Sunday, July 26, 2015

Magpie Tales 280: Empire of Self

Magpie Tales is a writing prompt that I participated in for several years.  Lately, however, my work schedule has taken more of my time, and I haven't been able to visit Tess Kincaid and Magpie for some time.

Now that I'm recouping from shoulder surgery, time is what I have plenty of!  This image that Tess is sharing this week is compelling.  I can't help but read political messages in this scene as our pathetic process of presidential campaigns begins to ramp-up here in the United States.  This is a perfect image for that process. Glad to offer my take on this image this week with a short poem below!





















empire lost


attention span is 
the obvious flaw.

freedom is choice, 
details necessity.

want, however, 
trumps need. 

we are consumed by 
what grounds us:  

self.






Poem © 2015 Rick Burnett Baker 

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13 comments:

  1. DeepaJuly 26, 2015 at 9:29 PM

    Beautifully written

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  2. Other MaryJuly 27, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Wow, you nailed it. I'm also American, and I dread the upcoming presidential race. And, very clever that you got the word 'trump' (well, "trumps" actually) in there. Hope your shoulder heals well. Cheers.

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  3. UnknownJuly 27, 2015 at 7:19 AM

    Well done. Heal soon.

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  4. JiRaJuly 28, 2015 at 8:19 PM

    I really like what you did with this prompt!

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  5. IraJuly 28, 2015 at 10:14 PM

    Wow! that is so beautifully penned. Loved reading it!

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  6. KutamunJuly 29, 2015 at 3:41 AM

    I think the more self obsessed we all are ,the quicker our moribund system will collapse ....faster , faster !

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  7. Kathe W.July 29, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Excellent !! I too am finding what poses as Presidential campaigns are beyond stupid and banal and meaningless. Demorats and Rebutts are equal in what choices we are given. There isn't a one that is honest, intelligent and one that gives a hoot about our country and it's tax paying citizens. It's all about power baby and I am angry about this situation as are so many others.

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  8. BerowneJuly 29, 2015 at 12:04 PM

    Sharply and rather powerfully written...

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  9. AnonymousJuly 29, 2015 at 11:24 PM

    We observe the campaign from abroad. Interesting to see what insiders think!

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  10. CifarJuly 31, 2015 at 12:47 AM

    superb apt for the situation there,

    Ashamed

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  11. Magaly GuerreroJuly 31, 2015 at 5:24 AM

    Wonderfully crafted. Your words express the feelings of so many... Our current political situation has gone beyond ridiculous; it's as if our entire system has become a pitiful reality show, where only a few remember what's really at stake.

    And yes, your use of the word "trump" made cringe a bit. Brilliant!

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    Replies
    1. Magaly GuerreroJuly 31, 2015 at 5:25 AM

      P.S. Hope that shoulder recovers soon. I've been there and understand how miserable it can be.

      Delete
  12. Tess KincaidAugust 1, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    Excellent and fun to see you at Magpie Rick...

    ReplyDelete

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