The Fence Dweller

Ivan Brooks Sr Jan 25

The Fence Dweller

Before all of this, even after all of this, I will forever be a patriot.

Before the poet in me matured and I started talking like a parrot,

The dogs of war barked and I climbed exile's fence on my own

And there I have dwelled, with nothing tangible to bring me down.

 

I have been on this fence so long and I will remain there forever!

Especially since the premature child is still in the incubator.

From this vantage point, I have learned never to trust any politician

I've always looked at them with mistrust, disdain, and suspicion,

 

Before all of this and before I ran and climbed the exile fence,

I was once mercilessly flogged, dragged and made to dance

By drugged up and coerced child soldiers with a rubber cable

They tied and spread me like a dog on the market table

I watched as innocent people were killed with a rusty knife

There, I vowed to become a fence dweller for the rest of my life!

 

I've been a patriot all my life but I have done it from here..safer.

From here I have seen blood spilled, hearts broken, hopes dashed,

progresses stalled, mullions embezzled, promises broken, lies told

people changed, games played, party surfed, interests prioritized.

And from this vantage point, I have learned never ever to trust any politician

I have always been right...though I have looked on with disdain, suspicion,

and operated with caution but through it all, I have remained a true patriot and a fence dweller.

 

Done