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# Meltdown
- URL: https://www.hawkword.com/poetry/meltdown/
- Published: 2022-05-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2022-05-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Description: Distorted by the moment's winners, the portrait's colors melt to wax. What do we owe to those beginners; their final straw was but a tax. What's ours? Another freedom trampled? Another life, taken in vain? When will w...
- Author: A. Gee
- Tags: Poetry, Short Poem, Allpoetry Import, #Import 2026-04-25 19:56

Distorted by the moment's winners,  
the portrait's colors melt to wax.  
What do we owe to those beginners;  
their final straw was but a tax.  
What's ours? Another freedom trampled?  
Another life, taken in vain?  
When will we follow their example?  
Perhaps the portrait will explain.