Words Are Power
A poem about the power of words in politics, about truth and choice. Inspired by the 2021 local elections.
https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/
When did you last encounter power?When did power shake you by the hand?What was it that instilled their mightAnd gave them power to rule our lands? Men and women all around the world Are given the right to represent and leadAnd without even a conversationWe allow our minds to grow their seeds The acorn which they sew for us Conveyed by letters on a lineLike scavengers around sustenanceWe take seats and plates and dine ‘They’ll do this and change that for you’‘They’ll provide employment, feed the poor’‘Provide a better education’‘Defend your land and rights and more’ And all they have to do Is create promises with lettersA string of lines they give to youThey say ‘vote me, I’ll make things better’ Some tell you what they’ll do for youWhat action they will takeSome remind us what we haven’t gotAnd the difference they will make ‘Don’t vote for them they can’t be trusted’‘Vote for us we’ll set you free’Words placed purposely together ‘Want better? Vote for me’ Now experts at putting words togetherOr pay predators to have words ‘made’This makes other people cynicalWhen ‘power words’ become a trade I don’t want to hear publicityI want to see their words played outIt’s their actions which tell me who they areNot how they’re PR vulture shouts them out But I want words to matterI want soul and substance in a verseI don’t want words that make me cynical But give me hope as they disperse I want to trust that when words hit the pageOr depart from leaders voicesTheir promise land of truth and changeEqual opportunity, liberty and choices Are deliverable and deliveredAchievable and achievedDreams that actually become reality No one wants to be deceived I’m cynical about the lines I readThat’s why I write my ownBecause the lines that sit on this lineAre authentic to the bone So when you read my poetryAnd all those words I’ve said or sayAnd think how we make decisions About who we elect on polling day Ask what substance is behind those wordsWhat proof backs up what they sayAnd if there isn’t any substanceDon’t throw your voting rights away I’m cynical about flag waversThose who give themselves a cheerShout about their achievementsThey are the leaders we should fear Some people lead to be a leaderSome people lead so they aren’t ledSome people lead because they are a leaderDon’t believe every line you’re fed When they’re shouting from their soap boxPreaching from their towerBeware of their word’s false promisesThey know their words are power