In a Failing State

By Josiah Mortimer

In failed states
Leaders berate
The representatives
As meddling traitors, crazed.
And tin-pot despots declare:

'Only a strong hand
Can lead us to the promised land'

In failed states
The press packs hound
Servants as saboteurs
Print reams of touch paper
Ready-made to tear and spark
And rogues rouse crowds –
Small at first –
To chant outside the doors at dark

Panic buttons are installed
The doors close.

Democracy fades in increments
It is turned down slowly
And finally, subtly
Switched off.

It is saved,
When the raging rains
Tear down these gates

We stand close
to fill the space
As a failing state falls
The old is dying
The new is born.