“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” —Albert Einstein

The issue isn’t black or white.
It isn’t left, it isn’t right.
The issue isn’t someone’s sex
Or robust speech that’s apt to vex.
It isn’t gay, it isn’t straight.
It’s propaganda-driven hate
Dictated from perdition’s tower
To overthrow the people’s power.
It comes in virtue’s slick disguise
And thrusts its fist in trusting eyes,
Ensuring liberty remains
Gagged and bound in rusty chains
From history’s archives (halls of hell)
Where all earth’s evil despots dwell.

The issue isn’t climate change
Or fluxes in the stock exchange.
The issue isn’t plague or pox,
Pandemics or unruly cops.
These sideshows irk and agitate
While Satan steps up to the plate.
He doesn’t deal in facts and proof.
He twists our words and skews the truth.
The issue lies in bad and good—
The difference must be understood.
Heed heinous deeds of yesterday
Before all freedom’s snatched away—
Don’t tread the devil’s twisted path
If you can’t hack the aftermath.

 

 

Susan Jarvis Bryant is a church secretary and poet whose homeland is Kent, England.  She is now an American citizen living on the coastal plains of Texas.  Susan has poetry published in the UK webzine, Lighten Up On Line, The Daily Mail, and Openings (anthologies of poems by Open University Poets).


NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets.

The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary.


CODEC Stories:

45 Responses

  1. James A. Tweedie

    I am so glad the lawsuits have been filed so we might know the truth—one way or the other. If there has been widespread fraud—how sad but expose it! If not, then vindication of the process is worth celebrating. Win win! Soon, hopefully, we shall know. As they say, count every LEGAL vote and see where we end up. “Oh, what a tangled web (they) weave.”

    Reply
  2. Sarban Bhattacharya

    Apt observation of the current scenario in tetrameter couplets. Susan, what’s happening across the US under the guise of ‘fair election’ and ‘counting every votes’, is disgraceful, and arouses suspicion in any citizen’s mind about the transparency of the election. In Clark County, Nevada, they shut the windows, restricted all GOP poll-watchers from entering the halls, and all these happened at 4 AM. Biden takes the lead at midnight. In Georgia, 14000 military ballots are not yet counted, while mail-in ballots cast after 3rd of November are being counted. It’s not the kind of democracy American people wanted. I don’t know what other tricks they have up their sleeve, but it’s getting pretty clear as time progresses. We have seen how the young and boisterous Dems celebrated Biden’s lead with loud music and Satanic dances. Michigan was handed over to them in a jiffy, where Trump was leading by an unassailable margin at the election night. They have followed ‘devil’s twisted path’ as you concluded your poem with, and a ready emancipation from his evil grasp is required. God bless America!

    Reply
  3. Norma

    The Warren Administration run by Dulles who Kennedy had fired. Justice buried. The Kennedy family knew who killed JFK but they did what Einstein’s quote says.
    “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” —Albert Einstein
    These are the same killer’s going after Trump under the democrats coat. Thank you Susan for quoting such a great quote.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you very much for your passionate and informative comment, Sarban. It’s observant, eloquent and free-thinking people like you who put the “great” in America.

      Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you for your enlightening comment, Norma. The Einstein quote is oh so true and highlights my poetic message perfectly. We should all be speaking up now before it’s too late.

      Reply
  4. Julian D. Woodruff

    Good observations in adroit verse, Susan.
    The sentiments uphold the institution of the fair election, a bulwark of a free and open society, something we have lost courtesy of education, media, tech, and our churches.
    “Free election” is now simply a term of convenience to a vast number of citizens, many of whom are deeply involved in politics.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Julian, you are spot on. We are now feeling the repercussions of the wicked world we live in, and how difficult this bitter wake up call is to swallow.

      Reply
  5. Talbot

    Great final line, Susan. “Hack the aftermath” is a delight.

    I can’t wait until we can release our collective breath on this.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you, Talbot. I believe that if lies prevail we will lose the last bit of freedom we have… our vote. There is plenty of evidence of those lies out there if people care enough to look and listen.

      Reply
  6. Joe Tessitore

    The most horrifying thing is that there are indeed those who dare to “tread the devil’s twisted path” and, as Sarban informs us, even dance upon it.
    This is what we face, but we know Who’s is the ultimate victory.

    Well-done, Susan.

    Reply
      • Susan Jarvis Bryant

        Joe, this is a stinging rhetorical question if ever one slapped me in the face. I am still smarting with the horror of it all.

    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you, Joe. I have been sorely reminded that looking to the results of an election to bring salvation to a country is somewhat misplaced. There is a higher governance and it plays fair. We can, however, raise our voices and speak out – even if it is poetically.

      Reply
  7. Mike Bryant

    This beautifully wrought poem contains many deep truths. America is supposed to be ruled by the people, not the authoritarians. I don’t know why it isn’t obvious that the satanic power-mad are in control of too many institutions in this great land. All people dependent on the major newspapers, television, Hollywood and even the political parties for news and information are utter fools.
    If you are not checking out Whatfinger dot com at least three times a week, you have no idea what is really happening in this country or in the world.
    It’s time to put aside all the fiction we so love to devour and get down to the meat of the truth.
    Susan, You have done that simply, beautifully and poetically.
    You write like a dream.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you, Mike. You make a very good point. I gave up reading fiction some time ago and although I am often disheartened and surprised by the truth, I am also aware that knowledge really is power. Joseph Stalin said: “Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas.” And we should know our enemy. One of the most evil men in history has informed us that there’s power in ideas – especially when they’re vested in the truth.

