November 3, 2004

Like with the death of a loved one
a piece of me died last night.
That small ray of optimism that
lay buried in the sludge of cynicism
A piece of me died last night.
At ten o'clock in Phoenix Arizona,
amidst the tattered remains of a victory celebration
a piece of me died last night.

The last vestige of innocence, that part
of me that contrary to all experience, believed -
Believed that good triumphs over evil
Believed that truth prevails against deceit
Believed in the better instincts of our citizenry.
I grieve, I mourn
People voting against their best interests
To the step of Onward Christian soldiers.

The great spirit of democracy was alive in that union hall
in Phoenix. We had come to be poll watchers
and guarantee the rights of minorities to cast their vote
We felt so strong, we felt so righteous.
Now my radio is silent, my television black.
I cannot bear to hear the words of our defeat
I cannot endure the sight of their victory.

Maybe somewhere, people don't give a shit,
maybe somewhere people see all candidates
in the same dim light, I fear for victories past
That will be cast out - for stains that puddle on
the first ten amendments.

I mourn for new mansions built above Yosemite falls
I mourn for oil derricks on the red rocks of Utah
I mourn nuclear waste in the desert.
Cover the mirrors, bring out the crates, and light the candles
A piece of me died last night.