Saving Liberty

We find Liberty has left us as we left our guard, allowing hate and dishonesty to prosper unbarred. We tempted fate, then saw cruelty's depth as we watched a man die while pleading for breath. Strong words either left or came at us fast, as we longed for the future still mired in the past. We came together walking as one. Our voices shouted, "We want decency done!" The ineptness exposed under masks made of salt showed dishonesty's purpose was magnifying our faults. Justice then failed, losing in some bitter game; while lies masqueraded as Truth's proper name. When fantasy engulfs Truth is always at stake. Decisions must not wait for sages to make. Hate is a virus seeking places to hide. Democracy languishes while we try to decide: do we run from this madness or stand here and speak? Can we withstand pelting taunts hurled by the weak? Can we uphold the dream our forefathers declared? Can we look in dark places where no one has dared? When we conquer, not others, but mediocrity, commitment's reward will be pure honesty. When fresh ideas flourish, encompassing all, we will watch demigods' promises crumble and fall. Then Liberty will smile, holding her beacon high. We'll shout, "Democracy lives, we've imprisoned the lie!" But Truth can be quashed unless steadiness prevails, it demands diligence. We must not, this time, fail.