Thank you, Graham, Uilleam and Rolph. I have always been fascinated how certain beliefs or opinions spread, to the point that they become the accepted view. As you say, Graham, the threat can be more insidious than the outcome, especially given the fast-moving rumour mill of social media, but vigilance is required to push back against the erosion of freedoms etc.

And thanks to everyone who liked this poem.

Comment is about The Grip (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Dear Stephen,
The Grip is a powerful metaphor for those unseen forces tightening around us without warning. Your poem captures that slow, almost invisible tightening that conditions and divides, making the threat all the more dangerous. It’s a vivid reminder of how easily influence can spread when we’re not paying close attention. Thank you for shedding light on this unsettling reality with such clarity.
Kind regards,
Rolph

Comment is about The Grip (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

It was never far from us,
always the enemy within;

look over there, those foreign folk
have come to steal your homes and jobs,
forget they flee the wars we've waged,
forget we've wrecked all you held dear,
your NHS that's on its knees,
your mental health that's in the bin,
look over there, at that failed state,
those terrorists we've armed for years,
the enemy is them, not us;
but you loved us so, forgot our sins,
and now you are the enemy within.

Comment is about The Grip (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Your first two lines are the key lines here Stephen. It’s the implied threat that is more insidious than the actual outcomes.

Comment is about The Grip (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, Stephen; as some of us are finding out too late.

Comment is about The Grip (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage