
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.
Fantastic, Punam! 💕🙂
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Harmony, thank you! ❤️
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I was afraid of that.
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Tracy, I fear for the future.
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It is not looking good.
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Not at all.
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Wake up, indeed.
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Sadly, most are happy. The extreme right is having its day.
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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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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…
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Val, democracy here needs a bitter medicine to revive. Being gentle has been of no help. The reality is certainly worse than a nightmare.
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Very strong message Punam! It is time for us to wake up and see where we are standing. Thanks for joining in my friend
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Indeed, Sadje. Thanks a lot and you are welcome.
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Many thanks
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Punam you have said it so correctly when will all this end and we will live a peaceful life. Such a beautiful poem.
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Exactly, when Kamal? Thanks a lot.
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God only knows Punam. Welcome dear 💕
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Sharp intake of breath for that, Punam. Your poem brings the way the world is now sharply into focus. Sadly, I see little that is good.
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We can all see that, Chris but we are outnumbered by those who are thriving in this chaos.
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Sad but true *sigh*
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A very vivid nightmare capturing our world in all its ugliness. Well done.
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Thanks, Mason. Ugliness has to be faced.
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It does. Unless its faced and admitted it can not be changed for the better.
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Powerful call to action.
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If only people respond…
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‘how long will the naked dance of totalitarianism continue?’ Such a potent question, Punam! I wish more people would ask it…
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Not just ask, Ingrid, but stand against it…
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Yes, and yes again. (K)
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Most won’t.
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I wish the dormant could hear you.
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They like being dormant.
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Awake and aware!
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Indeed, Ruth!
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Excellent piece hon.
Sending love
xoxo
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Thanks so much, Gab. Much love to you too.
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A wonderful stand for justice, and an awakening, Punam. I love this write. ❤️
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Thanks a lot, Jeff. Sometimes one has to take a stand.
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Absolutely so, it takes us all standing for each other. You’re most welcome, Punam. Always. ❤️
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This is wonderful Punam. You have captured the polarization that many are feeling right now. I feel like I have ‘visits’ such as this every day 😕
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Thanks a lot, Christine. Nothing seems right in this world right now…or is it too much right! 😓
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You got me! I’m as confused as anyone else right now 😳 What a crazy world we are living in Punam
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Indeed…too crazy for my liking.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks, Chuck.
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There are saboteurs of democracy in many countries right now. May democracy prevail! An important message in your forceful poem, Punam! ❤
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So there are! Thanks so much, Cheryl. ❤️
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Oh sure! So sad but really the truth it is. There’s blood on the streets. Democracy is on a tough trial. 😥
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Indeed, my friend. 😓
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WOW! A soul-stirring poem. Loved it.
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Goutam, I am elated that you loved it! Thanks so much. 🙏🏼
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❤@ajay padala
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great take and capture Punam for all of us said so well.. nicely done! 💖
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Thanks a lot, Cindy! ❤️
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Always welcome ! 🤗💕
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Excellent call to action! Love the alliteration, the urgency, the pounding on the door at the end ❤
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Thanks, Sunra! ❤️ If only it would wake up a few…
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