20 May 2026

A power poem

       source                                           source
 


This is a power poem
that I have no power
to write, unless I will it.
I am not president
To wield power
ferociously against
democracy and nature.
Both are crippled near death
with his folly.  I’d like
to resuscitate both
Lady Liberty and
Mother Earth, but have not
the power to do so.
 
I can and will imagine
Them walking side by side
and raising again what 
has fallen.  Women have
Not yet lost all power
to exist.  Let us feed
Lady Liberty to
revive democracy.
Let us feed Mother Earth
to restore elements
of survival.  Let us starve
the maniacs who
repress these instincts.
Let us create new ways
forward to the future.

 

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


My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright
© 2026 Susan L. Chast 


6 comments:

  1. Sherry Blue Sky5/20/2026 1:22 PM

    So well said, Susan. A matriarchal society would be far kinder, but we are far from that happening. The ignored climate crisis is accelerating. This year a Super El Nino is expected, not good news. 21 grey whales have washed up on Washington (state) shores, showing signs of starvation because the warming ocean has killed off many of their food sources. Meanwhile, the circus continues. Gah.

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  2. Jae Rose5/20/2026 8:06 PM

    Beautifully composed and your end verse offers a power left to make changes - Jae

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  3. Marja5/21/2026 1:22 AM

    A strong poem, Susan. I love how you show both the harm being done and the hope that still lives. The image of Lady Liberty and Mother Earth walking side by side is beautiful and powerful. Your call to feed what sustains us and starve what destroys us really stays with me.

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  4. Mary5/21/2026 8:34 AM

    Yes, let us feed Lady Liberty and Mother Earth! We have to hope that there is still time for democracy to survive, but (as your poem says) we have SO little power to do anything about the state of things. I have never felt so powerLESS.

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  5. Sumana Roy5/21/2026 12:28 PM

    "I can and will imagine"---I love that "will" in this line. This is Power. Power of words, power of good will still exists which shows up in the poem in contrast with the power of a despot. Very well put, Susan.

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  6. purplepeninportland.com5/26/2026 8:44 PM

    Let us feed
    Lady Liberty to
    revive democracy.
    Let us feed Mother Earth
    to restore elements
    of survival.

    Excellent poem, Susan!

    ReplyDelete

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