The gathering with placards is,
give or take, the normal size.
The speech is not unlike the last
but tweaked for the occasion,
a five-year anniversary
for which the government – and, yes,
its cheerful opposition –
show not the least concern.
The long, unbearable unfairness
continues unredeemed.
Car horns on the road nearby
chip in some short support.
Towards the end the speaker notes
the government’s composure now
is splitting just a little,
that all these hours of principle
are not without effect.
Plastic buckets move around;
donations from the faithful.
A woman’s winding up the show
with practicalities.
The banners and their exhortations
are stowed away for next time.
The speaker’s no less eloquent
packing up his portable
PA and podium.
He does it with the same conviction.
And as the crowd disperses
a small determination
hangs there in the air.
