When it happens, and we find out we’ve been duped,
into believing in a saviour who sold us our own fears.
Will we call it false, and a lie, and deny it happened?
Or might we have the humility to know ourselves and speak truth?
Will we move beyond the fears unfounded and threats imagined?
Or dig deeper into the morass of our own ignorance and hate?
To avoid knowing we had been duped by a man in a gold tower.
Who told us we were exceptional, as long as we were his,
who used the levers of power, for more power, and wealth.
Whose disciples now seek to reign over the doors to our fears.
These the duping doors are tragically still open.

May freedom won by those
who sacrificed everything
forever reign!
And may our nation value those
freedoms so valiantly acquired
now and forever!

Picture taken by Lori Smith

Native to India and SouthEast Asia, there is a flock of about 200 Peacocks in Pinellas County Florida… who knew?

I’ve been on vacation this last week… I’ll get back to regular posting next week.   However in the previous week, I helped with the publication and was co-author of this new book that features stories by Randy Coppersmith and Dennis Richardson.

“This anthology of stories and poems The Best of Words Matter 2021, is the second book by this team of talented writers. It has a little bit of everything for readers — especially those who appreciate variety and humor. For those who understand the value of words, this book offers beautiful poetry as well as thought-provoking stories about business, economics, politics and sports — including baseball and golf. Compelling story telling by accomplished authors presents a composition of works that bring back the feeling of in-depth news reporting, as well as thoughtful and insightful commentary on life in America today. It’s a fun read throughout.”

Good friends and a good single malt is a recipe for solving the world’s problems – Mike Varga

At least until the morning! 

Anonymity

How can anyone know all you think

If you don’t occasionally make a stink

You think it matters little today

Because they won’t listen anyway

As anonymity of the masses rule

Forwarding some mindless drool

That you know is about winning a game

Without added-value of a label or name

You know you have so much more to add

Than those unthoughtful and persistently mad

While I say, it’s hard to know who you are

If you never reach for your intellectual star

If you never say your piece

Or sign anything more than a lease

When you have an opinion you never share

Even though you privately, desperately care

Don’t allow others to talk for you

It’s time to add something new

For the world could be positively changed

With your words properly arranged

Maybe your thoughts are just what’s needed

And we’d all be better off

if your thoughtful words were heeded