No, it doesn't. Though, I: No, it doesn't. Though, I think at the state and federal level the two parties are so deeply controlled by the same or at least similar entities that it's really an exercise in futility, either way. We just had an apocalyptic desperation displayed by much of the two major voting populations in the last presidential election and, essentially, nothing has changed despite the names swapping out.
It also doesn't help that too: It also doesn't help that too many voters blindly vote for their own party regardless of candidate's qualities or qualifications
I applaud the way this poem: I applaud the way this poem develops the metaphor to a very powerful level. I also like the way the last lines double-back to the first lines, like the repetition of a symphony's first theme at the end of the final movement.
The Power: Someone once sang "that's the power of love." An entertaining song, for sure, but your words do capture the magic of that power. You really draw in not just the emotions, but the physical senses of sight, smell, and touch with "By his halo has hatred incensed / become sacred fragrant frankincense". That, to me, is a really great pair of lines. Memorable and meaningful, for sure.
Your perception, and the: Your perception, and the comfort to ripple the waters a bit that comes with it, I would say is spot on, and I feel a similiar and most unique endearment towards Postpoems in part due to this. We have to work things out, out loud, sometimes. And, for how ever I could aid in that through sharing in the discussion, I'm glad that I caught sight of your poem yesterday. Your rediscovered metaphor is a great example of how our written past often reteaches us something in the future.
You know, it's easy, and even necessary, to spot and try to confront the difficulties, challenges, blockades and mere unpleasantries of one's own time. But, with working through these things - and being open - there we can find also the beauties, the wonders of our time. Such as the reality that we're actively seeing and participating in the building work of this digital book of Poetry. Has there ever been a thicker book of unchained works, or one that has challenged us to explore what poetry is more than this? I don't know, but I think we're blessedly in unique and meaningful territory here. : )