CRITICAL RACE THEORY

Victors write the history we’re told

which has been a fact

which doesn’t make the history a fact.

Now victims are writing history

thanks to laws and technology

and victors are yelling that it’s not fact.

Critical Race Theory they call it:

Marketing term so far from fact

they feel they’re safe.

But feelings aren’t facts.

The fact is they feel

if they’re not victors they’re victims.

And that’s not fact.

The fact is they fear

Integration:

an action so natural

to evolution

of civilizations

like two parts hydrogen

to one part oxygen

creating water.

Roger Armbrust

November 4, 2021

THE REAL KEY

Been arranging poetry manuscripts.

Thought I had four to send Ted, my old friend

and publisher. I have seven. See, it’s

the Muse, not me. She’s the angel who sends

inspiration, rhythms, imagery. She’s

the one who turns the grand woman I see

into muse or memory. When she’s pleased

she smiles. Sometimes I see it. Sometimes we

just sit in silence. She lets me decide.

Those are the toughest moments. Yet splendid.

Chet Baker’s singing on Pandora. “I

get along without you very well.” Shit.

We all know that’s a lie. Ah. Here comes the real key:

Tony’s crooning, “They can’t take that away from me.”

Roger Armbrust

May 4, 2021