Foreboding -- Song of Demagogia

Introduction From the city on the river Where the Sage of Monticello And the Great Emancipator Birthed the country, saved the nation, Sounds a call for civil discord In the service of ambition From a man whose God is power, And his name is Demagogia. Gathering Storm To the banner flock his minions: Come the vengeful, the nostalgists, Come the dreamers and the zealots, Come the heedless disaffected; All these factions so enchanted By the whimsies of the Leader Who vows naught but boundless warrant, All objections notwithstanding. Marching Orders Demagogia tells his vassals That the ones arrayed against him Are ignoble, quite unworthy, And must not be given quarter When the battle is enjoined. ‘’Lay aside all thoughts of honor: Smear their people, smear their children, Plough and salt their reputations.’’ Engagement In the cities, in the hamlets, Over air waves, on the WorldWide, Campaigns combat, hot and savage, Demagogia as the dark horse; So much riding on the outcome, Which determines if his vision Is a dream cut short by waking. Or a nightmare neverending. Forewarning When it’s settled, morning after, Demagogia stands triumphant, Savoring the prize he's conjured, Casts a baleful eye about him, Smiles grimly, mutters darkly: ‘’Now be fearful, non-believers; Like the Phoenix, rising, rising From the flame pit, from the ashes . . .’’ 2/21/2016 (Poem Written in Anger Contest) Explanatory note: “Song of Demagogia” is a mimic poem of Longfellow’s celebrated “Song of Hiawatha.” Definitions are fluid, but it is not, strictly speaking, a parody. Neither is it a thinly disguised attack on any politician in office or running for office. Rather, it was conceived in anger at the devolution of our political culture in recent years and what that may portend for this country down the road.