Thoughts on January 6

Jonathan Memmert

source: PBS

Instrument the intention
amplify the words
project the voice
attract direct attention
dominate the space
create chaos
manipulate the message
manhandle mob mentality
rally caustic energy
crash the barriers
smash the windows
stampede the doors
violate democracy’s sanctum

the great lie
coward cronies
call out commands
norms upended
time suspended
so close to
one’s breath
the breadth
of hate’s thought

move megaphone
away from
strewn saliva spray
gnashed teeth mouth
garbled slogan strains
as soundless
voice box returns
to its pause moment
to empty funnel cone
target-less in silence
as plain spoken
we return in
natural dialogue
to argument
discourse
breath
to wind
as we await
the next
blaring cry.

Jonathan Memmert is a writer and reader who doesn’t think life makes a lot of sense at times and is continually fascinated by how many twists and turns we encounter. Living in New York City and the larger America simultaneously proves the point. Jonathan is an MFA Candidate at the City College of New York in Harlem.