Do not dare celebrate
what is hardly victory―
note Damocles’ sword, overhead
Now, is time for modesty
slender expectations
humble utterances
No more talk of audacity
whether of hope or change
after the promises betrayed
Beware all eloquence
and, equally, its opposite―
they lead to one another
After the vulgar braggadocio
and monstrosities unleashed
now, is time for humility
Crawl to the lectern
head hanging in shame
that it’s come to this
Raise your downcast eyes
for a somber moment
in mouthless contrition
Should you see fit
to speak, keep it brief
only say, Thank you
Then, for the year ahead
work hard to be worthy
of your grave privileges.
[Original words & image]