Bread and Butter

As I peek out above my fence,

The fence that fences in my life

And keeps my eye upon the ball

And makes my feet walk left and right,

I look, bewildered, at the view:

Not just my world of dollars, cents,

Of rubbing pennies, red, together,

Buying food and gas and rent;

I see the crowds that line the streets

And hold up signs that mention kings,

Parade the Declaration, lift

It high above their heads, like wings

To carry them to Paradise,

A country I have never known,

So blinded by my daily grind,

My well-worn line from work to home;

Surprised, that others find the time

To pay attention, gather here

To take positions, stand in line,

Defy great power, without fear,

And cross a bridge and risk a beating,

Loud and proud, for Freedom’s sake.

I have a job and family now.

That’s not a risk that I can take.

I let go of the fence’s bars,

Drop down to where I cannot see.

My bread and butter, safe and warm,

Are all that matter, now, to me.

For a seasoned essay on various aspects of privacy in the home and on the internet, read Of Peanut Butter and Privacy. For a somewhat younger essay on the stamina it takes to endure criticism whether as a prime minister or as a poet, read Of Prime Ministers and Poets.