Constitution

Constitution

Dried ink on a sheet of paper signed by old men

Honourable intentions flowing from the pen

Firm in their belief that wisdom had prevailed

Though doubters worried it might be derailed

Words crafted for principles to keep a nation safe

Precedents set down the years protecting from chafe

A governance that proclaimed a great birth

Where people might be recognised as having worth

Slowly through the ages tinkering took place

As questions were raised about gender and race

Citizens began to feel protected and included

Though a shadow wished others to be excluded

The paper of course has no value if ignored

The strength lies in being viewed with one accord

Who really is the custodian of these fine words

The follower of the nouns adjectives and verbs

Should the guardian be president senate or house

Would an eagle offer safety to the smallest mouse

Such interpretation reveals an underlying fallacy

An assumption that representation has morality

Principles are but fine words without belief

Words that can easily be twisted to suit a thief

Unless citizens believe then a constitution fails

Understanding the value is what belief entails

To be equal the principle must be upheld by all

If some are seen of lesser worth then comes the fall

Once power is seized the casualty is a constitution

Beware then of the creeping silent revolution

Freedoms that yield to the struggle for power

Belief must be the victor in this darkest hour

Only in belief can the constitution thrive

What will you do to keep founders’ words alive

Copyright: David Hopcroft October 2025