No I am not now nor will I ever be
Within the circle under the cliquing tree
Mirrors reflect the asses being kissed
By the ass kissers on everyone’s list
Who aspire to be elected to an imaginary office
And vote in praise of an all too real orifice

I find it all so distasteful, so full of it
Instead of a kiss, I'd rather get bit
When I offer up my thoughts of critique and of praise
As in my poems those thoughts express my feelings in a phrase
To cast my vote, join the party and tow the line
Would tie the knot around my neck to be a part of that grapevine

10/26/2002

Author's Note: Back when I was a member in my previous incarnation here, I wrote this poem and posted a journal entry about things happening on this site. Eventually, I got kicked out, as I had suspected would happen, as certain issues had become very explosive and members were dropping like flies. The following is an excerpt from my journal that I saved, along with everything else I ever wrote: "Out of the loop, knot tied in it: I knew it was coming, only a matter of time before the cliques became public groups. I said it then, when it was just an idea, and I will say it again, we do not need groups to separate and divide us. What we need is one common place where no one is excluded, to openly discuss issues. But what happens is suppression of ideas, of voices, because those who are closed minded are afraid to debate and unwilling to listen. I understand why the members who have left here decided to go. I asked them not to, told them I would not go and wanted them to stay, to be heard. Now we have groups where members can go and be separatists. It is true of race, religion and even poets, separation leads to hate. I imagine that I too will eventually be driven from this site, either by those who are offended by my progressive thinking or self-extraction from feeling cut off. I will not join a clique or request to create one. I will not waste my time in forums where I am censored. To have my opinions deleted because someone disagrees with me is wrong. The power to silence others corrupts absolutely. Instead, have the courage to voice your own opinion in the face of opposition. Lord knows I may not have a library, after I post this journal entry, long enough for anyone to read it, but saying it is a risk I must take." JJ

Posted on 09/14/2005
Copyright © 2025 JJ Johnson