I Can Almost Understand

I can almost understand,
The way the press in general wants to report,
On the happenings in society today,
Even if it sensationalises to the point,
Where it may be counter productive,
Because I know democracy would be hard pressed to survive,
Without a press that is free to get to the bottom of matters,
And hold those in power to account on our behalf.

What I will never come to grips with is,
The mistaken belief by some reporters that seems to be sanctioned,
By some editors and even owners of media outlets,
That giving the utterly selfish and self entitled,
Who think the world or even the known Universe,
Revolves around them,
And are a legend in their own mind,
With no apparent cause except themselves,
What seems to be a disproportionate amount of space,
And airtime,
When the masses are crying out for more salient facts,
Regarding real events,
That are happening in the real world,
And affect selfish and unselfish alike.

Maybe we urgently need more independent media outlets,
If we want the views of more unselfish people reported,
Which after all is still the majority,
If the kindness I have have been subjected to,
By strangers with genuine smiles on their faces,
Is anything to go by.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Awtry Avatar
January 1, 2022 at 3:02 AM
Yes it is a dahlia—it is just a pic from the internet. I was looking for a picture of a cup of coffee. One of the images was of this flower called a “cafe au lait dahlia”—and I just liked the idea of a flower named after a cup of coffee. Many congrats on having your poems published in your local paper! -ps
Awtry Avatar
December 31, 2021 at 6:28 PM
I agree! We need real news outlets! and normal everyday folks are by and large good and decent! I wonder if we need some trust busting in a lot of business arenas...
Smith Avatar
January 1, 2022 at 1:16 AM
Thank you for taking the time to read my work P.S. AWTRY. is that a Dahlia in picture above your name. Our Dahlias are just in bloom. We have the problem of one of our media outlets contracting out to those who pretty much ignore journalistic standards and promote their own thoughts and opinions. We have a commerce commission in NZ which despite being hopelessly understaffed has the occasional win. Although class actions seem to keep banks etc more honest. I am lucky and can get my poems in our local paper most weeks. I wish you well for 2022 David in NZ
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