22 June 2026

Juggling truths

 

 

 

source

When presidents can
juggle truth with
impunity, we lose
touch with reality.
We hear strategic
lies.  Witness lies
about what happens
in wars we engage.
Witness more lies of
omission, such as
Trump’s decree that
we must remove
displays of slavery
and other shameful
deeds from federal
parks, a decision
the courts now uphold.
History disappears.
 
How can children learn
To evaluate truths?
How can they learn
enough of the past
not to repeat it?
Now they learn that the
measure of genius
is getting away
with illegal things.
Instead, let’s teach them
to listen to elders
as well as classroom
lessons, to question
public displays.  Let’s
teach children radical
juggling of received
words, images, and
story for seeds of
truth they can plant in
future generations.


 

For my prompt "Re-writing History" at What's Going On? 


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


8 comments:

  1. Mary6/23/2026 11:46 AM

    You have spoken truths here, Susan. It does seem that children learn that the measure of genius is getting by with illegal things. I can only hope that in the next few years they will see those who have committed illegal deeds get their due! I do hope that children have some positive people in their lives who will teach them how to juggle words!

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  2. Sherry Blue Sky6/23/2026 9:08 PM

    So true, Susan. Lies and corruption have been normalized and it is hard for those who do no critical thinking to know what's true. I look back at the strong moral fibre of the adults and leaders of my childhood and am sad that is lacking in current right wing leadership, but thankful to see it in those speaking out. I wouldnt call getting away with illegal things genius. Rather, those elected to access safeguards in just this situation have abdicated their responsibility in order to keep one person happy - at the cost of everyone else in the world and their own consciences. It is hard to bear.

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  3. Rajani6/23/2026 11:06 PM

    Erasure of history to suit the narrative seems to be a ploy that is working well for power- supported by controlled mainstream and social media. You're right, children will end up with a lopsided view of both history and morality.

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  4. Sumana Roy6/24/2026 1:00 AM

    Your words come out of a very deep unbearable pain showing grave concerns for a future generation. It's a crime to do all that is happening and I pray that it stops. Criminals can't live without committing a crime. So sad. "History disappears." How horrible!

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  5. Amer/Amy, Sharp Lil6/24/2026 3:17 PM

    YES! Tell it, Susan. Our kids deserve so much better. How sad that we must explain what REALLY happened, time and time again. And the kicker is, our taxes are going to pay for the paving of paradise and the erasure of hard truths. I get so mad I could spit. Amer

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  6. Jae Rose6/24/2026 8:40 PM

    An impassioned write - and I love how you have expanded the idea of juggling truths - Jae

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  7. kaykuala6/25/2026 1:17 AM

    Let’s teach children radical
    juggling of received words,
    images, and story

    Wise words Susan! You have rightly said it. We wonder what's the truth. Apparently we have to give way to strategies and propaganda more than the truth!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  8. purplepeninportland.com6/30/2026 9:00 PM

    I liked that you used juggling. That's what Orange Man does with his law suitsI Excellent write, Susan

    ReplyDelete

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