By Will Stone, Manzanita
In Manzanita’s realm, a council’s plight
A loan for city hall, causing a fright.
Fearful of citizens, council hides and evades,
Avoiding a vote, like a masquerade.
Millions of dollars, a hefty demand,
But the people’s voice they cannot withstand.
Previous votes turned down their request,
Now they scramble, seeking excuses, lest…
They claim a dangerous precedent would be set,
As if letting people choose could cause a threat.
Democracy, it seems, must be contained,
Lest citizens decide, unconstrained.
“Oh, the inconvenience!” one member cries,
Voting’s a hassle, in their comedic guise.
Why bother with democracy, the people’s choice?
When the council can speak with an 80% voice.
Blaming the past, they point and accuse,
As if absolving themselves, they seek to confuse.
The previous council, the scapegoats they’ve found,
Yet the responsibility lies on the current ground.
The old city hall stands forlorn,
Sold and repurposed, a relic of the storm.
Consultants justify expenses, spending in vain,
While the people’s needs and voices remain.
But Manzanita, let us not be dismayed,
For poetry can shed light on this charade.
Let democracy flourish, its essence revive,
As citizens’ voices echo and thrive.
Oh council, be bold, embrace the people’s might,
Allow them to vote, in the clear, shining light.
For their voices hold power, their hearts are true,
Manzanita’s destiny rests in their view.
So let the loan face the people’s decree,
In the hands of democracy, let it be free.
For in their hands lies the future’s call,
Manzanita’s heart, beating strong for all.
