Artwork © Eric N. Peterson

I was once a Republican

I believed          in conservative values          thrift
hard work–          wise investments of time and money
Abe Lincoln’s party.

Although I became          an Independent
years ago                    this past year
moved me firmly           toward a greater
democracy.          I mourn for George &
Breonna & those who marched          peacefully
Black Lives Matter.

January 6th          hit our lives          my heart
like a bomb —          riot          insurrection
reckless disregard          for our Capitol
Violent men and women          forced entry
through smashed windows          climbed in
as if on jungle gyms          scaled walls
to reach senators & representatives          in session
to confirm                    Electoral College votes.
Some rioters carried          weapons & fistfuls of
zip ties          for any who opposed them.

The President sent these rioters          to stop
a peaceful          transfer of power
What hurts me now          is knowing of friends
who listened          still listen          to him
on hidden networks.

My mind reels at what happened          what
is threatened          still to come.          What
can we do?          What can I do?          For now
I pray earnestlythese threats          can be stopped
by those who care          those who are true
Americans          who dare to speak up          Bill Belichick
Is one          I, too, am an American.

 

Susan Thanas has been published at All Poetry and recorded by the Duxbury Senior Center.

Eric N. Peterson is from Atlanta, Ga. He’s been drawing cartoons all his life. He leans towards the absurd, imaginative, and the surreal, as that’s where all the flavor is.