A poem, possibly a companion piece to Day 45, presented as an early draft to be revisited later (since, really, it’s always rewriting), without commentary.

Who Are We Now

that would compromise and seek unity
	with seditionists and insurrectionists?

that would give a pass to a knee on a neck
	and not stick a neck out for a peaceful protest
	on a knee?

that would perpetuate poverty for millions
	because 31K per annum is too much?

that would have control of two of three branches,
	and choose to stay rooted in white supremacy?

that would have bicameral advantage
	but behave as if staying in the guest room?

that would shout for justice and scream against
	dishonor, yet be mouse-quiet when the fat
	cats come to prey?

that would forget who brung us, and instead would dance
	the goosestep with the two right feet brigade?

that we cling to procedural relics that prop up
	racism and minority rule, all for the sake of
	what, really?

that even on the side of the just and the true and the good
	and the future, we remain the dupes, the patsies,
	the squeamish?

who are we, that in the face of
	all that is wrong
	some flee doing right?

©David Siller – 2021

*****

For the first 100 days of the Biden administration, this website will feature a new poem of What’s Next!? These pieces can be calls to action, calls to attention, or calls to anger. They will light the way and guide the fight. They will get us moving and keep our momentum. They will be filled with hope, with anger, with sorrow. They will get us into good trouble and point out the trouble we need to stop. They will be polished gems, or rough-cut drafts of rage, or in-process pieces searching for peace. They may be haiku or tanka, limericks or lyrics, verses free or fettered.

#100Days100Poems of What’s Next!? wants your poems, your prose, your visual art (photos, drawings, sculptures), your music, your short films and animations. Interpret the theme as broadly as you’d like.

If you would like to submit to this endeavor, please send an email, with your visual art (as .jpg or .pdf) or your poem saved as a word document (.docx) to waxyandpoetic AT gmail DOT com. Include a short bio (2-3 sentences) and social media/website information. All rights remain with the author. Please address any formatting preferences in your email. Waxyandpoetic.com will post submissions time permitting, with at least one per day beginning 20 January 2021.

Read, follow, share, submit, live, love, spread light! Don’t forget to use #100Days100Poems !