In 2007, celebrated poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti penned the searing poem Pity the Nation, a work that resonates deeply with the disenchanted spirit of contemporary society.
Known for his association with the Beat Generation and his role as a publisher, poet, artist, and voice of dissent, Ferlinghetti wielded his pen to dissect the political, social, and cultural malaise of his time.
The poem is a lament, a plea, and a wake-up call wrapped in verses that cut to the core of what it means to be a nation adrift.
Pity the nation...
by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (2007)
Pity the nation whose people are sheep
And whose shepherds mislead them
Pity the nation whose leaders are liars
Whose sages are silenced
and whose bigots haunt the airways
Pity the nation that raises not its voice
but aims to rule the world
by force and by torture
And knows
No other language but its own
Pity the nation whose breath is money
and sleeps the sleep of the too well fed
Pity the nation Oh pity the people of my country
My country, tears of thee
Sweet land of liberty!
Pity the Nation's Sheep
The poem begins with a scathing indictment:
Pity the nation whose people are sheep
and whose shepherds mislead them.
Ferlinghetti critiques the blind conformity and passive acquiescence of a populace that follows without question, guided by leaders who manipulate and deceive. The imagery of sheep evokes a collective vulnerability, suggesting that the failure to question authority can lead to devastating consequences.
This opening line sets the tone for a poem that is unapologetically critical, urging readers to reflect on their role within a larger societal structure. It is a reminder that the strength of a democracy lies in its people, not just its leaders.
Silenced Sages and Haunting Bigots
Ferlinghetti mourns the silencing of wisdom and the amplification of prejudice.
Pity the nation whose leaders are liars
Whose sages are silenced
and whose bigots haunt the airways
These words speak to a time when critical voices are drowned out by noise, and platforms once meant for truth and enlightenment become tools for spreading hatred and division. This critique remains painfully relevant in a world where misinformation and polarizing rhetoric dominate public discourse.
The poet’s lament underscores the importance of safeguarding intellectual freedom and resisting the forces that seek to suppress it. Wisdom, after all, is a guiding light, and without it, a nation risks losing its way.
Obsession with Power and Wealth
Ferlinghetti’s criticism grows sharper as he delves into the nation’s obsession with dominance and materialism.
Pity the nation that raises not its voice
but aims to rule the world
by force and by torture
Here, the poet condemns the pursuit of global power through violence, reflecting on the moral and ethical decay that accompanies such ambitions.
The metaphorical suffocation of a nation whose breath is money highlights the corrosive effects of greed. Ferlinghetti laments a culture where wealth is prioritized over compassion, and comfort over conscience. His words serve as a cautionary tale, urging readers to consider the human cost of unbridled capitalism and militarism.
Echoes of a Patriotic Plea
In the poem’s closing lines, Ferlinghetti invokes:
My country, tears of thee
Sweet land of liberty!
This poignant nod to the patriotic hymn America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee) transforms into a bitter cry of sorrow. The juxtaposition of the idealized vision of America as a land of liberty with the harsh reality of its failings creates a stark emotional resonance.
Ferlinghetti’s plea is not for the loss of patriotism but for its reclamation. It is call to revive the principles of justice, equality, and freedom.
Rick’s Commentary
Pity the Nation is as much a mirror as it is a megaphone. It reflects the poet’s dismay while amplifying a universal call to action. Though written in 2007, its themes are timeless, transcending specific political moments to address the enduring challenges of governance, leadership, and collective responsibility.
Ferlinghetti’s poem reminds us that nations are shaped not only by their leaders but also by their people. It is a plea to awaken from complacency, to challenge corruption, and to reclaim the values that make a nation truly great.
In a world grappling with similar struggles today, Pity the Nation remains a powerful reminder of the stakes of apathy and the transformative power of collective voice.
As readers, we are left to ask ourselves:
Will we be sheep, or will we rise to demand a better future?
Read more about Ferlinghetti
Lawrence Ferlinghetti. https://citylights.com/our-story/lawrence-ferlinghetti/
Comments