Wake up (NaPoWriMo)

Dissent and Debate stand there
showing the rule book to me again
wake up before it is too late,
they beseech earnestly,
we are being strangled bit by bit
Plurality is panting, parched for parity
Democracy will be on death bed without us
in the name of nationalism,    
Majoritarianism is asserting himself
parochial views are having a free run
mobocracy is on the rise
there is blood on the streets and hatred in hearts
lumpens and goons are deciding who will do what
how long do you intend to be quiet
how long will the naked dance of totalitarianism continue
they will be pounding at your door soon
wake up, wake up before everything is lost!

Today’s (optional) NaPoWriMo prompt is based on the aisling, a poetic form that developed in Ireland. An aisling recounts a dream or vision featuring a woman who represents the land or country on/in which the poet lives, and who speaks to the poet about it. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that recounts a dream or vision, and in which a woman appears who represents or reflects the area in which you live. Perhaps she will be the Madonna of the Traffic Lights, or the Mysterious Spirit of Bus Stops. Or maybe you will be addressed by the Lost Lady of the Stony Coves.

Written also for Sadje.

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57 thoughts on “Wake up (NaPoWriMo)

      1. The extreme right insinuates itself into the mainstream, pretending to be reasonable, firm and just. All the nasty aspects somehow people believe, or say they believe, will never be enacted. And of course they are. Always.

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  1. Punam – I wish this nightmare would end but I’m afraid that if I wake up I’ll see that reality is worse than the dream. I’m shaking democracy by the shoulder and splashing her face with tolerance, kindness, equality and justice for all… yet she slumbers on…

    Liked by 2 people

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