David Smith Poet Political Verse

Turning In Their Graves

I walked past the cemetery the other day,
Those who fought for a right to vote,
Were turning in their graves.
 
I could hear them moaning in their eternal sleep,
Use it or lose it, use it or lose it was their universal call,

Though not scared, I shuddered from top to toe,
At the horror of all horrors,
As I contemplated a world with voices long silenced 
By the winds of apathy and contempt for those, 
Past and present Champions of the democratic cause.

A world where democracy was off line.
And yet the people were all oblivious to the fact,
As they took their daily happy pill

Once the shuddering had stopped, 
I stood respectfully and said a silent prayer,
With no words adequate enough to express my gratitude
To all those beautiful souls,
Who deserve to rest in peace. 

I don't know what the caretaker will make of the photocopies of my,
Voting papers on their graves,
But frankly I don't care. 
As if they are ever called forth to reawaken our fading memories
I pity all the non-voters.

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Abosede Ogundare October 10, 2016 at 8:47 AM Voting goes beyond putting a paper in a box... we all should learn to start voting for moral and principles... so does who fought for right to vote would stop turning in their graves. Beautiful message David. David Smith October 10, 2016 at 2:21 PM Thank you Abosede for taking the taking the time to read and care about the message. Regards from David in NZ

David Smith October 6, 2016 at 1:27 PM Don't expect to see everyone voting in my lifetime Victor. Out and about have talked to people who don't vote. unfortunately all age groups are now affected. I ask them to still make their voice heard in other ways at meetings and making submissions etc. A candidate with too big a mandate can be doubly dangerous. I am fortunate indeed that my parents left me with hope and I believe my life has purpose. So I keep on trying. Glad you are doing same my friend. Your poetry tells me so.

Beverly Read October 5, 2016 at 6:03 PM I wouldn't care what the caretaker thought either. I think this is a great poem and a great reminder to us all. Thank you! David Smith October 7, 2016 at 4:58 PM Thank you Beverly for taking the time to read. You might also like my poem three wishes which I read on the Radio at the end of an interview. Take care. David in New Zealand