Poetry

Marija Zaric photo

By

Norberto Franco Cisneros

A Good Democracy

A story we tell ourselves about our origins

begins at the moment when synapses

connect and a normal narrative occurs

therein laying the story of Mankind to evolve.

But when synapses miss each other, they bump into the system’s rubbish,

unearthing a new narrative, bringing forth a toxic mix

such as the narcissist, misogynist, self-righteous, wealthy ignoramus now intent

on ruling the world – his inane way.

Unfortunately, for him

he was born in a place called America

where the Constitution and its people don’t allow shenanigans

from sanctimonious and conceited minds for too long.

His base was fooled as they were deterred from critical common sense

but soon realized the fake facade pointed they too being lied to

when the prosecutor presented his case facts became clear

even to the most dense and the erosive factor did the rest.

Democracy is fighting yet another fake pretender

who, backed by religious, political zealots and their ilk,

flourished for a short minute until objective judicial reckoning

flexed its Democratic Justice muscles and took hold.

History shows men of goodwill with integrity can make a difference

but the failure of unwise governance with its scale of inequality, nepotism,

inane rulings and stupid self-interest exemplified by his leadership sucked.

But wise men with good intelligence can make Democracy better for everyone.

Brothers In Harmony

Walk with me my brother from the east

Talk with me my brother from the west

My brothers of the frost bitten north

And those in sunny islands who dwell in nature’s ecstasy

Come and rejoice with me

The best is yet to be

In my mind of inner minds

My heart sends a warm hello

Let’s come together black, brown, bronze and white

Combine your forces with me

And let’s go forth into the great future that confronts us

Together as friends who look out for each other

It will work

It will happen

Together we are strong

Separate we falter

There are voices that will say its folly

Different men cannot work and live together in harmony

I say “Bullshit!!!”

We can work and live however we want,

We can get along. We can get along

And make this world a happy, productive one

With prosperity for all men and their families

It’s an easy promise to keep, I assure you!

Norberto Franco Cisneros

My poems have been published in the following publications: Indiana University Journal Chiricu; Avocet Review (Avocet Press); Snow Jewel (Grey Sparrow Press); Ilumen (Mouthfeel Press/ Sam’s Dot Publishing) and several others, including e-zines, Black Petals, Ruhatish and have been a Featured Poet in Poetry Soup