it captured my attention – not only because it was visually interesting, but maybe also because it was the day after the hands-off protest we had attended.

the vine aggressively climbing up this tree reminded me of a snake – like a boa constrictor – winding, wrapping, attempting to suffocate its prey.

and that reminded me – merely a hop, skip and a jump away in my mind – of what is happening in this country right now.

we are being suffocated.

in the middle of the noise, the middle of the reeling, the middle of hideous stories, unthinkable images, the blah-blah-blah of the corrupt, walking in the sickness of this leadership, there is an insidious vine wrapping its way around the throat of democracy.

and – it is likely the quietest parts about which we should be most angst-ridden.

for while all the hoopla is going on, while we are participating in their shell-game, while there are too many fires to extinguish, they are deftly filling the gaps of what they are suffocating-to-death with the deranged and dangerous dreams of power and control.

and before we know it, the beautifully diverse american family tree that had stood so steadfastly in the forest will be overshadowed by the choking vine of autocracy, the darkness of fascism, stifling adversity. democracy uprooted and smothered.

as i pass by the vined tree in the woods – just off the narrow trail – i realize there is much to be done.

we must eradicate the vines, remove the roots and prevent regrowth – all while minimizing damage to the tree. and we must be vigilant, watching for any new vines that emerge from the dirt.

*****

read DAVID’s thoughts this FLAWED WEDNESDAY

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