Definition by Denial

NaPoWriMo 2025, Day 4

It is hard to blame anyone for wanting an out,
For wanting someone to say, “That’s not what it’s about.”
“It looks bad, I know, but that’s been true before;
These people are idiots, we just have to get through year four.”

Is this populism? Authoritarianism? Certainly yes.
But fascism? A dictatorship? What is the test?
The question is the answer, we’re already there,
Trying to carry on amidst the dread and despair.

If we’re awaiting a diagnosis before we treat the disease,
Consider this it: our moment to seize.
The chaos storm feels like too much to take on
But it will be relentless until other options are gone.

There is simply no easy path out from here
We won’t benefit by denying our fear.
That fear is warranted and the dread makes sense
But courage and action are the only defense.

I’m reminded of the wise words of Charlotte O’Neal,
Words spoken years ago that I can still hear and feel.
On my best days, it is advice I manage to employ:
“No matter what happens, never let them take your joy!”