These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Shakespearean Sonnet: "The Temper Tantrum"

What lofty words thine upstart states did leave
to ruthless souls, who have no stomach now
for higher things as their own hearts deceive
to make thy stalwart founders lately bow!

Bethought we then such rilings 'gainst the king
injurious to civil states of Man,
but now we'd join thine Anthem best to sing,
protect thy name from infants' latest plan.

What wicked state we both did once espouse!
Diminished others for our arm-ed gain,
but fires of wrath cannot maintain thy house.
The gift of Mercy's need is greatly plain.

The temper tantrums of today and past
need civil discourse, if we long may last.

by Jay O'Toole
on July 4th, 2020