Dischord

Out with the dog tonight, surprised
	To see a first-quarter moon overhead,
Facing Jupiter, both dodging overcast through
	Barren branches of big-leaf maple
		And sodden fir,

Dripping with winter rain streaming
	From the coast across the valley, blustery, 
Traces of snow, the dog does his business,
	Gives no care for the haloed moon through
		Gauzy skies.

They can’t take that away, barbarous robber barons
	Blindly, greedily orchestrating the demise
Of the Republic, dismantling the Democracy,
	Forging a new oligarchy, of the rich, by the rich,
		For the rich.

Today was a protest in Salem, true Patriots
	By thousands, raising their voices in support
Of our country, virulently opposing the shredding of
	Our Constitution, our Heritage, our dignity, 
		At the sunset of Democracy.

Tonight, the moon disappears, rain begins
	Spattering onto the deck. The dog waits
		At the door. 


February 5, 2025