We live with
closed fists over open hearts
torn asunder
by deliberate blunder
and refusal
to admit
the truth
or face accusal
for children in cages,
embracing lies as a virus rages,
“good people” who kill and intimidate,
images debated or inflated,
hatred masked
while hate is spewed
on his behalf.
And where does democracy reside
while the citizens must flee
the streets of gas and rubber bullets?
And where does democracy reside
while Bugalloo and Proud Boys
take a ride in camo trucks with
flags flown high through our neighborhoods
to mystify and terrify while “standing by”?
And where does democracy reside?
In long lines at too few polling places,
In court rooms overthrowing voting rights
and pre-existing conditions,
in mail rooms slowed by his intent to defraud,
in Air Force One where plots are made
against our allies and ourselves?
And where does democracy reside?
And when will it end?
annarino writes 