Law and Order

Posted on 2020-06-03 by Bartholomew Barker

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Law and Order

I’m supposed to fear
those in the streets
demanding reforms
and when glass is broken
and tear gas clouds
our vision, it is scary.

But I’m more afraid
of sycophants in suits
ignoring subpoenas,
welcoming bribes,
trading loyalties
for pardons.

Those youngsters with fists
in the air, angry and defiant,
are fighting for me,
for all of us,
who aren’t willing
to lick the boots

of the next petty tantrum
to get a badge or a sash
then spew the platitude
no man is above the law
while wiping shit from his sole
with our Constitution.

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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7 Responses to Law and Order

  2. jhkli59gmailcom's avatar jhkli59gmailcom says:
    2020-06-03 at 20:08

    I love it, Bart!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Cassa Bassa's avatar Cassa Bassa says:
    2020-06-03 at 20:37

    It is time like this we watch the resilience of our American brothers and sisters.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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