Dismantling Instructions

Start with an institution,
something built to last
so long that it becomes
a monument to what can be done
when people share a dream.

Read everything you can find
about its founding, its architects,
its maps, its history, the inscriptions
that hallow it, its awesome beauty,
sing the soaring songs that endear it.

Discover the devoted people who cherish
the ways it has made their lives better,
learn the stories grandfathers tell about it,
meet the artists and poets and children
who celebrate to honor it.

Then, when it seems utterly unshakeable,
turn to your other life endeavors, trusting
it doesn’t need your concern or protection.
Ignore the rumble of trouble as rogues
have their way. Then, watch…as it is dismantled.

Anne McCrady, 2025

NEWSLINKS: CNN, Reuters, MSNBC, TIME, Common Dreams
SOUNDLINK: SoundCloud