      Reply
  8. Ben Colder

    It is hard to believe what is happening in this country but we should have all seen it coming they hate Trump so bad so they say but I think it is just an excuse that they have had in the wings all along.The dem/communists get by with this it will be the last election .This country is on the road to communism or what ever they call it it seems worse than that with BLM and all that rot.People are going to die looks to me if they get by with this coup.They are already calling for we-education camps just like the communists have always done.This is not something you laugh off.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Ben, thank you for your heartfelt comment – it speaks to so many who fear for the future of the country. Your “last election” point is a valid one. As you quite rightly indicate, this dire situation is no laughing matter.

      Reply
  9. Joe Tessitore

    Dear Susan,

    There’s a couple down the hall from Chris and me whose daughter will not allow them to see their grandchildren.
    There’s a woman across the hall from us who refers to the President as “it” and “that thing in the White House” and trembles as she does.
    There’s a woman several floors above us who, without batting an eyelash, refers to Melania Trump as “filth”.
    This is hatred whipped into a frenzy, the likes of which we haven’t seen since Adolph Hitler.

    So, instead of being horrified by it, might I suggest being grateful that you’re not a part of it?

    And besides, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.
    Mike can explain.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Joe, thank you very much for your comment. I have come across this hatred for DT and anyone who favors him from those who I would never have expected to behave in such a mean manner. I truly believe that for those without faith, it’s much harder to cope. If one looks to any government for the utopian answer, they’re going to be sorely disappointed, and for many I feel the government is their god. This may explain the irrational and spiteful outbursts. It’s a sad and sorry situation that doesn’t make for a happy outcome.

      On the bright side, I’ve not heard the fat lady singing yet… I’m still listening out for an aria that will fill my heart with joy! 🙂 Wishing you Chris a peaceful week ahead.

      Reply
  10. Jeff Eardley

    Susan/Mike, on this evening of remembrance over here, our thoughts turn to our often visited Omaha beach in Normandy, where so many young Americans paid a heavy price for the freedom we now enjoy. We hope today’s events turn out for the best in the best of all countries. Best wishes.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Jeff, thank you very much for your welcome words – they mean a lot. I hope today has not been dire… I’ve been reading stories of people breaking the lockdown rules and the extortionate prices they’re having to pay. I simply can’t believe it! With very best wishes for a peaceful week ahead, from me and Mike.

      Reply
  11. Yael

    Great poem, as always, I love it!
    Well done and so true.
    I really like the last line, it wraps it all up neatly in the truth of the cosmic great controversy between Good and evil.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you very much, Yael – as always, I love to hear your views.

      Reply
  12. David Watt

    Susan, you make a persuasive point about the numerous sideshows distracting us from the bad, the good, and most importantly, the truth. Your concluding couplet is worthy of the preceding lines.

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Thank you very much, David. The broader picture is the one I’m trying very hard to keep my eye on. It’s tough not to get sidetracked by blatant dishonesty being slung at us from every direction… but, I’ll strive to focus on the things that really matter. Steeping myself in the wonders of God’s green earth normally smooths out the panic… I think it’s time for a bit of bike riding and photography. 🙂

      Reply
      • Damian Robin

        You have a balanced mind, Susan.

        Keep your balance on the bike as well!

      • Susan Jarvis Bryant

        I always cycle, camera in hand, pedaling on the path to fine photos as I bypass elf n safety… perhaps the odd prayer wouldn’t go amiss.

    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Russel, you have beamed an extra ray of sunshine on my Sunday afternoon. Thank you!

      Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Damian, thank you very much for your wonderful comment and for posting the link to the Epoch Times. I tried to give a somewhat broader picture of current circumstances, and your encouraging words tell me I achieved my desired goal. What a sorry and warped state of affairs, both here and over there… it’s very difficult to translate this insanity to poetry, but we simply must – it’s a poet’s duty. 😉

      Reply
  13. Martin Rizley

    Excellent poem, Susan! It seems apparent than an awful act of fraud has been perpetrated against the American people; the problem is, the corrupt agents of that fraud have already been busily at work to cover their tracks, so the extent of the deception may never be known. I heard this morning that one investigator, in looking at a list of voters whose votes had had been counted, found the name of one voter who was born in the year 1900– obviously, one of Biden´s more “spiritual” supporters! The problem was, when they returned later to examine that list, they found the name of that “ghostly” voter had already been removed from the list– though their vote had apparently been included in the final tally. Crooks may be unprincipled, but they are not lacking in craftiness. Crookedness and cleverness, unfortunately, often walk hand in hand

    Reply
    • Susan Jarvis Bryant

      Martin, thank you for your appreciation and your thought-provoking comment. You are absolutely right. When one mixes canniness with wickedness, it makes for an evil brew. I have found out that any curiosity from me (questioning the media’s authenticity, for example) invalidates any alternative viewpoint I hold. Terms such as “conspiracy theorist”, “denier”, “flat-earther” etc. are used to shut me down and shame me into silence. I’ve not stopped speaking out, gently and fairly, simply because I want to stay engaged and curious; I want to pursue the truth.

      I haven’t given up all hope just yet, though, I have prepared myself for the worst outcome. I take solace in the fact that the road ahead for all those who have cheated the American public will not be an easy path. Many, many people (worldwide) have seen the swamp monsters behind the mask (thanks to Trump) and that may well be the beginning of the end for these duplicitous, power-hungry con artists… in the political sense, of course.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Susan Jarvis Bryant Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Captcha loading...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.