Spoken Word Release Follows Psalmist's Encouragement

Image and text by Rick McVicar 

     My debut spoken word release, “No Need to Fret (Based on Psalm 37),” is intended to bring encouragement to those resisting the present authoritarian regime of U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The tune can be found on YouTube Music and Amazon Music, among other platforms.

     My poem, backed by instrumental music, begins with the line, “No need to fret over those wanting to take away your safety net.” It was written about concerns for social programs, especially Medicaid, being gutted for the sake of tax cuts for the wealthy. 

     My concern follows the words of the psalmist, who writes of justice as well as the plight of the poor being exploited by the wicked. For instance, “The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy” (Ps. 37:14, NRSV). The psalm is all about resistance against evil and wickedness. 

     Encouragement to the downtrodden is given throughout the psalm, as they are repeatedly assured that they will “inherit the land” (vs. 9. 22, 29). Indeed, the psalm suggests one of Jesus’ Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5) by stating, “The meek shall inherit the land” (v. 11).             

      Click on image to go to YouTube music to hear, "No Need to Fret (Based on Psalm 37).

     While encouragement is given to resisting evil, the psalmist warns against harboring anger and hatred. “Refrain from anger and forsake wrath” (v. 8).  Political violence is out of bounds. Resistance must follow the path of nonviolence.         

     These are all words that are helpful to the resistance movement. We are just now approaching the first 100 days of the Trump regime. Besides gutting federal social programs, the global economy has been placed on a see saw with Trump’s tariffs. Then there is the disturbing news of Kilmar Abrego Garcia being unlawfully detained in an El Salvadore prison despite a Supreme Court ruling.             

     Sustaining a resistance movement will require a spiritual rootedness. I hope to provide a resource for that by continuing to produce spoken word poems.