I Cast My Vote
There is no rhyme to this lack of reason…
this political treason
America…’land of the free’.
I cast my vote
swimming upstream, against the angry
waves of ignorant division…
the bureaucracy
squandering the ‘freedom’
from our children’s land.
If this be the ‘will of the people’…
I turn away in dismay-
head bowed in shame, ears ringing
while the bell tolls with sickened tones…
calling on all
to stand up for truth and change.
I cast my vote
into the emptiness of the meaningless…
my ballot’s breath, trapped
in an ill-fated tomb…
while victor’s have already been named
bought and paid…
Still, I will have my voice
be heard
across the cries of weary skies…
just the same.
When will humanity begin to care
for all
for all that is most dear…
beyond the wicked lust
for gold
for war
for self-righteous preservation?
Compassion lost…
values crushed to dust
beneath the foot of a crooked nation.
I ask
what cold shall come…
for us?
Tomorrow…
Tomorrow…
I cast my vote
where pride becomes sorrow.
- Writers on the Web by Melissa Hougard - August 11, 2017
- Black Phoebe – The Beauty of a Fleeting Moment - June 6, 2017
- The Quiet of an Ordinary Saturday - May 20, 2017
Beautiful writing and so poignant in its truth, Mel. This election is like some nightmare version of reality, like watching Hitler come to power and knowing what was to come. I shudder. I just wonder where this will end, not just for the US but the world. Scary. Great work Mel, love it!
It truly is…heartbreaking to watch it all unfold. Thanks for reading Tony…I never felt so sick to stomach while voting, but I took my four year old along, just as I always took my oldest, who voted for the first time himself…
This time, it was hard to reflect a sense of pride in the process.
You said it all Mel, loud and clear. I wish more people would take this to heart. We only have one chance at this thing called life, and we’ve squandered our freedoms away. Sad -truly sad. Good job, Mel.
Thank you William, it is really sad. I am afraid it is going to just get uglier. Thank you so much for stopping by to read, I appreciate it. 🙂
Best,
Mel
Mel, you described many people’s feelings in this poem. But are there enough who feel this way, and frightened of what the future may hold? Being on the outside looking in..at first this election campaign appeared like a comic book and was hard to take seriously, but as the day draws closer it starts to become a scary reality.
I sincerely hope so John, I have never experienced an election so twisted…it is very scary-for everyone, even outsiders look in. It is going to take every voice to prevent it from going in a profoundly wrong direction.
Thank you for comment, I appreciate it.
Best,
Mel
This political season is the most degrading I have ever witnessed. Greed is the power that turns the wheel of injustice. I long for the days when people went to the poll with a clear mindset of policies and goals, then voted for the person who seemed like the best to deliver their promise’s. I felt your frustration. Well penned!
Yes Ruby, it is truly sickening from every angle. Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your views.
Best,
Mel
Hi Mel,
I grew up listening from my father who visited there 40 years ago about the greatness of America and how it is a mecca for everyone to visit. Then I heard it from my friend who stays in the US and it made the US sound like an incredible country. I sincerely hope that this phase is transitory and soon we see this land of the free in all its glory.
Thank you for your comment Tarun. It is a beautiful nation, your father and friend are not wrong. It has only the current need to be reminded of its values and intentions. I have faith it will come around again as we hopefully learn and grow from our mistakes.
Best,
Mel