Backbone

 

This Norman Rockwell painting appeared in Look magazine in 1968.
                                    It is titled “The Right to Know.”  Here is the caption:                                                                                   
We are the governed, but we govern too.  Assume our love of country, for it is only the simplest of self-love.  Worry little about our strength, for we have our history to show for it.
And because we are strong, there are others who have hope.  But watch closely from now on, for those of us who stand here mean to watch those we put in the seats of power.
And listen to us, you who lead, for we are listening harder for the truth that you have not always offered us.
Your voice must be ours, and ours speaks of cities that are not safe, and of wars we do not want, of poor in a land of plenty, and of a world that will not take the shape our arms would give it.
We are not fierce, and the truth will not frighten us.  Trust us, for we have given you our trust.  We are the governed, remember, but we govern too.

 

 

 

where’s the parade
for the regular Joes
the everyday Janes
solid citizens
leading their lives
without drama
pursuing the dream
not illusions
seeking modestly
quiet contentment
respecting the rules
stoically struggling
to hurdle the obstacles
wantonly thrown
with ruling class glee
in their paths by a
government grown
to an insular bloat
disconnected from
people who bear
all the weight
of a civilized upright
exceptional nation
for they are the
spine of republic

 

 

(originally posted November 2013)