Unprecedented

These have not been normal times. The flaws of a nation were accentuated during the coronavirus pandemic. Hidden divisions over racism and abortion wounded civil discourse. Democracy was put at risk. History will not be kind about this era of "making America great again." We will never be the same. These poems are unprecedented, as well as anything the president ever did. They were healthy outlets during the presidential pandemic between 2017-2021. Shamefully, we were entrapped in the literalism of shallow pursuits and the fear of critical thinking about higher values. Poetry can engage us in social transformation and pull us away from status quo thinking into a creative realm of higher values--a place of authenticity, openness, and peace. These unique poems caught the emotions in living through an era of impeachment and resistance. We have survived, learning lessons in going forward.