All Gone
Listening to William Billings’ “Chester”
I cannot help but weep to sing these words,
and by them, lodge my soul with those who sang
them many years ago. From their hearts rang
both faith and freedom, backed with lives and swords,
who fought and lived as one against their foe.
In God they trusted; He inspir’d their zeal
and courage. God to them was true and real,
a God to praise, proclaim, adore, and know.
Well, that’s all gone now, all long gone. And we
the people are no more; instead, a sea
of feeble and self-centered folk pursue
agendas different as their names, and do
whatever seems to suit their interests. Now
we are the only god to whom we bow.
The Republic at 250
“We hold these truths…” Hold on: Who is this “We”?
Do you presume somehow to speak for me?
Do I not have my own voice? My own say?
Am I not free to go my chosen way?
And “hold” – that’s awfully strong. I won’t be told
by dead white hypocrites what I should “hold”
to, or should not. And what I “hold” today
I may tomorrow simply cast away,
depending upon how I feel. I feel
much better saying “like” than “hold.” That’s real
for me, and gives me room to grow. And you
may “hold” whatever suits you, and may do
with what you “hold” whatever you may please,
as long as what you “hold” so dear agrees
that I may “like” what suits me. And, come on,
“truths”? Really? Hasn’t all such nonsense gone
the way of dinosaurs and faith? I much
prefer things that excite me, things that touch
me deeply, and don’t tax my brain. Why should
I have to think at all? I think what’s good
for me is that I feel good all the time,
or most of it, and certainly that I’m
allowed my own take on which “truths” to “hold.”
Get real, friend. “We the people” trashed the mold
of your Republic shortly after it
was fledged. And I insist that we should fit
the slipper to the foot, whatever feet
might like to wear it. So then, please repeat:
“I like these feelings…” Isn’t that much better
than having to conform to some dead letter?