Snow's Writing for 2019, 2020, & Beyond

Week 15: The Bop - A Nation Divided

We stand, one nation divided against itself,
with blind politicians leading blind constituents
into the eternally widening abyss
that segregates party platforms,
and alienates ancient allies
behind nationalism's sectarian walls.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident,..."

Equality and unity, the original goals,
have become confused with sameness and uniformity,
while tolerance and diversity have became
indwelling evils that need exorcised;
xenophobia and unbridled nationalism
copulate in the cathedrals of power
begetting heretical and anti-scientific dogma
that threatens to destroy the nation.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident,..."

Where is the solution? Where is our salvation?
Only in the complete acceptance
of the oneness of humanity, can we
descendants of multinational migrations
and citizens of the U.S.A.
find common ground in peace and unity.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident,..."

Poet's Note: ▶︎

Form: The Bop  
The Bop is a poetic form that was developed by poet Afaa Michael Weaver.


Number of Lines: 20

Rules:
3 stanzas
Each stanza is followed by a refrain
First stanza is 6 lines long and presents a problem
Second stanza is 8 lines long and explores or expands the problem
Third stanza is 6 lines long and either presents a solution or documents the failed attempt to resolve the problem

Choices for the Poet this week:
Your poem may be on any topic or subject.