Community And 'National Character'

used to be about corralling individuals
from an early age into mass organizations
and groups with narrow aims and deceptive titles,
through which individuality was nationalised.
The hypnotic effect was finally sealed
by the seasonal flummeries of bells, smells,
and prayers by the many in cathedrals.
Now community is virtual, not ritual,
and votes are more for instant new pop stars
than for politicians whose faces now seem made
to become moving wallpaper with soundbites.
Individuals now connect quietly, via phone and internet,
and through keeping connections personal first.
But to endure, and connect with each other,
we accept the distractions of bells and whistles.