By M. Jane Letty
Grafted Lyrics/300 words*2-minute read
If you’re not familiar with Joni Mitchell’s song “Both Sides Now”, it is highly recommended that you listen to it for this and during reading. I’ve grafted from the lyrics as inspiration. All due credit to the original artist and her lyrics available here for your convenience.
Friends turned foes, beyond repair
And misguided rage and dark despair
And founder’s cannons cold from lack of care
I’ve looked at where we’re bound that way
______________
But now they’ve dug a treacherous moat
They’ve left a stain and took a toll on everyone
So many good things, together, we could’ve done
But elitist greed got in our way
_______________
I’ve watched the Swamp churn both tides now
From Left and Right, and still shot across the bow
It’s the united we stand, divided we fall illusion I’ll recall
I really don’t know the Rubicon at all
________________
Corrupted trade and war not peace deals
They trafficked sex and faith, the vote to steal
As every theory soon comes real
I’ll forever look at them this way
_________________
But now another Congress all for show
We’ll leave ‘em reeling, in the know
And if made threadbare, (again) don’t you eat their crow
Don’t give your inalienable rights away
________________
I’ve witnessed hate from both tides now
From bended knee defiled, capitulated bow
It’s their dehumanizing free-for-all that I’ll recall
I really wouldn’t trust them, not at all
______________
Jeers and cheers, both violently proud
To say “I hate you” right out loud
Riots and schemes, to feed the frenzy of the crowds
I’ve looked at manufactured strife that way
_______________
Oh! But now dictator ghosts will run free-range
They’ll wring their hands, it’s all arranged
Well, if freedom’s lost but nothing’s pained
In its dying everyday
_____________
I’ve looked at betrayal from both tides now
From a stolen win, all will lose from hearth to plough
It’s hope’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know how they sleep at all
______________
I’ve looked at our history from both tides now
From combat veteran sacrifice to keep us free and still not how
It’s what we once were and might’ve been is what we’ll recall
I really don’t know how we could’ve won and lost it all
© Mortar & Ivy/M. Jane Letty 2021