Chamberlain's Umbrella

I

Iconic image: Chamberlain’s furled umbrella,

triumphant return from Munich.

Even now diplomats refuse to carry one,

as if distance from a symbol is enough.

I vote for distance from the thing,

not from the thing standing for the thing.

But isn’t that just so twenty-first century?

Seduced by association, by smarmy flattery & slick promises?

We buy the toothpaste, fast car, breast implants,

pornographic magazine, presidential candidates.

We consume, in hopes we can not only have, but be,

what we see: surface reflection lacking integrity.

One of far too many misguided talismans

into whose power we place our human destiny.

I say, umbrella or not, furled or otherwise,

let us turn our faces upwards.

Let it rain.

(cc) Karen G. Johnston