Sisters Oregon 2024
I was twenty-three when I cast my first vote
the booth small, my hopes vast
memories of JFK linger in my psyche
a President who spoke of stars, of strength
of serving, not just winning.
Where are the men and women who lift us
who steady the ship, not tear at its sails.
Eighty-three, still I vote
lines are longer, faces colder
the future more fragile than ever.
I think of my grandchildren, great-grandchildren ~
this world as it untangles before them
what will we leave behind
other than words that break, promises that dissolve.
Still I vote, in the quiet belief
that decency might find
its way back to the halls
where it once belonged ~
that we continue to
fight for democracy
for those who are not
yet old enough to speak.
Uplifting and wise leaders are few. Your sentiments are shared by many! But although we take many wrong turns, I like to think that eventually we find the best paths for survival.
ReplyDeleteImportant observations made. Where are the men and women who lift us? We need someone who cares so much. Let's hope for the best You are 83 Wow still looking good and still so active. Good on you
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, let us pray hard that we are not completely drifting off into Marxism.
Yes, thinking about grandchildren and great–grandchildren as they will pay the price for not standing up for HIGH MORALS and bringing the USA back as ONE NATION UNDER GOD!
Hugs,
Mariette
Inspirational poem Helen. Many would agree with you. Wonderful photo of you. Welcome back,hope you enjoyed your break, have missed you......Rall
ReplyDeleteSadly – and, I hasten to admit, only as an observer from outside the USA – it appears to me that so much money is needed now to run an election campaign, and indeed a country, that whoever is elected will be to some extent in thrall to the money men in power behind the throne. I fear this applies more or less to most 'democracies' now, including the one I live in, and it is perhaps an even worse matter than choosing the lesser of two evils. It would be nice to be proved wrong! However, having been brought up in a country which views voting as not only a legal requirement but a sacred obligation, I applaud your decision. A win for what appears to be greater progressiveness and fair-mindedness might swing things a little more in that direction; one can hope.
ReplyDelete"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Nobody dares to suggest that some people could be more frugal instead of becoming addicted to handouts, these days. It would be nice if people thought more about what President Kennedy said.
ReplyDeletePK
Kudos for continuing to brave the lines (and choices) and vote at 83. There's so much at stake in the US election, not just internally in your country but so many lives so far away... hope it works to benefit all.
ReplyDeleteI love the photograph as well as your reflective words - let's hope we make the right choices for those who come after us - Jae
ReplyDeleteI wonder about the world my sons will live in. so much damage has been caused the last century ~
ReplyDeleteLike your poem, I too voted for JFK. He accomplished much before ...
ReplyDeleteHe had his way, not real political.
Jim -- I shall return
..
I think of my grand-nephew about to turn 1. What will his world be like?
ReplyDeleteI find the world extremely frightening now, and no real leaders emerge.
Such a timely and important poem. We must make a better world!
ReplyDelete