There is a lot of sad news at the moment, but one piece which made me particularly sad was news about the recent election in Belarus. The abuse of power and rigging of democratic elections is always a very sad thing, and whilst the UK isn’t at this stage - Belarus provides an example of a hijacked democracy,
This is something we should be forever vigilant about. Personally, this has never felt like more of a risk than now as we navigate a world dominated by media monopolies, the unchecked abuse of social media and special advisors who seem to wield an un-elected power greater than that of some ministers.
When oppression rains down
And devastates
When world leaders snarl words
Laced with hate
It is left to citizens
To compensate
To embody justice, truth, fairness
Against hostile home states
Cut countries bleeding
People, their life blood, standing and healing
On the street
An exiled orchestra plays a new anthem
A million voices making it louder
Than ivory tower tantrums
A sweet sound to raise hope
Long trampled into the ground
The first notes of a new vision
Dave James Horn ©
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About Dave James Horn
Based in Folkestone, Dave James Horn writes poetry to raise a smile and provoke a thought. He is part of Poet’s Corner Folkestone and an organiser of the Folkestone Language Exchange. Read his full bio here.