Tusks and Tails

There they were
running to crown the new king
stumbling over themselves in order to be the first
   to usher in a new beginning
ringing their hands mad with dance proclaiming disdain
   to the very last drop of red blood running through their
   blue veins
lines like human trains
lies thicker than ink stains
staring into dull mirrors with dim vision puking into sink drains

let us remember what it is these fools claim
this foundation is at best unsteady
ready to topple under the weight of too much shame
our hands cuffed to rusted bars
forgetting the key was always ours
forgetting we are the ones to blame

how well we listen depends on the celebrity credibility of their fame
name one thing we have in common with these bastards of representation
   and I'll gladly allow hope to coax me from the edge of a misguided nation
with car wreck satisfaction we're transfixed by the action
   but forget quickly WE
   are the deer in the headlights
   about to lose OUR
   life
madmen who sleep easily at night
despite their sins
driving us recklessly around sharp bends
defending such piloting with blatant lies
   and devil's grins

still
we vote them in
time and time again
like lambs
like serfs
like a country of weeping children

I remind you with a fading voice
over senseless clatter and ignorant din
forget not who holds the power...

for even kings
are only men.

TA