Democracy Deficit Poem by John Sensele

We demean democracy at our own peril
Shave its tenets and shrink its principles
While we treat democracy as though it's worth less than a beans barrel
Until democracy hits back through its principals.

We demean democracy and treat it with contempt
Shave its substance and shrink its essence
While we handle democracy as though unwary minds it doesn't tempt
Until democracy hits back through its consonance and assonance.

We demean democracy and treat it with indifference
Shave its tenets and shrink its rationale
While we confer on democracy no sense of balance and reverence
Until democracy hits back through its military canal.

We demean democracy and treat it with disrespect
Shave its tenets and shrink its taboos
While we treat democracy as though it was bereft of respect
Until democracy hits back through its bamboos, crews, brews and its shrews.