Ashcan Politics

I see your ashcan politics

The residue from the fire

After the burning of truth

Has stripped away the lies

I hear your off key choruses 

Singing your songs of economy

But truth says it’s been stronger

Under other leaders

I hear your throaty chants

Calling for nationalism

In a globally connected world

Where decisions affect everyone

I hear your crooning

Calling for traditional values

But these traditions

Were steeped in ignorance and hate 

You cry your tears

For the life of the unborn

But dry are your eyes

To the plight of the poor

Or the immigrant born

You sing your anthems

Of a church-led nation

The same untenable state

Our forefathers fought to escape

I’ve heard the many verses

Sang while wrapped in privilege 

Stomping on the very rights

You pretend to endorse 

I see your ashcan politics

The residue from the fire

After the burning of truth

Has stripped away the lies

I see the scattered ashes

Floating on an underground wave

Carrying your hurtful doctrines

Bursting into the light

We’ve burned away your facade

We‘ve sifted through your lies

We’ve exposed your hate and fear

The underlying song of your rally cries

Yes, we see your ashcan politics

We see your fear of change

We see the terror in your eyes

Of strong women and equal minorities

Change will come

Birthed by fire

Championed by right

Fanned by love

We see your ashcan politics 

© Ron Simpson Jr

November 1, 2020