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A VIEW of the NEW 1922 - 2022

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et ignotas animum dimittit in artes, naturamque nouat. (to arts unknown he bends his wits, and alters nature) Ovid, 'Metamorphoses' 

Your vernacular usage is privileged as the only discourse
Suited to the now compulsory affirmation of mediocrity.
Democracy. That’s fair enough I suppose. S’far as it goes.
Does it gather to a greatness like the ooze of oil? Toil. Toil
For endless gold and land? Do you break your bread with filthy hands?
Greed forms the sinews of war.
You ask is the welfare of the people the ultimate law??
No one is so old that he can not live one more year. Or two. Or just a few.
This night is electric, such heavy make-up presages nothing supernatural. 
These respectable folk gathered on this stage put all heaven In a rage.
The simple demand that all people should be free? 
Angels alone, who soar above, enjoy such unfettered liberty.
To live in hell but sing of heaven that is Cavalier freedom, you see?
A bracelet of her bright hair about the bone is all that’s left of her,
Sir, I can not see in your false democracy anything to a-stir in me.

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◄ Breath after Breath

Comments

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John Marks

Mon 10th Feb 2025 10:57

Rolph. Thank you for such an intelligent and engaged response. To critique democracy is like a sin against the holy ghost in this secular culture.

Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves. Thoreau

Rolph David

Sat 8th Feb 2025 15:19

Dear John,

What a thought-provoking piece that critiques the tension between democracy and mediocrity. Your use of Ovid’s quote highlights a deep disillusionment with the modern world’s focus on greed and superficiality, while contrasting it with lofty ideals of liberty and freedom. The poem’s biting tone and vivid imagery make it clear that you see through the hollow promises of contemporary society, urging a reflection on what true freedom means.
Regards,
Rolph

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