Three Poems about Governance
- realityskimming
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
by Charles "Chuck" Fraser
Things About Governance (2026) - 5
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"Things About Governance" is a thematic series of articles, sponsored by Reality Skimming Press. Pieces in the series run from Jan-June 2026. Query us about contributing for $25 CAD a post at https://facebook.com/relskim or by email at info@realityskimming.com
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Chuck has been involved in advocacy organizations for decades: locally, nationally, and internationally. Asked if a contribution to the topic of "Things About Governance" she said: democracy and governance is as important to me as the air that I breathe, without which, I/we would perish." And contributed three poems. He also pointed out that nightingales and sunflowers are the symbols of Ukraine (see poem 2 below), and that Plato said: "only poets/philosophers should be kings". He also endorses Lawrence Ferlinghetti's position that "It is the duty of the poet to record atrocities of the day."
The Rule of Law
Guidelines to live by
Ensuring everyone is equal, and
Protected under the law
Forming structures to allow
A just & civil society, for all!
Altruistic democracy
The envy of the world
Allowing every citizen
An opportunity to be who ever
It is they want to be or become
It may not be easy, but at least
One has a fighting chance!
Authoritarians hate democracy, and
Have like-minded followers of evil
If they want your opinion,
They will give it to you!
Fascists have killed millions of people
And will continue to do so…
Rounding citizens up and taking them
To soccer fields or concentration camps
To never be heard from again…
We have been down those dark roads before
Nazis perfected killing, 5,000, a day, Auschwitz
Replacement theory/ethnic cleansing…
Altruistic democracy saturated with truth
Keep the brown-shirts, at bay!
People have short memories,
Do we really want to go back down
Those roads again?
Critical-thinking capabilities, coupled with
A participatory citizenship, is needed
Democracy hangs by a common-thread,
A single vote, one for each of us, but
It must make it to the ballot-box
The pendulum of hate has swung
Time is running-out…
Every citizen an activist they must become
If you love democracy and the rule of law
You will defend the halls of freedom and inclusion, for
I fear, nazis are banging at the gates and have
Infiltrated all aspects of democracy…
“Bad people prevail when good ones do/say nothing!”
The time is at hand comrades and freedom in the balance!
Nightingales & Sunflowers (hope)
Russia invaded Ukraine
Reminiscent of WW11
During a global pandemic
An opportunity for the planet
To pull together, in unity!
Discarding ways of war, to
Start a new chapter on Earth, one
Of peace, love and cooperation
A time to stop wars and conflicts
Eliminate starvation, provide
Lifesaving medications, and
Work together to eradicate diseases
A time to end madness and
Work in cooperation with one another
As Earthlings, where all reach self-actualization
The possibilities are endless and achievable
We are the 98%, it is over when we say!
Imagine a world of peace & love:
No wars or poverty; end to hate of others;
No greed or envy; a planet of cooperation
We must find ways based on sustainability
As earth spins in the universe, we experience
The precious gift of life, the ability to design
Paradise, for all! Instead of historic destruction
Of others, culture, land, resources,
Time to stop the murder/rape/war/
Based on greed and notions of superiority
Those days are done, planet cannot survive,
Mother nature sent us a clear message:
Change your greedy/insane ways or perish!
Citizens, become global activists on all levels
Do not elect climate deniers; warmongers; or elite
Democracy, a gift, manipulated by the wealthy
Time for people to reclaim its rightful place
Elections by ballots not bullets.
Apathy has not worked against continuous
Pressure of global royalty, never will
There are no negotiations with Mother Earth
The ruling elite, addicted to greed, like
A “junky” to heroin, cannot be trusted and
Must be removed, peacefully, if possible!
Tourism over terrorism, global citizens, visiting
Their planet. We are at a cross-roads comrade,
Time for us to decide or die! Muzzle the dogs-of-war!
“There is enough for our needs, but not our greed’s”
CAF/04/02/’22
The Noble One
The king of the land
Ruled benevolently
Peace and love, the aroma
In the air,
He had slain evil monsters, and
Cruel invaders, for peace
Is bought for a price
Side by side the warrior king
Fought with his army
Ensuring war would be no more
Villagers worked in the fields
Craftsmen plied their skills
Artists painted, wrote poetry,
All became self-actualized, and
Reached their full potentials
Every citizen cared for, especially
The elders and special ones
A Shangri-La in the Highlands
Where no one wanted or lacked
Love ruled unconditionally
Brandon the Bold
Was a man of great love and mercy
Often at night he would be seen
Galloping his mighty horse, Thunder,
Over the hills and valleys
He was a restless king and feared nothing, except sleep,
For it was then he travelled thru
A portal into another dimension, becoming
A modern-day monk, a holy one,
With great compassion for humanity
He was called: “Dolly-boys”!
It was here that he learnt the way of peace
And to be a merciful king
For Brandon the Bold, in this world,
Was a lad with Down syndrome, autism,
Legally blind and non-verbal
His family loved him, as did all who knew him
One night his father kissed him on the forehead
And said: “good night my little king.”
As Brandon departed into sleep land
Making little gurgling noises
He saddled Thunder and road to his kingdom
To ensure all were safe to become
The best that they could become ...
CAF/01/28/15
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Charles Fraser writes social justice poetry. He remains hopeful for a just and civil planet to prevail. Chuck received an award of excellence from the Representative of Children and Youth in 2013. He also holds a lifetime achievement award for distinguished service from the British Columbia Association of Social Workers and the CASW. Charles worked a railroad conductor for 20 years, during which he volunteered with the BC Rail Employee Assistance Program. He transitioned to academia to earn a MSW in Structural Social Work. He continues to do counselling work. Chuck and his wife Dr. Tina Fraser have six children and seven grandchildren. As a foster family they had 77 children in their care over 28 years.
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