Made in the USA
by Elouise
Wouldn’t it be grand
To write Trump’s presidency off
And say Done!
As he walks into the setting sun
Yet even as we sleep
A trillion seeds
Sow discord and
Disdain from sea
To shining sea
From the mountains
To the prairies
This isn’t the Trump Brand
It’s the USA Brand
“Made in the USA”
Our perpetual motion display
Of disdain for neighbors
And for strangers within
Our gates looking for
Nothing more than
A life on this earth
Free of the relentless
Task of living in two or more
Worlds at the same time
Black lives
Shades of Brown lives
And don’t forget the women and children
And men of any color at all
Struggling to make ends meet
In every state of our disunion
The Not Welcome Sign
Now rusty and ugly
Hangs in the breeze
Mourning and begging
To be taken down
Are we too late?
Worse yet, have we begun
Another endless chapter
In Our Great Myth of the USA?
As long as our Creator gives me breath, I’m committed to telling the truth.
Sometimes I’m tempted to hold back. Guard my flanks. Lower the flag of protest or truth just a bit. Yet I didn’t begin this blog in order to tell the truth about what’s sweet and nice.
When I posted yesterday’s poem, I felt a bit edgy. Not because of what I said, but because I said it at all. Silence might seem safer and easier. From my childhood, however, I know that’s a lie.
Whether written, lived or spoken, it doesn’t matter. Truth is the only way we’ll find ourselves and make our way together, whether we like the truth or not. Otherwise, we’re running around or hunkering down in our small worlds, or we’re trying (like Trump) to make huge splashes that might feel good, yet do nothing to promote our common welfare.
Thanks again for visiting and reading,
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 15 January 2021
Image found at forbes.com
Telling the Truth 
Thank you, Elouise.
Marilyn
Get Outlook for Android
________________________________
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recently watched a discussion between Norman Mailer and William Buckley from 1968. Two people representing completely opposing political views during a time that was at least as turbulent and polarizing as our own. However, there were some things distinctly different from their discussion, held over 50 years ago, and what passes for a discussion today. Each of these men represented their views well. Their “facts”, not gathered from cable news sound bites or 140 character limited social networks. Instead, both men were serious students of their worldview and spoke with nuance and insight, with a deep understanding of history, and with respect for each other. They showed no interest in cancelling or eradicating each other. They carefully listened to one another. They disagreed almost always, but occasionally surprised each other with agreement and explored those areas of agreement. They both seemed to walk away from the conversation having a better understanding of each other and their opposing worldviews.
Personally, I walked away from their conversation feeling like a better person, an informed person, who realizes there are truths found in opposing views. This is in contrast to the anxiety and vitriol I used to feel when I was still watching 21st century cable news.
I can’t help but think our society is devolving quickly. We’re no longer interested in understanding, only winning, whatever that is… Many are only interested in cheerleading for “our” worldview, and anything outside of “our” worldview is evil and has no worth, needs cancelled, shut up, and forgotten.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Matt.
My husband and I used to watch these “debates.” Always interesting, always focused on a particular issue of governance/history, and an good way to hear different approaches without having to read a book or take a course! Very well done, indeed. At the end of each “debate,” attendees voted on the winner. You might like to watch the debate between James Baldwin and William Buckley. Baldwin was called in to sub for another debater who was unable to be there. I won’t be spoiler, but here’s where you can listen to and watch the debate for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tek9h3a5wQ. If you’re a reader, you might also like to check out Nicolas Buccola’s book, The Fire is Upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate over Race in America.
I think going back and listening to debates like these is a great way of understanding better what’s happening today in the USA. I agree that we’ve been losing our ability to join with or even be curious about ‘the other side’ regarding almost anything (including things as consequential as wearing face masks during the pandemic).
Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I very much liked this entry and the last one. Because we definitely have more than just Trump to deal with. I don’t want to shame anyone, but they all need to be held to account. As we all do. We’ve all participated in this turn of events in some way. We need to confess and repent and be accountable. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. ~Natalie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Thank you, Natalie. I’ve been thinking a lot about what my blogging will be about this year. It’s personal. Always. Whether we realize it or not.
Elouise
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got one of my classes to write an essay on “One Nation – two souls.” I had been talking about Australia, but one or two of the class focused on the US. That was fifteen years ago. As you so clearly said, Trump didn’t split America in half – it has been that way for a long, long time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a great topic. We have our work cut out for us–assuming we make it through these next critical months. We need prayer, and we need action (our own!). There’s not an easy solution, and there’s plenty pain yet to come. Including the pain of reconciliation and restitution. Thanks, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person