The charter stood, though factions claimed it torn,
Two governments each swore to hold the land,
And citizens were forced to choose or mourn,
As rifles traced the line with trembling hand.
Who claims the right to say what rule is true?
The courts reply: leave politics to view.
The Rhode Island trembled under banners new,
The Dorr movement rose in fervent flame,
Yet Supreme Court refused to test or sue,
For judicial voice cannot the sword reclaim.
Who claims the right to say what rule is true?
The courts reply: leave politics to view.
So law declared that judgment stops at door,
That order, not rebellion, shapes the state,
Yet public will may rise in countless more,
And democracy is tempered, never late.
Who claims the right to say what rule is true?
The courts reply: leave politics to view.
-
Author:
Matthew R. Callies (
Offline) - Published: March 29th, 2026 00:36
- Comment from author about the poem: Luther v. Borden is an 1849 US Supreme Court case which held that determining the legitimate government of a state under the Constitution’s Guarantee Clause is a political question for Congress and the President—not the courts—to decide. For more context visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_v._Borden
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 8
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: Decision of the Court.
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Comments2
This poem dedicated to historical events applies to much more Matthew. There are things that the courts can not and should not rule on such as moral values. A most enlightening write set in historical context. Lovely
Matthew, that refrain is what stays with me…“Who claims the right to say what rule is true?” It circles back like a question no one wants to answer, and the court’s reply feels colder each time. That turn is sharp and deliberate. Well done. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
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