The Institution / Joshua Alan Sturgill
No one remembers exactly
but reliable sources say
the whole thing started at 3a.m.
By 5 there was a mission statement
and articles of faith
along with a recommended diet.
Vows, then waivers, then NDAs.
A show of hands
became secret ballot
became automated voting machines.
Legislation increased.
Heated arguments played out
regarding infrastructure and foreign policy.
The authority of the executive
naturally eclipsed that of the judicial.
National instead of local.
Import favored over domestic.
Dwellings built for people
were now built for their possessions.
Bedrooms expanded; common rooms shrank.
(It all unfolded like the history
of the Chinese fan — practical at first
then more and more ornate
as ivory replaced the bamboo, silk the paper,
and gold embroidery made it too precious
and too heavy to carry.
Even in blistering heat
one would never think of using it.)
By noon, the best seats were taken.
By 2, the best jobs outsourced.
Dinner was announced, but never served.
By then anyway, everyone had the habit
of eating on the go.
By 6, strict adherents
were considered a bit backward.
Trends and tides moved against it.
By 9, no one could agree
or would admit
what had happened.
And those who were once
its most dedicated promoters
are the most reluctant to speak
All poetry and supplementary material: copyright 2026 by Joshua Alan Sturgill. All rights reserved.
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