I'm one of those people who likes to visit the site regularly and read the postings, only rarely commenting. As a 64 year old white male, a problematic demographic I know, suffering in Maryland's 1st district, I feel I've earned the right to do a little watching.
I just couldn't help but jot down what was in my mind, in a series of twenty-one non-rhyming, non-metered couplets. This from a decidedly non-poet. In paragraph format it just didn't convey the idea.
Now I'll get back to this year's four months on Easter Island in the Pacific. That I'll have to write a real diary on sometime. How, without much money at all, to spend a good deal of time elsewhere, living simply.
The Coming Tide
At two you were the one in the yard who called the other kid "poo poo pants".
That sure fixed him, it let everyone know your diaper was clean.
At ten the kid with good grades was "teacher's pet".
That explained everything, your own report card.
At sixteen you were calling anyone you wanted to feel superior to "queer".
That made you normal, in the eyes of others. In your own eyes.
At eighteen you pointed again, crying "liberal". You have come to see God on your side.
You are a "real" American, because others are not.
The years passed, shared delusions and power have erased all doubt.
"Right" makes right and will reign forever.
But then the others, those un Godly, un Americans won coveted approval. You saw not its coming.
"poo poo pants" no longer works, neither do "teacher's pet", "queer" or even "liberal". You're desperate.
You know you have to raise the stakes, reach for the ultimate weapon. Regain the edge.
You "rebrand" the the others as "Socialist". Ooooo.
You dream that everybody will listen again, turning to see the other guy put in his place.
Only you are "real" Americans. Godly.
You've gone from two to, forty, fifty, sixty, and never figured out that all this is irrelevant, petty, childish.
To make oneself look better by belittling the other guy is ultimately pathetic. It sheds the soul.
If you weren't so dangerous I would feel sorry for you, through my laughter.
But the sea of man sets limits, and now you've done it. Marked your own fate.
In frustration and anger you openly defend torturers and even torture itself. Bared your dark soul.
You haven't yet looked back to see the line that has been crossed, and cannot be regained.
Torture is inhuman, un American. Your words (you who call others un American) both evil and treason.
You can't go back. You have "branded" yourself a defender of human torture, an American torturer.
You are legion, there are big names among you. But it won't help.
The scar on your humanity cannot be concealed. You belie everything our nation stands for.
You are in an indefensible position, loudly trying to get everyone to look back at the other guy.
Slowly, gradually, more and more will look at you, and wish you gone. It has begun.
The tide is turning, it always does. But you left the beach.
You crossed that line, blindly anchoring yourself below the high water mark with your stand on torture.
The stand cannot be undone. It's coming. The tide is slow. But it's coming. Few of you see. it's coming.
So many will be washed away. The sea lusts for redemption. It feels guilt by association.
What to do to stop it, nothing. What to do to help, nothing. The tide is turning.
The wise will remain aloof, worry but the problems within their grasp. Nature has its course. It's coming.
I think I'll just sit here on the beach and watch in awe.
Those who would brand others cursed as torturer, defender of torturing other human beings.
The tapes will be played, interviews will be quoted. Elections will fail, jobs will be lost, heroes will fall.
So many will be washed away. I think I'll just sit here on the beach and watch.
As it all plays out, I'll allow myself the luxury of pity.
…for those seemingly harmless little boys who yelled "poo poo pants" and never learned better.
Wondering all the while at those whose heads are so easily turned by pointing and name calling,
…feeling a little guilty for enjoying it so much, I think I'll just sit here on the beach and watch.