I had to look up ‘ode,’ before attempting to write one.
An ode, in my favorite online dictionary, is defined as “a lyric poem expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.”
‘Emotion?’ In my ode, there’s some of that. ‘Exaltation?’ I’m sure hoping so, if this ode gets you thinking, some, about freedom and democracy.
Image result for public domain pictures of freedom
I’m sounding syrupy, I suppose, but full steam ahead!
Here’s my first-ever ode:
Oh thee among us, now
So desirous of dictators, now
Of thee, we lament
An authoritarian strutting, hyperbolizing and deceiving, some
A dictator-in-waiting’s will must not be done… even some
Let those who would diminish freedom know our commitment, some
To freedom surging on
Keep dictators-in-waiting from our hearts and souls
And make them rethink their goals
Keep freedom surging on!
Harvey Radin is former senior vice president in charge of corporate communications and media relations, Bank of America Western Region. He makes his home in Redwood City, CA.