John Lawson: O King

August 21, 2019: The president sparked fresh concerns about his mental health after he tweeted quotes from one of his right-wing supporters who said Trump was “like the King of Israel” and “the second coming of God.” In a separate statement, Trump said, “I am the Chosen One.”

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You and your satraps proclaim you are wise, O King

You promise to bring us contentment

You speak, and my heart flies, O King

I delight when you step to the podium.

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They say you have powers, O King

Beyond those of mere mortals

A wave of your hand, and riches

Spring out of the ground

Rain from the sky like manna.

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We hunger, O King. Our needs cascade,

A vast waterfall, over the edge 

of the farthest horizon

Bring mercy and hope, O King 

Feed us and clothe us; bring peace; reconcile us.

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Your enemies whisper, O King;

We hear them at night as we lie down to sleep

Rats scurry behind thin walls of plaster

Everyone knows they’re just jealous, O King

Silence their treason; bring them to justice.

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You stand before us, beautiful and strong

We, your worshipers, all right-thinking people,

Bow to the music of your voice and your thought

You are the father, beneficent

The gold of your gaze bathes us in sunlight.

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Someone said once we’re not free anymore

We killed him, O King, and I tell you: 

If freedom means life without you, 

That freedom is death. Nobody wants it.

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Copyright 2019 John Lawson