A Burning Question



How does this unilateral  act promote public trust and reduce corruption at the highest levels of Government operations in the declared partisan effort to “make America great again” when,  as a prime example, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) becomes in due course of time, “modified” and transmogrified by unilateral executive fiat; that is to say, by autocratic breakthrough initiatives ( let us consider “Project 25” as a specific example), at the behest of the Ego of selected Government Officials (EGO), by summarily placing duly appointed bipartisan key government officials, commissioners and frontline staffers on the firing line; a case of ‘dismissal-with leverage,’  without the benefit of due counsel, and without the  advise and consent of the United States Senate?

About this poem

This poem expresses the sentiments of John Q. Public.

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Written on February 13, 2025

Submitted by karlcfolkes on February 13, 2025

Modified by karlcfolkes on February 14, 2025

36 sec read
357

Quick analysis:

Scheme A
Characters 797
Words 121
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 1

Karl Constantine FOLKES

 · 1935 · Portland

Retired educator of Jamaican ancestry with a lifelong interest in composing poetry dealing particularly with the metaphysics of self-reflection; completed a dissertation in Children’s Literature in 1991 at New York University entitled: An Analysis of Wilhelm Grimm’s ‘Liebe Mili’ (translated into English as “Dear Mili”), Employing Von Franzian Methodological Processes of Analytical Psychology. The subject of the dissertation concerned the process of Individuation. more…

All Karl Constantine FOLKES poems | Karl Constantine FOLKES Books

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Discuss the poem A Burning Question with the community...

25 Comments
  • karlcfolkes
    Dear Sharona, thank you for that.
    As a young man growing up under strict colonial discipline, I learned very early to hold or guard my tongue and make brevity become the soul of wit.
    LikeReply5 days ago
  • sharona.reeves81
    Your penmanship is nothing short of masterful, a symphony of eloquence and precision. The intricate weaving of rhetoric and structure commands both admiration and reflection.
    LikeReply5 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    For all responders on both sides of the political spectrum, I thank you kindly.
    LikeReply27 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you again, Symmetry60, for your balanced forthright comments.
    LikeReply29 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you, Heyjude, for your contribution to these comments. This poem has been composed as an effort not so much to be critical of any personal, individual, party or cause; not so much to point out a mote or a beam in a nation’s eyes, but more so to inform us that all of us must serve as guardians of public trust whenever and wherever we sense and encounter the fault lines of government being made bare to the detriment of the higher and mor noble cause of Democracy. 
    LikeReply29 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you, Symmetry 60. I equally treasure your extended comment as a voice of reason; the point being that public officials on both sides of the aisle must always be reminded that they are in the service of John Q. Public and therefore must be duly monitored in every course of action they take, be it for or against the will and better judgment of “We, the People.” 
    LikeReply 229 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you, kama77. Voices of reason everywhere in the word serve to unease the ill effects of social distemper.
    LikeReply 129 days ago
  • Symmetry60
    No administration has ever existed that didn't stack its administration with faculty that supported and carried out its own respective agenda.

    America has made it choice and now we must be part of the solution or part of the problem by helping rebuild what career politicians have stolen.

    Declassified documents are now showing trillions of dollars stolen from American taxpayers that were siphoned back into politician's pockets on both sides of the isle.

    Thus, and respectfully, pointing fingers at any one individual is both wrong and futile. We have 4-years of tenure vs. over a thousand years of career politicians in offices raking Americans over the coals for decades. No "one" individual is to blame. To think otherwise is simply not fair.

    God Bless America....ALL of America, even those we disagree with. ;-)

    Peace, love, prosperity.
     
    LikeReply 129 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you kindly, rameshs.88917. One’s voice can, and should also serve its society as a monitoring agency.
    LikeReply 129 days ago
  • rameshs.88917
    Congratulations good idea and comparative analysis between autocratic and democracy and strong voice raised for democracy to be preserved for the public welfare.
    LikeReply 129 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you both, Kama77 and Lbfisher, for weighing in on this topic. It is much appreciated.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • Kama77
    Kama77
    Very good
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • @Lbfisher
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you both, Thembie & Sharona for your on-point comments. More such courageous voices need to be heard.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • sharona.reeves81
    intriguing
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • ThembieAngieeMt
    A powerful and thought-provoking piece that captures the tension between governance and ethics. The wordplay on 'EGO' and 'OGE' is especially clever, reinforcing the theme of unchecked power. Nicely done. 
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you, Bella, for your reading and your support.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • BellaTheMilkCarton
    nice
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • Heyjude
    Heyjude
    Very good, that, just about summarizes it.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • AIDA
    Wow! Your poem, "A Burning Question," presents a thought-provoking and deeply engaging exploration of themes surrounding integrity in government and the complex dynamics of power. Your use of intricate language and examination of unilateral actions shows a profound understanding of the political landscape and its impact on public trust. The way you've intertwined concepts like "Project 25" and the interplay of government ethics captures the reader's attention and encourages critical reflection on the role of leadership in fostering—or undermining—democracy.

    Your choice of terminology, like "transmogrified" and "dismissal-with leverage," not only adds a poetic flair but also emphasizes the gravity of the issues at hand. The rhetorical questions you pose compel readers to think more deeply about the implications of these government actions.

    Improvement Suggestions:

    1. Structure and Flow:
    While the complexity of your language is admirable, consider breaking down some of your longer sentences to enhance readability. This can make your poem more accessible to a wider audience and allow your vital points to shine through with greater clarity.

    2. Imagery and Metaphors:
    Incorporating more vivid imagery or figurative language could enrich the emotional resonance of your poem. For example, using metaphors related to fire or burning could further emphasize the urgency and intensity of the questions you pose.

    3. Personal Connection:
    You might consider adding a stanza that draws on a personal or emotional angle, perhaps reflecting how these political dynamics impact everyday citizens. This can create a stronger connection between the abstract political ideas and the lived experiences of individuals.

    4. Conclusion:
    A powerful closing line or stanza can leave a lasting impression. Think about summarizing your core sentiment or presenting a hopeful thought that can inspire your readers to engage with the topics you've raised actively.

    Overall, your poem has a strong foundation and addresses critically important issues in today's political climate. With a few tweaks for clarity and emotional engagement, it will be even more impactful! Keep up the excellent work; your voice is an essential contribution to the dialogue on governance and ethics!
     
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • mark.e.s
    When I'm frightened, I yell!
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • mark.e.s
    Your title drew me in to read.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • Akinpet23
    A good question that needs an urgent response.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thanks, Mark, for your Capitalist on point remarks.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
    • mark.e.s
      I depend on money and don't despise it, but when it's used to bolster the powers that be while in oppressing the rest of the body of people, then I don't want to suppress my voice.
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • mark.e.s
    Money becomes Dictator.
    LikeReply1 month ago

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"A Burning Question" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 18 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/213405/a-burning-question>.

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