27 August 2025

The USA, 2025

 

source

 

The tree of our country is split in two
by the lightning of fascism, but roots
still touch in the rock they ground down
during the imperfect democratic revolution
of the 18th century and the liberation
movements that followed: 
 
Who can talk to each other?
Fascists are anti-communication.
 
Left, right / People, dictator
Workers, owners / compassion, greed
 
The fascist power rift
is having its day.
The first strike is chaos.
The second is compliance—after all
we knew the potential existed.
The third strike is radical revolution
from the roots we developed over time.
 
Splitting the tree
doesn’t kill the tree,
it simply weakens it for a moment

of backlash in the 21st century.


For Sumana's prompt "RIFT" at What's Going On? 


My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2025 Susan L. Chast


10 comments:

  1. Sherry Blue Sky8/27/2025 11:04 AM

    I really like this analogy, Susan, and the reminder that the roots of our free-spirited population are still there, underground, and will rise again. There is such a wonderful message in your poem.

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  2. Sumana Roy8/27/2025 11:53 AM

    I love the positive possibility that will show one day. "Left, right / People, dictator / Workers, owners / compassion, greed" Rift is so pronounced here. And the line "Fascists are anti-communication." reads like an adage.

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  3. Mary8/27/2025 4:14 PM

    Very wise thoughts, Susan. You have described exactly what is happening. I do hope the 'tree' is only weakened for a moment and then its roots will help it gain strength again, and it will grow stronger than ever.

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  4. Jae Rose8/28/2025 12:49 AM

    Beautifully and reflectively written - with great composure - Jae

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  5. Jim8/28/2025 1:00 AM

    Susan, you penned our rift very well. I heard words I didn't like, "I am . . ., I can do what I want." In the firing one with no plausible reason.

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  6. Rajani8/28/2025 5:41 AM

    The playbook is the same everywhere...the backlash though is either getting harder or quieter....I hope all those conversations take place...soon!!!

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  7. Intelliblog8/28/2025 9:21 AM

    It is amazing that we humans do not learn from the mistakes of the past and that we allow history to repeat itself. It is also surprising that we allow our youth to remain uneducated and to have values that are so superficial and pecuniary... Well written!

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  8. rallentanda8/28/2025 3:16 PM

    History is repeating itself but I never thought fascism would ever take hold in America.. Revolution is in the offing methinks. Not a good time historically for earthlings.

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  9. Truedessa9/02/2025 9:05 PM

    Your poem has a powerful message. I hope the tree can remain strong during the storm.

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  10. purplepeninportland.com9/03/2025 8:30 PM

    Beautifully written with a powerful message.

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