Civic Duty - Mark Telles

[Larry Robinson]

Civic Duty

Not long ago a man mailed 100 letters. 
A message to each United States senator. 
It cost him sixty-eight dollars and change.
But, with the fate of the nation at stake,
He considered it a patriotic investment.  

Each letter was personalized and signed. 
Every enveloped addressed by hand.
A gesture of respect for that august body.
Certainly not a special-interest robo-mailing.

He quoted some great Americans and noted that 
Managing a representative republic is messy.
He said his civic duty required him to remind them 
That an impeachment trial should be a real trial.

He politely and respectfully implored them 
Both left and right, to do what they knew history 
Would judge as being wise and true. 
He felt that given the gravity of the circumstances,
They might appreciate his earnest petition.

Every one of the 100 letters went unanswered. 
No senator could be bothered to acknowledge 
The concerns of an active and engaged citizen.
The sound of those letters landing in wastebaskets,
Soft thuds of portent.

	- Mark Telles