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I just found this site. Indolent Books is an independent poetry press, publishing "a poem a day by a different poet exploring and responding to our nation's political reality."
Here is today's poem. In one paragraph, the poet demonstrates the true nature of the president's "safe" dogwhistle garbage.
Here is today's poem. In one paragraph, the poet demonstrates the true nature of the president's "safe" dogwhistle garbage.
Robbie Gamble
Ars Protectica: A Monosyllabus
We will need lots of words, big words. Not big as in long, but big as in words that feel big, words that are clear, words like “strong” and “win” and “fight back” and “they will pay” and “build the wall.” Don’t say “black” or “brown,” just say “them,” and we will know what we mean. Save the weak words for them, words like “fail” and “thug” and “sad.” Words that will keep them far from us. For they aren’t like us. No, not at all. Think of the words that will keep us safe from them: “lock ‘em up” and “lock and load” and “stand your ground.” Great words. And “safe,” such a fine word, too. One of the best. Now then, think of things we need to buy more of: bombs, jets, ships, tanks. We can buy more of them if we don’t pay a lot for things we don’t need so much, like health care and clean air and meals on wheels and the arts. These things won’t keep us safe, so why pay for them? Think of all the threats in the world. The world is not a safe place now, but we can make it safe, just for us, if we stick to my plan. Trust me.
Another thing I just noticed: these are all one-syllable words (except for the one contraction). You know, the state of the world today has moved beyond one-syllable words, beyond simplistic, outdated concepts. Our world is complicated, difficult and sophisticated, and we need a leader in this country that can deal with the world as it is, not as how he wishes it could be and never will be again (and never was, for that matter).
Unfortunately, we didn't get said leader, and this country (and indeed, the entire world) will suffer because of it. And we need people like this poet to keep pointing out that inescapable fact.
Another thing I just noticed: these are all one-syllable words (except for the one contraction). You know, the state of the world today has moved beyond one-syllable words, beyond simplistic, outdated concepts. Our world is complicated, difficult and sophisticated, and we need a leader in this country that can deal with the world as it is, not as how he wishes it could be and never will be again (and never was, for that matter).
Unfortunately, we didn't get said leader, and this country (and indeed, the entire world) will suffer because of it. And we need people like this poet to keep pointing out that inescapable fact.
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