50 x 50
America's election, in poetry, on flags
My colleague Larry Krutchik exemplifies the theme of this week — determined optimism in the face of reality. During the early days of the pandemic, he started writing poetry again, and as the election approached he started writing about the choices the country was facing that were personified in the Biden-Trump contest. I was charmed by his choice to portray his poetry on the flag. He was gracious enough to allow me to share his creations in The Experiment with all of you.
by Larry Krutchik
Until this week, few people knew that a few years ago, I started writing poetry. During the pandemic, I started to share it, thanks to an invite from a childhood friend to a special Zoom gathering that occurred weekly for most of the spring and summer of 2020.
Most of my poetry is about benign topics, but as the events of 2020 unfolded, my writing focused on more serious issues facing our country -- the pandemic, racial equality, and the erosion of our democracy. I then created a series of shape poems, titled 50 x 50.
50 letters representing the Stars.
50 words on the Stripes (the 3rd in the series has 13 lines, not 50 words).
I’m grateful to those who encouraged me to publish and honored that friends and colleagues like you, Jason, wish to share it in their circles.
An attorney-turned-communications strategist, Larry Krutchik has facilitated hundreds of meetings with public officials and candidates, advised clients to how to best elevate and protect their brand in the US and overseas, provided media training for executives, spokespersons, and world-class athletes, and mentored countless colleagues. He likes great writing, a great single malt and a great golf course. And if you couldn’t tell from his GOGATRS license plate, he is a devoted Florida Gator alum. Follow him on Twitter @larrykrutchik.
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