I fail to understand, although I’ve tried,
why millions of my countrymen support
a leader with no compass, who can’t guide,
who won’t seek any wisdom or resort
to knowledge, education, open mind,
or building bridges virtual or real.
I leave attempted empathy behind –
today I revel in contempt’s appeal.

Is that a swath of Puritans I see?
Great plains of ignorance between our shores?
A pale-faced chasm of conspiracy?
Perspective that sees witches and adores
the simple answers? I cannot relate
to half our voters advocating hate.