Shallow Victory

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: GAZA & UKRAINE

Shallow Victory

 

He believes that he will win

If only he stays the course

History will not record the

Horrors of these immoral wars

 

In the past there may be truth

The victor writes the story

But the old no longer holds

The oppressor gains no glory

 

We’ll remember what you did

As long as there are sorrow’s tears

The fiction lasts a moment

The truth endures the years

 

You are the villain of the tale

The enemy of global peace

Of all the leaders in this world

You are the ones admired least

 

If that to you is victory

Enjoy it while it lasts

An empty cup upon the shelf

Devoid of all class

 

In truth there is a place for you

Where all villains have a seat

The ones who proclaim victory

Who will go down in defeat

 

(for Putin and Netanyahu)

Banning a Song (Hong Kong)

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: WORLD DEMOCRACY

Banning a Song

 

Your stranglehold on power

Is something less than strong

When you determine you must ban

A proud and simple song

 

The people fought for freedom

In Hong Kong’s angry streets

When China brought the hammer down

The world cried at their defeat

 

No one has shown more courage

Than the people of Hong Kong

Who rose up for their dignity

Their oppressor was dead wrong

 

Now China shows its weakness

By banning the people’s song

An insult to their legacy

All Glory to Hong Kong!

 

Democracy in Africa

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: WORLD DEMOCRACY

Democracy in Africa

 

For far too long in Africa

Democracy has been on the run

When corruption takes its toll

The ruling class is done

 

In Mali the people rise again

They grow tired of the madness

The military gave them promises

But delivered constant sadness

 

In Sudan the hatred deepens

The blood of holy war

They vote with their machetes

They kill to settle scores

 

Russia provides the weapons

China builds their dams

They need corrupt governments

Their elections are a sham

 

Still the time will surely come

When the people will demand

Their right to a fair democracy

The military be damned!

 

O Israel

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: ISRAEL AT WAR

O Israel

 

O Israel you break my heart

You rose up to oppose autonomy

Before this tragedy struck

You rose to demand democracy

A free press and independent judiciary

You rose up in opposition

To the enemies of lasting peace

 

O Israel it breaks my heart

That all your efforts are forgotten now

Subverted by the great revenge

The horrific blood vengeance campaign

Inflicted in your name

 

O Israel reclaim your nation

Regain your pride and standing

Let the world know this is not your nature

Let us see again your compassion

Let the good people of Israel rise to

Stop the endless bloodshed

 

Just as Hamas is not Gaza

Netanyahu is not Israel

Shalom

 

The Artist

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

The Artist

 

He’ll tell you what you want to hear

Then he’ll take a step too far

Take a breath and buy a beer

Take a ride in his new car

 

So you like the blues do ya?

BB King was his best friend

Don’t believe it? What’s it to ya?

He was in the room at BB’s end

 

So you like to shoot some pool?

Did I tell you about the time

I took Minnesota Fats to school

In some joints that’s a crime

 

Did you mention Marilyn Monroe?

I took her to a summer dance

She was gorgeous but a little slow

We had a short but sweet romance

 

I had a chance to be the man

One step away from being King

I had the money, I had the brand

And lemme tell ya, I could sing …

 

I’m not the man you think I am

I’m the one who got away

I took the reins of Uncle Sam

I’ll be back again some day