IS IT FEAR?

Is it fear
that draws us near
to spectacles,
the barker’s bark,
flags and bunting,
calliope?

Gray hair, State Capitol
behind him,
he’s horseback
bringing cows down
out of the mountains
for generations—
needs no Internet
or TV
to ride reality
behind a bunch
of cows pausing
for their calves.

We can learn to think
for ourselves again,
turn our backs
on the latest act—
invest instead in
what gives us peace.

                             for Les