Written in 2021

This is the story of two Americans – Pride and Presumption.
They both live in a place called The Land Of The Free.

Pride works hard everyday and loves to share.
Presumption works hard too but feels richness is earned.

Pride thinks the land and its people need to be protected.
Presumption says, “We can protect ourselves. Leave us alone.”

Pride and Presumption live under the same flag 
but see freedom differently.

“We’re a land of immigrants, all striving for the American Dream.”
“No, this is my country. Immigrants are trying to steal my dream!”

Year after year, they tug on the same flag, 
both flying it with a differing sense of arrogance.

But then, one day along came Pomposity, who truly wanted everything for himself.

He fed Presumption’s simmering distrust with fabrications and outright lies.
And Presumption grew to believe that “They” were the enemy of the people!

Pomposity screamed, “Trust me. Stand with me. I’ll protect you.”
And for years, Pomposity skillfully turned Presumption’s fears into a full-out rage.

Pride was incensed but lacked control, still scornfully denounced,  “Pomposity, your day will come.” 

And, indeed, the day came.   
And Pride declared, “Pomposity, the people have spoken.  Now leave.”

Pomposity screamed, “No!  I won!  Anything else is a lie!
and then decreed, “Presumption, it’s time you fight for me!”

Pride, standing firm said, “This is the People’s House!  
Show it reverence and respect.”

Presumption feeling heady busted through, 

“This is My House! These people work for me!

In the end, The Land of The Free lay broken. 

Pomposity’s voice was temporarily silenced.
And Pride and Presumption were left both angry and divided. 
Both afraid at what the other had become.

Then in walked… Humility.

(This was four years ago. And now, on Monday, January 20, 2025, Pomposity returns promising “Shock and Awe”. I breathed better with Humility.)