The Failing Tyrant
by Beth Weaver-Kreider

He’s sure working hard to suppress
the evidence of his presumed innocence.

What possible reason could there be,
if he is guilt-free, to keep it hidden?

He’s bidden his stooges to silence,
riding his sycophants for their loyalty,

expecting to be treated like royalty,
trusting his privilege to keep him free

from the consequences of accountability.
But the truth is circling ever closer

and he knows although he won’t admit
that every century is lit up with the fires

of dictators and strongmen, tyrants
and would-be kings spiralling down

to their inevitable ends, their deeds
laid bare in the glare of a new-risen sun.

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Gratitude List:
1. Re-establishing helpful practices, like making gratitude lists
2. The crescent moon in the sycamore tree
3. Soup
4. Tea
5. Big warm sweaters
May we walk in Beauty!