Under the Influencers

Don’t say too much. Let’s keep it short. One statement each and one retort.
The truth is, even that takes time. So keep it simple and sublime.
Besides, it’s not that musical. Despite its pitches and its silence,
its martial beat may incite violence.

We wouldn’t want that. Some excuse
is all it takes to sell the ruse
that our great way is under fire
and those who say we lie are liars,
part of the conspiracy
to take from you and give to me.

Don’t say too much. There’s not much point. They won’t change how they run this joint.
Besides, you aren’t a volunteer; you’ve got a mortgage and career
spent trying to become like them.
There’s still no point. Why not admit it’s pretend?

You wouldn’t want that. What authority
you’d like to have would evaporate.

Beware of being the last influencer.

22 JUL 2026

© 2026, John Litzenberg. All rights reserved.