First Person Authority Poem by shimon weinroth

in the beginning
we were sovereigns
of what we spoke,
and self counted for something,

slowed down by rules
fears and morals
skirted the territory,
hesitated to provoke,

yet speech was a right of domain.
one talked said and complained,

and it came to pass
that the colossus
strode the waves,
flew over the heavens,

spread talons and tentacles
scooped up the sovereignty

choked by curiosity
entertained by passivity
we became enslaved

now, every time
we turn on the radio or TV
our right of domain delivered

heralds usurp our place,
we have been gleded and sterilized,
second persons who listen
to narration of stories,
about third person creatures

now when i whisper
sacred sayings, personal thoughts
nosatalgic memories,

I have cause to wonder
are they my own
have I lost more than
first person authority