The craven man in his seat
observes through his one-way screen
others of similar means
others who've have taken a stand
who have stood up and said "Enough!"
who have said "We are not Irish!"
who are putting their own people first
and feels phantom pain in his soul
Easier turn from the light of their hope
and hope against, that they will fail
and like him know their place
these deluded children of Solon
could they possibly win? by sheer power of will?
having given Democracy take it back for themselves?
leave the rest with it only in name
seeking an oppressor while already on their knees
others of similar means
others who've have taken a stand
who have stood up and said "Enough!"
who have said "We are not Irish!"
who are putting their own people first
and feels phantom pain in his soul
Easier turn from the light of their hope
and hope against, that they will fail
and like him know their place
these deluded children of Solon
could they possibly win? by sheer power of will?
having given Democracy take it back for themselves?
leave the rest with it only in name
seeking an oppressor while already on their knees
(Dublin Jan 26 2015)
Solon reference is a good one - the ancient Athenian still resonates with those who might despair but ultimately put some positive shape on what emerges from taking on the status quo who don't see all citizens as to be cherished equally.
ReplyDeleteI had orginally called them "children of Cleisthenes" but Solon's advocacy of debt forgiveness (and his judicous application of it) seemed particularly apt,
ReplyDelete