Hard Times

(by Charles Dickens, The Folio Society 2007)

Politics and the election,

sanity quickly deserted.

What do I tell my African-American daughter?

Continued slaughter?

Progress diverted?

She looks to me for protection.

        The president-elect is no speaker,

        not for my family.

        I struggled within for a reason, some interpretation,

        some truth, some notion,

        destiny or homily,

        to make the future less bleaker.

                But rightward the nation is thrusting,

                and we are along for the ride.

                My mother would say, with a sigh, "This too shall pass away."

                But give up?  Nay!

                Take it in stride.

                In two years' time, we're adjusting.