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| Egg yolks are the emulsifier in mayonnaise. milanfoto / Getty Images |
Time to knock on doors and enroll voting slackers—
those who might “save the nation”
by turning
districts from Republican to
Democrat.
Democracy requests we walk about
and talk to
each other. And what if we
were curious enough
to talk with people
instead of to them?
We could be the emulsifiers, the
eggs who make
temporary blends of oil and water
more permanent—
at least tasty—through upcoming
elections.
Or, do you (like me) know we are
the eggs but fail
to join the mix? Wake up
at noon and watch TV,
eat mayonnaise on white bread—or walk
In various wildernesses—forgetting that
neighbors are also nature—and, communing
with trees and birds, think we’re free?
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2018 Susan L. Chast
I love this notion of being the egg-yolk emulsifiers ... and I too tend to be a bit of a hermit at times, enjoying 'nature' rather more than interacting with other people.
ReplyDeleteWe have compulsory voting here, which some people see as an infringement of freedom, but I tend to think it's a good thing. But that in itself makes it even more imperative to communicate on political matters, to try and sway our fellow voters on issues (and therefore candidates) we feel strongly about one way or the other.
I certainly hope everyone votes this time around. Someone explained to me that your system is based on area rather than individual voter representation, which is why some of the smaller states carry such deciding clout while some of the biggest ones, in terms of voters, dont. Which means every vote counts, as the deck seems to be stacked under this system. I love the lines in your poem about communing with trees and birds. One place to find sanity, at least. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is time to knock on doors. Those of us who hate the way it is right now have to ACT to change things. I agree about talking with people rather than at them. Talking AT is so easy, as then one doesn't need to dialogue. One only needs to lecture. I don't know about the idea of being an emulsifier. I wonder if emulsification will ever happen again. I think a lot of us might be waking up at noon and walking in wildernesses. Maybe in November we will have regrets, wishing we had done more! Your poems always make me think, Susan.
ReplyDeleteforgetting that
ReplyDeleteneighbors are also nature— love that, am sure mine think I am driftwood!! The abundance and urgency of poetry for change in so many parts of the world makes me wonder what the "other" side is writing about... does good poetry come only from dissent?
Yes, we must talk with people. As important here is Australia as in the US.
ReplyDeleteHopefully voters will think more carefully this time to weigh up what has been achieved over the last two years for the better of the country and its people.
ReplyDeleteBeing an Aussie like Rosemary I know that the vast majority of people vote their government representatives or are fined for not doing so without an excuse!
Love how you used the egg metaphor as an emulsifying agent in bringing about an awareness about the importance of voting — it is so important to "talk with people", to make especially those who disagree with us a part of the discourse. It's important for a healthy democracy where all voices are acknowledged and where they help in shaping policy for common good. The closing is also well done.
ReplyDelete-HA
Thanks for the reminder, although I never forget. Sometimes it feel like oil and vinegar, won't mix but tastes good together after being shaken.
ReplyDeleteYay! A fellow canvasser! *Raises her water bottle and shoe inserts in salute*
ReplyDeleteWe lose so much (sometimes everything), when we forget that our often limited view of the world is not the whole truth, all what matters, or all what is needed for better... Walk and find, indeed... get out of your own head for some time... reach out... and join the dance (or fight) for a tomorrow we can all breathe in...
ReplyDeleteLove the use of metaphor 'We could be the emulsifiers, the eggs who make temporary blends of oil and water more permanent".. I sincerely hope this time everything turns out alright!đź’ž
ReplyDeleteThere are always those who never shed their shells... maybe seeing that we the voters are just eggs to make another omelet. May you be successful, the world need another USA than the one we see today.
ReplyDeleteI do like this metaphor and the idea that it's only by being in the community that one shares in it.
ReplyDeleteHaving made thousands of gallons of mayo in my lifetime, those eggs really have to be beaten to emulsify with the oil. Stuck in the middle if a bunch of trumpian evangelicals, I keep my opinion to myself. I abstain from the community as much as possible except when someone is looking for a lost animal.
ReplyDeleteThat was a rousing plea ...and well said.
ReplyDeleteZQ
luv your idea of neighbours in the mix of nature
ReplyDeleteHappy you dropped by my sumie Sunday today
much love.
Love this! The imaged metaphors are intriguing and really rather cerebral. The message is spot on and impactful.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish we could talk to each other instead of at each other. You make emulsifiers sound so appealing and actually possible on some level.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet... and yet...
yes, talking with people is different from talking to them. i guess it requires more engagement. more listening.
ReplyDeleteanyway, there is a chance at the polls to put it right...
At times we are all discouraged...but the vote is important.
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