L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

These Are the Times

“These are the times that try men’s souls.  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.  Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”  --Thomas Paine 


In these times, I no longer feel comfortable 
     in my own skin. 
I am, fighting an inner-mind battle, becoming 
     more cynical, 
     skeptical, 
     and saddened by 
     the crisis of this present generation 
     with whom I cannot identify. 

In the America I knew, the America of my youth, 
     no one would have seriously considered 
     challenging the will of fellow-Americans 
     at the ballot box ... 
     to breach the hallowed halls of Congress 
     would have been unconscionable ... 
     no, unthinkable! 
 
The America I knew, the America of law and order 
     would hold the offender accountable, 
     irregardless of high station, 
     would never countenance incitement 
     to riot against our democracy itself. 

The tyranny of our time is, apparently, mob rule. 
As Paine said, “...like hell, [it] is not easily conquered;” 
But conquer we must 
     if we are to restore order, 
     if we are to become, once again, 
     the America we know and love.

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian February 9, 2021 at 1:37 AM You know we are in the last days, and it will get worse, sure you realize. But seeing the world we knew when you and I were young, and how it is today is sad. more hate than understanding and caring L Milton Hankins February 9, 2021 at 9:15 AM Thanks, barbara.

Joseph Spence Sr February 3, 2021 at 3:50 AM Congratulations, and excellent post my friend of God's inspirational grace. I love the flow of the words and the impact of the message. The descriptive excellence is lovely and sends vivid images. The theme of "Different Times" stands out, and the tone moves the piece down the page with much grace. Great job! Have a fantastic day, with God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually. L Milton Hankins February 3, 2021 at 9:47 AM Thanks, Joseph.