Empty Promises

What good are words that have no meaning?
They typify what has become demeaning.
We hear these words every 4 years
out of their mouths and into our ears.
The artificial eloquence of their speech
they believe has surely begun to reach
the minds of those who will cast their vote.
And so they promise the world and quote.

'I will lower your taxes.'
'I will stop the wars.'
'I will give you good health care.'
'I will close the borders.'
'I will bring back your jobs.'
'I will keep you safe.'

All of these quotes are part of the drama
and not one of them will quiet the trauma
that is engulfing our scene.
What do they call it?
The American Dream.

The dream when you awaken is just a nightmare
that keeps you reaching with a song and a prayer
that America could be a beacon that shines
with no more empty promises to fill our minds.

poem by Edwina Reizer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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