Since National Poetry Month this year is about how we find a way not only to rid ourselves of the fascist locusts that have swarmed our government, but also to build a lasting foundation for democracy, inclusion and justice, our first earworm is Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready”.
(I’d have said “rebuild”, except I don’t
know how much of the old structure is left. When Republicans openly call for
anti-constitutional measures, we crossed a rather terrifying line some time
ago.)
Because I think we’re in that stage—reeling
from the Daliesque environment that has settled around us, each of us
wondering, “Well, but—I’m one person; what can I do?” I feel that
myself. But fortunately, there are people much smarter (and more
organizationally adept) than I who are already working on actions that we can
take en masse. And the “masse” part is what is important: not only are we stronger
together, and thousands of voices are heard better than one, but we are also
safer in the face of authorities who do not hesitate to take extra-judicial
measures to silence opponents.
“People Get Ready” has some Gospel
components, but it’s definitely a song for our times. “Faith is the key” isn’t
necessarily limited to faith in God, or in Christ; we need faith in our cause
and in our strength. The movement is open to all—open the doors and board. Moreover,
I like this warning, which all the Bible thumping Rs might want to consider:
“There ain’t no room for the hopeless
sinner
“Who would hurt all mankind just to save
his own”
Okay, no they won’t. Tough toenails, then.
There’s an embarrassment of riches when it
comes to performances of “People Get Ready”. I do like Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart,
but for this time and this place, it’s Eva Cassidy, a woman who exhibited such
grace, resilience and joy in her tremendous talent. Let her inspire you.
©2025 Bas Bleu
1 comment:
Keep the faith. This terrible time and awful administration must come to an end. It's important that right minded people like you continue to speak out.
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