Infamous Wednesday

(ˈtrəmp(ə)rē/)
Word Origin and History for trumpery. n. mid-15c.,
"deceit, trickery," from Middle French tromperie (14c.),
from tromper "to deceive," of uncertain origin
Spelling influenced by trump (v.)
Meaning "showy but worthless finery" is first recorded c.160

              I
 
waking up
to black noise
alarmed
radio America
fact free
and angry
 
letting hate
blind and lead,
the desperate
clinging
to lies and
short term profits
instead of long term
investment
or vision
 
             II
 
protecting corruption
instead of the people.
spending souls on war
instead of science
and higher education
while passing the cost
to the next generation.
with the facade
of a middle class
caught in the
crossfire
 
             III
 

we all knew
the day would arrive
when the lunatic fringe
would arise
fueled by rumors, lies,
and conspiracy theories

wrapped in a flag
holding a Bible
turned upside down
american carnage
seeded insanity
stone cold sedition

             IV

trading values and
morality for reality
shows dividing
isolation
of the rich from poor
without monetary
borders
 
now we tolerate
foreign interference
in our “democracy”
for blood money and
power...
walking backwards
into the reign

Pella, Iowa '21