My art is always political. I care deeply about the process and substance of politics. I have always been obsessed with politics. I still have the paperback copy of “The Federalist Papers” I received for Christmas when I was 15. It’s so heavily annotated that I had to start making notes on index cards I kept in the back of the book.
I pursued a degree in political science and then a law degree to better understand the law and politics of my government. I even worked as an intern for Senator Gordon Smith for a few months while in college. I once gave tours to constituents of the Capitol. I recognized most of the hallways and rooms that were shown on TV immediately.
Today’s selection of poems were all written after the U.S. presidential election in November, with one exception. They are among the most nakedly political poems I have written. However, my political beliefs leak out over all of my work. While I am disgusted and heartbroken over the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I am not shocked.
having sowed anger
in fields far and wide they now
decry war reaping
while some plot a coup
i wash dishes, fold laundry
and scroll through twitter
Poet’s Note: These poems were written on December 10, 2020, in response to several news items about election conspiracies and some Republicans’ tepid responses asking for calm and President Trump’s calls for what sounded like sedition. I’m sad their meaning is even more relevant now.
not a criminal
worked to make evil legal
was a lobbyist
all the free-thinking
revolutionaries dressed
in outfit of hate
insurrectionists
are traitors not patriots
fascist foot soldiers
voting must become
easier than purchasing
any firearm
In the small and petty interactions with loved ones and strangers, silence is nobler than honesty. In matters of dignity and equality, honesty is duty and silence is complicity.
Poet’s Note: This was written on May 21, 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd.
Thanks for reading! Please support efforts to make democracy stronger and to fight against authoritarianism.
Be the poetry you want to see in the world,
Jason