the trial of truth, tolled in pictures

next Monday will not be the day

the promise of democracy dies.

that loss,

to distraction's concerted deflection,

lingers unmourned.

instead,

blithe collusion's

siding of "history"

will bring

with ironic grim echoes,

drowning freedom's ring,

the sounding hammer blow

that seals its silenced coffin.

*
- Evan Hawthorn, the 18^th of never, 2020