Legacy
Since moving from the Midwest to the South some 30 years ago, I have become keenly aware of class and rank and, I’m just going to say it, blatant racism in the United States of America. It is as thick as the honey dripping from a southern belle’s lips when she coos, “bless their hearts.” I was shocked to learn that the southern-born locals, especially here in Virginia “Where the Nation Reunited”, yearn to have one last (un)Civil battle to set things right…the way things shoulda’ been…the way things always had a’ been before the War of Northern Aggression took away their right to own people, and later dared to demand that they allow their lily-white, privileged, progeny attend school with the coloreds. I know my words sound harsh. I mean for them to sound that way. It was a culture shock to me back then, just as the current state of unrest in this country is a shock to some folks now.
Fast forward to the 21st century and it’s plain to see that the bitter divisions we are suffering are nothing new. None of us should be surprised by the ugliness that has been unearthed by this latest battle of Conservatives versus Liberals.
I listen to pundits on tv who wonder how long it will take to undo the damage done in less than a year by politicians who seek to destroy government on the backs of the middle class and the poor, while lining the pockets of the rich, and their own. I’ve thought about it and I don’t expect us to recover anytime soon. In fact, the way I see it, this was just a relapse. Eventually we may slip into remission; the ugly underbelly of our worst devils may crawl back under their rocks. It’s been a sickness raging just under our skin for several centuries now.
And make no mistake, here in the South the Rebs are in no hurry to stop this train. They finally have a hero who talks like they think; mean and spiteful and hateful. With rebel flags flapping in the wind they’re locked and loaded and ready for that do-over to set things right. Those who refuse to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it…and repeat it.
i wasn’t prepared
for the venomous rancor,
lines drawn in concrete,
pompous trumpeter swagger,
all civility be damned
i wasn’t prepared
for the costly price of love;
humanity’s end
~kat
For Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly Poetry Tuesday Challenge, a Haibun/Tanka/Haiku prompted by the words Hate and Pride.
August 8th, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Great, thoughtful post.
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August 8th, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Thank you…❤️
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August 8th, 2017 at 6:48 pm
A brave, true, and very profound post Kat. Scary words and beautiful verse.
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August 8th, 2017 at 7:26 pm
It is a reality I witness every day Peter. Until recently just festering beneath the surface…now emboldened. It is scary.
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August 9th, 2017 at 2:21 pm
Kat, we moved from northwest Florida for the very reason. Colorado is much easier on the psyche. ❤
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August 9th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
I’ve been ready to move out of country. But I keep hoping…😳
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August 9th, 2017 at 4:55 pm
LOL! I’ve said the same thing. 😀
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August 9th, 2017 at 12:06 am
Very powerful, Kat.
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August 9th, 2017 at 6:17 am
Thanks Kathryn. ❤️
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August 9th, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Kat!! My mind has blown up in admiration for your words. I have goosebumps. Excellent prose, Tanka, and Haiku. My thoughts and sentiments are there with your own. How did we ever allow this hatred to breed some contempt for our fellow Americans? Powerful piece, my friend. ❤
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August 9th, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Thank you Colleen. I believe complacency and apathy got us in the end. It’s going to take a long time to undo this centuries old divide. 😢
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August 9th, 2017 at 4:55 pm
I agree. It is a horrible mess. Take care. I’m thinking of you. ❤
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August 9th, 2017 at 6:46 pm
Thank you ❤️ I’m holding all of us close at heart.
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August 10th, 2017 at 11:15 am
Me too. ❤
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August 9th, 2017 at 2:25 pm
A most powerful and pathetic truth.
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August 9th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Thank you. ❤️
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August 9th, 2017 at 5:57 pm
❤
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August 9th, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Stupendous thoughts for the Human Soul. 😎😎😎
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August 9th, 2017 at 6:45 pm
Thank you Dorna. ❤️
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August 15th, 2017 at 2:04 am
[…] Legacy | like mercury colliding… […]
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