Happy Poetry Friday
Happy Poetry Friday!
I signed up to send postcards to voters, to encourage people to vote, this is my first batch of postcards that I’ve mailed. If you are interested in joining you can check it out at their website: POSTCARDS TO VOTERS. There they share other volunteers postcards and provide guidelines to participate. It’s all an effort to get out the VOTE this November, and encourage all to Vote by Mail!
Since I have voting on my mind, this poem emerged…
45th EMPEROR OF THE UNITED STATES
Do you know our US Emperor of the United States?
Do you know our US Emperor doesn’t wear any clothes?
Though many masses are deluded to this enigma…
Many hold him up high and mighty
Many hold on to each of his 140 characters,
As if they are kernels of wisdom
Passed down from higher powers.
Many uphold his unrighteous agenda–
Perhaps it harkens back to our Holy Wars,
And Constantine’s sky vision,
“In hoc signo (in this sign you will win).”
Has he become a golden calf,
Worshipped upon a mountaintop?
Coveted and protected by his zealous minions.
Have right and wrong been road-sided,
Truth abandoned and locked away.
It’s time,
It’s time now
It’s time now for
All people to catch sight of
Our Emperor’s sullied nakedness–
For our
Fair lady Democracy
To boldly take her reigns–
It’s time now
For citizens to
Take their part in Democracy
To fight for her,
To uphold her,
For all individuals–
It’s time
It’s time now–
VOTE!
© 2020 Michelle Kogan
In August I received this dashing original art drawn Robot, card from none other than poet, writer, and artist, Laura Shovan. The postcard is from Co-op America. Isn’t he wonderful, and I love the front too, Many Thanks Laura! xo
Thoughts and prayers going out to all those anywhere near the wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Kiesha Shepard at her blog Whispers from the Ridge is hosting this weeks Poetry Friday roundup, thanks for hosting Kiesha! Keisha is sharing two poems by the African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, be sure to stop by.
Visit Renée LaTulippe at No Water River to find out more about what Poetry Friday is.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Michelle, I hope that people open their eyes and see the emperor has no clothes. I am cautiously hopeful. Now I’m off to check out the postcards for voters. What a cool project.
Hi Kay, something’s gotta give this time round… Maybe the postcard project will help, thanks!
My mantra has become “I will never understand” – about those minions! Your postcards and accompanying poem are both wonderful and a plea, to vote and to see! Thanks, Michelle for the work for better!
Thanks Linda, wish I could do more!
Wonderful poem — only too true, and a great call to action. Like Linda said, “I will never understand” about those who continue to worship at the altar of the 45th Emperor.
Thanks Jama, wish more could wipe away their rose colored glasses and see the gravity of our situation…
Michelle, what a perfect use of your talents! Those lucky recipients of your work will be sure to be motivated to vote. I really like the painted flag. It’s got spunk and energy for this election cycle and beyond!
I love your passionate poem and I thank you for the gift of your time, energy, and talents to get out the VOTE!
Thanks Mary Lee!
Thanks for turning your multiple talents to this effort, Michelle! (And thanks for sharing Laura’s cool postcard, too.) I’ve been thinking of that Emperor tale about every day for these last few years….
Thanks Robyn, hard to stomach, how similar it is…
Michelle, your efforts are to be applauded. This is such constructive social activism. If you live in a democracy, you have an obligation to participate in the voting process. From my far away land of Australia, I sincerely hope voter turnout in the US is far greater than it was in 2016. There is no room for complacency. The poem is so apt.
Thanks Alan! Our efforts lie in the action of citizens to vote as you so aptly said!
I signed up to write letters to voters, but got busy with a hurricane, monarchs, and school prep and let that commitment slip slide. I hope to get back to it. Thanks for this reminder of how important it is.
It is truly amazing how so many really believe the president is the real deal, indeed, the best thing that’s happened to America. I admire your efforts! Anyone who gets one of your amazing card is sure to vote. Thanks for the information on how to get involved.
Nice job, Michelle! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
My co-worker is participating in the postcard project as well, and I was just talking to my husband about joining in the effort. Thanks for the link. The “Emperor Has No Clothes” is the perfect analogy for Trump. Here’s hoping our “fair lady Democracy” boldly rises to the challenge. Great poem!
Yes yes yes yes it’s all about the V O T E, and wow what a card design, thick with the gravity of the situation. I love Laura’s too. Appreciating your action, Michelle!
Really cool postcards! Definitely cause to share and encourage others to take action this voting season. Also, thank you for sharing the extra info on my post about Dunbar!
Michelle, I am both laughing and crying at the image of Trump as the golden calf. Glad you liked the robot!
Yep, this emperor has no clothes. Hopefully we are seeing the last of the golden calf. I love your postcards. I’ve been writing, too.