LiDona Wagner

THE MYTHIC MONTH OF JULY 2026

In the Year of the Fire Horse,
July was depicted as a change of power.
And so it was …

Collapse of World Order
A once benevolent United States 
left the global stage 
like an unwelcome stray dog
its drooping tail between hind legs.

The nation’s well-meaning citizens, 
having ignored the commons
in pursuit of personal security and comfort,
were surprised to discover that 
those who upkeep the lawns, 
harvest veggies from the farms,
and care for the sick and aging,
had listened on their precious cell phones
to the enticing siren call of 
a supposedly successful real estate broker
promising lower food and gasoline prices -
on Day One of his presidency.

When the reality of a corrupt, cruel, deranged idiot,
bereft of common sense registered, it dawned
that climbing out of shattered norms and
structures would be steep and perilous.
Nevertheless, small groups of concerned citizens,
fired government servants, and not-for-profit organizations
spoke up, overcame lethargy, and undertook 
the task of rebuilding the once-neglected commons.

No Kings marches morphed into people rejecting
Energy-hoarding data centers and federal overreach.
Resistance to ICE raids led to supportive bonds between 
cultural groups committed to being good neighbors.

And just in time, as Gaia released fire everywhere. 
By the time the reality of global warming hit home
Solar energy had become cheaper than coal, oil, or gas.
Growing food and grazing animals under solar arrays
Introduced Agrivoltaics, a win for small and large farmers.
Beyond fantasy, Don Quixote windmills became powerful.