards of democracy.
White supremacy 
         beds well with fascism and capitalism.
                
Broken glass, shards of democracy.
      When will the next carnage surface?
                                Where will democracy die?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Goff Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 8:44 AM
Very well written Thomas! tho I disagree, I enjoyed the rhythm of your talented poem!
Wells Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 11:15 AM
Hi James, You are entitled to your opinion, and I am very grateful you have an open mind allowing you to view the poem as a work of art. Be well always, Thomas
Sambourne Avatar
September 17, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Very powerful, Thomas. Your image of the despot's words that clamor + hang in the air like the wails of toddlers is truly riveting. Congratulations on a superb write! Sincerely Brian
Wells Avatar
September 18, 2021 at 12:02 AM
I am very grateful for your praise. I am still haunted by the images to this day. Take care! PAX!
Fenn Avatar
January 27, 2021 at 8:33 PM
Wow wow and wow! You nailed the grief and anger so many of us felt about Trump and the white mob, especially in stanza four. Keep them coming Thomas! You write with bite!
Wells Avatar
January 29, 2021 at 6:38 PM
Thank you Jennifer! Unfortunately, I am not optimistic that our former Inciter and Chief will ever be held accountable for this. I've found it an emotional struggle to move past this. Nevertheless, your encouraging words make it easier.
Levasseur Avatar
January 15, 2021 at 9:25 AM
This is a very astute read.
Wells Avatar
January 15, 2021 at 6:21 PM
Thanks Rob. This has been one of the darkest moments of political history through which I have ever lived. Take care!
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