L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

The National Hypocrisy

I cannot apologize that I am so consumed with rage
For I cannot control my urge to lash out in defense
When I see that those in power cannot turn the page
That they foolishly equivocate and straddle the fence.

Once was a time when our leaders did the right thing
It was our country that counted, not a political party
Across the land we proudly sang, “Let Freedom Ring!”
We were not perfect, but our union was hale and hearty.

Today, it seems we cannot come together to do right
And those who do their best to serve are castigated,
Seems Congress has nothing to do but bicker and fight
While important issues to back burners are relegated.

Seems some folks are bent on destroying democracy
Even willing to storm the capitol, to seize powers!
Personally, I am appalled by the national hypocrisy,
Of those who live like royalty in their ivory towers.

We are rapidly approaching the no-turn-around point
When our most cherished institutions are crumbling,
And though I try to be optimistic, not fan a flashpoint
I fear it is we, the citizens, who are seriously bumbling.

Refusing to take a stand for principles tried and true,
Following self-absorbed demagogues who bloviate
And who, touting solutions, haven’t the faintest clue
Folks, we must chart a new course for the ship of state. 

Written May 26, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger June 2, 2022 at 4:20 AM "Seems some folks are bent on destroying democracy" If we had a true democracy, our president would have been Hilary instead of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Let us not forget we are a stupid Republic, Hank. L Milton Hankins June 2, 2022 at 9:34 AM Indeed. People seem hell bent on making decisions against their own well-being and the well-being of our country.

Bill Baker May 27, 2022 at 5:46 PM I agree, Milt. My heart hurts daily over things I seem to have no control over. As a country, we've lost our way. I don't care about Democrat or Republican, we need to resolve our differences for the good of the country. If not, we will destroy ourselves and our country from within. Bill L Milton Hankins May 27, 2022 at 7:12 PM Yes, Bill. Unless our leaders can come together, however, I don't know how the people can. I'd like to believe it isn't too late. And, I don't know that I want to be around to see her demise. I hope I am not. I think it will all come down in the next decade. I have lived during the great age of America. I couldn't have asked for anything more or better.

Gershon Wolf May 26, 2022 at 7:35 PM We have met the enemy -- and he is us! ~ As Pogo said (Walt Kelly) many moons ago. Or maybe it was Mark Twain L Milton Hankins May 27, 2022 at 5:46 AM I think it was Pogo, gw. In any case, they both could've said it. Legitimate reaction.

Ilene Bauer May 26, 2022 at 1:18 PM brilliantly written, milton! amen to every word in your poem! L Milton Hankins May 26, 2022 at 1:55 PM Thanks so very much for your read and your comment, Ilene. I always love hearing from you.

Tom Cunningham May 26, 2022 at 12:25 PM I hear you Milton and sadly it's the same here, while we were in lockdown our bumbling pm partied away like there was no tomorrow. People couldn't even be with loved ones as they were dying. And the gall of the man wants to draw a line and move on. People have long memories though and they won't forget. Tom L Milton Hankins May 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM Seems I recall reading something about him, Tom. He looks sort of wacky to me, but I shouldn't say that. Thanks for your thoughts.

Jenna Logan May 26, 2022 at 11:03 AM All they seem to do is argue over what they won't get done to help the nation. L Milton Hankins May 26, 2022 at 11:24 AM That's so true, Jenna. It's absolutely disgusting!

Rico Leffanta May 26, 2022 at 11:01 AM Individuals count for naught in a government of the Party, by the Party, and for the Party and that is the government Baby Boomers support! Aloha! L Milton Hankins May 26, 2022 at 11:25 AM Unfortunately that seems to be the case, Rico.