U.S. Redux

U. S. Redux' is an extended meditation recounting the meteoric rise of Donald Trump to the American Presidency in the period from November 2016 to January 2017. It originated as my eldest son and I watched the results coming in for the 2016 American Presidential Election (televised during much of the night 8-9th November 2016). We quickly grasped that we were witnessing a major historical event, with the potential to wield a powerful impact upon our own lives. It was like watching a slow-motion car crash. Our reaction to the developments of that night are accurately described in Part 1 (even the fall of snow did happen). By Wednesday 11th January 2017 I had printed out a copy of W. H Auden's 'September 1, 1939' (which described his reaction to the outbreak of World War Two, whilst in some New York 'dive' - a cheap and far from glamorous bar). His poem proved to be a tremendous source of inspiration. Discerning readers will notice that, in tribute to Auden, I've drawn upon and adapted some of his phraseology. What Auden did brilliantly for the outbreak of World War Two i.e. convey the mood and feelings surrounding a major world event, I wished to emulate in Trump's unexpected election victory and his subsequent inauguration as President of the most powerful nation on Earth. A sample of the writer's other creative work has been added. This includes some pieces grouped loosely around the theme of time and a comical exploration of American tourists which looks at their relationship to Darwin's theory of evolution. There is also a special section of writing dedicated to my mother who at the age of 93, is in the last stage of her life.