Agent of Empire

Posted on 2021/11/09 by Bartholomew Barker

Agent of Empire

I tried to change the system
from within. I failed.

Our Empire is not easily turned.
We’re not a kayak on a lake
where dipping a paddle
brings new direction.

We’re an ocean container ship
that doesn’t notice heavy seas
and plows heedless through all
but the strongest storms.

Instead of changing, I was changed.
If you want to make a difference,
do not grab the helm—
be the storm.

(Combing two prompts, Agent and Empire.)

About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is one of the organizers of Living Poetry, a collection of poets and poetry lovers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he makes money as a computer programmer to fund his poetry habit.
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13 Responses to Agent of Empire

  1. JeanMarie says:
    2021/11/09 at 21:05

    This is a great piece Bart. Such strong metaphor all the way thru. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  2. Jewish Young Professional "JYP" says:
    2021/11/10 at 05:41

    The kayak and ocean ship metaphors are spot-on. I love it!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. Cassa Bassa says:
    2021/11/10 at 06:29

    “If you want to make a difference,
    do not grab the helm—
    be the storm.” I cannot agree more.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  5. Karima Hoisan says:
    2021/11/29 at 19:06

    Beautiful and so wise:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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