The Laureate-September (9/11/2001)

Those martyred in the towers,

sixteen years ago,

were sacrificed by terrorists

to show the fear that they can sow.

They hoped their act of violence 

would prove their power to

dictate to our nation

and threaten me and you.

We found that they awakened us

to that which we hold dear...

brought pride in facing crises 

with zeal in lieu of fear.

And every anniversary 

of this so tragic day

we pledge that we will never let

our fervor fade away.

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The Laureate-The News 83017

Each day as I digest the news,

I try rely on other’s views.

But each and all with bias fail...

for all they say mere déjà vu.

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The Laureate-Life's Game 82817

Life poses contests every day,

and oft you choose from shades of gray.

Never give up when options fail

'tis best each time all tints you weigh.

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The Laureate-The Octogenarian

My Pols

I ask that you but tell the truth...

so far I’ve borne all pain.

But when you lie of what’s awry,

I fear those dear may sip champagne.

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The Laureate-Chicago

Chicago is now a doddering town.

My city of birth...and what a letdown.

O’er the years its learned so little...

like years of yore gangs seek renown.

Murder, mayhem, and lawlessness

has left my birthplace in distress.

I suggest you now need find

any kin of Eliot Ness.

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The Laureate-Afghanistan

A nation filled with rival clans

who serve those with the highest pay.

Its exports are the poppy plant's 

drug that can cruel death purvey.

For seventeen years we've fought a war

and watched our heroes fight and die,

while their leaders gave our dough

to those on whom we can't rely.

Leave, then stop the flow of drugs

and never again befriend the thugs. 

Visit http://allthatrhymes.squarespace.com for more poetry by James E. Cox.

The Laureate-Protests

When biased clans demand to speak,

known that their words will venom shriek,

‘tis best, I say, you stay away...

let none be roused, except the clique...

unless, of course, you’d add your aye!

Visit http://allthatrhymes.squarespace.com for more poetry by James E. Cox.