The US Constitution 

a compromise for the times,

but surely not meant

to stand for the ages 

with our feet in concrete.

a document created in 1787,

by and for a flawed society 

whose economy thrived 

with the practice of slavery, 

the subjugation of women, and

genocide of indigenous people—

some say enlightened

but not fixed in stone as

amendments along the way 

accommodate evolving thought 

about freedom and justice 

when tensions force change,

but if this is no longer possible 

the constitution dies as a guide.

when the will of the people 

is suborned by minority rule 

and democracy is threatened,

it’s time to stand up and save it.

by susan baukhages   11.30.22