The narcissist mentioned in the following poem is obvious. However, it could refer to many dangerous historical figures. The following quote presents a massive challenge.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Bag of Wind
Wind lifts a white plastic bag
and carries it with
bat-swift gusts from the street
to the base of a tree.
The bag appears to be
moving on its own, breathing,
mimicking a
living creature.
An illusion. I think
about people fed
hot, even dangerous air,
led to follow the whims
of a narcissist who claims,
“I will be there,” words made of
vague promises. A breeze arrives
and lifts the bag to a sharp branch.
Misled followers leak air.
They blame enemy design.
I pray the truth saves all.
Before the tree dies.
previously published in For A Better World
terrypetersen 