Pass the Torch (This Revolution Is Over)
by Michael Doyle

Over the course of many stolid years
I have listened to a tsunami of tears
Over how socialism turned chevere to chimbo
The Land of Grace defiled blow by blow

The Land of the Orchids and the Sun
Had become one, its people felt was done
Like South America's eternal spring
Venezuela is a country of people born to sing

The people have told Maduro to step down
Voting to remove this jester's stolen crown
Selling their empanadas to another candidate
Forcing a win that cannot and will not wait

Bolivar and gauchos know angelic contrasts
But there is nothing good in the Marxist masks
That have ruled over this beautiful land
Placing everyone under near -totalitarian command

The people face bullets with their flowers
One by one, the people stand firm in these hours
Though promised a bloodbath again and again
The people are determined that they will win

The people have told Maduro to step down
Voting to remove this jester's stolen crown
Selling their empanadas to another candidate
Forcing a win that cannot and will not wait

Facing this bloody dictatorship with courage
They frame their hope as they seek another page
Many of the army have taken to the street of history
Braving reprisals to stand against this tyranny

Economic mismanagement is the bloodbath of socialism
We have faced this in the US with great pessimism
It has been an election cycle of hope and repression
These policies can only lead to national depression

The people have told Maduro to step down
Voting to remove this jester's stolen crown
Selling their empanadas to another candidate
Forcing a win that cannot and will not wait

Intimidating and imprisoning those of daring dissent
Is madness and buffoonery forcing a people to relent
But no more however much standing brings jeopardy
The people will stand for their freedom and liberty

Los Llanos has stood and will stand in its defiance
Resting on the people's will in genuine reliance
As the poor have come to greater loss and poverty
At the hands of those who promised a false prosperity

The people have told Maduro to step down
Voting to remove this jester's stolen crown
Selling their empanadas to another candidate
Forcing a win that cannot and will not wait

   ... the people of Venezuela cannot withstand
       those who would kill the best of their land
       we on the outside must stand with them now
       Let's help Venezuelans prevail somehow...

(c) July 31, 2024    Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved