to the quislings

to the quislings,
to the cowards,
to those thirsting
after power: heaven and history
will record
what you do.

to the obsequious, to the toadies,
to the lackeys, to the yes-men.
to the go-along-to-get-along,
return-on-your-investment,

in the fall of Rome
you call your home

heaven and history
are witnessing

to the Bezos and Zucks
to the Murdochs and Musks
controlling our thoughts
with trolls and bots

to the fascists who would ruin
all the world
to rule the ashes.

to the vote suppressors, disenfranchisers, and Jim-Crow-Juniors:

heaven and history are recording what you do.

to those filled with rage
who can’t tell this will
not
age
well.

to the tuned-out, apathetic,
"both-sides"-ers in the middle
who won’t do a thing
‘cause you can only do a little.

to the 80 million folks
with better things to do than vote

but especially to all of you
in powerful positions.
the editors-in-chief,
the billionaires,
the politicians:

heaven and history are recording
what you do. the whole world is watching
and the little ones, too.

history and heaven
are recording your example

and the downtrodden,
trampled-upon masses
never
stay
trampled.

so, to the powers of the hour:
don’t be shocked to see
a hundred million folks
standing up for democracy.

we can win—
we’ve got to begin, though.
the climate’s cooked—
the window’s closing.

now is the time
we need dreaming—
not dozing

to everyone around the world
who won’t cease
to work for workers, solidarity,
the planet, justice, peace

heaven and history
are supporting
what you do

to those who,
in the spirit of love,
are steadfast and brave,
history and heaven
will remember your name.




—Drew Dellinger

January 20, 2025

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