come one, come all. gather 'round, gather 'round the table. you'll find your invitations— corporations' coupons—packed between stories of Indigenous People, shot by militarized cops in riot gear. Water Protectors defending the river while a black snake rears to poison the well. tear gas, rubber bullets, and concussion grenades replace ragged blankets draped in smallpox. a tradition rooted in genocide upheld in frigid North Dakota. no need to ponder the lasting legacy of a leader who campaigned on "hope" and "change." a hypocrite continuing a tradition of colonial aggression, lying by omission. just another facet of his presidential profession. so drown the news of a fascist's election in gravy and eggnog, viscous substances to gorge yourselves on. Nazis vandalizing black churches with swastikas must've escaped your notice. vacuous, preaching that Jesus is the reason for the season, but i think your savior would flip your Thanksgiving Table over. flimsy pretenses of gratitude discarded hours later, chasing deals before your stomach could even settle. your brand new 4K TV cost you over $4K, but couldn't give you a clearer picture. you continue to disregard the smoke signs and headlines, pursuing the material. consume!
I wrote this poem this weekend, sickened by the ads and coupons distracting from the election of a fascist, the opppression of the Indigenous Peoples defending Standing Rock, and the reprehensible acquiescence of the neoliberal hack in the Oval Office.