Our nightmare occurs, perforce at night,
Long prior to the arrival of Morpheus
A disturbing sound like unravelling wool
Dynamically triggered by the thought-free turn
Of an inviting pillow to its cooler side.
The martial tattoo of tandem boots
Trampling on our assured humanity
Then, paralyzed by hapless fear
We sadly note the synchronized sounds
Of freedom’s well knitted sleeve, trodden down,
By the march of errant humanity.
Our precious sleeve of human liberty
Man’s nuanced ecological niche on Earth
Will remain comfortably and justly knit
As long as we stay wakeful and vigilant
Lest Tyrant and tyranny prevail.
-p.
Leonard N. Shapiro 6/17/24 (Kingston, N.Y.)
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