Serpents by Jennifer Lagier

Right-wing propagandists troll
from White House press room.
Fake news spreads hatred, sows doubt,
disseminates infection through social media,
bogus publication, network broadcast.
Tilts reality till it stands on its head.
Demonizes to isolate.
Brainwashes huge sectors
of angry, uneducated voters.
Licks the boots of entrenched,
patriarchal white privilege.
Sucks up to misogynists,
xenophobes, racists.
Manipulates the electorate
to choose corrupt leaders.
Enables a fascist government
that seduces those it smoothly persuades
to act against their own interests.

Jennifer Lagier has published thirteen books, taught with California Poets in the Schools, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium readings. Newest books: Scene of the Crime (Evening Street Press), Harbingers (Blue Light Press), Camille Abroad (FutureCycle Press). Forthcoming: Like a B Movie (FutureCycle Press, 2018). Website: : : Poetry by Jennifer Lagier : : 