Elegy for the Oscars

Movies have changed – theaters are shut

We haven’t seen a big screen for a year but

That didn’t stop Hollywood – it’s a new bag of tricks

As they pivot to streaming, options like NetFlix.

So, I can honestly say, I haven’t seen one nominee

In fact, I couldn’t even identify the interviewee.

But I enjoyed the gowns, the tuxes, the bling

And, for the most part, they left out the politicking.

A few speeches stand out – Tyler Perry for one.

He was recognized as a true humanitarian.

He called on us all to refuse hate

And with personal stories, he did illustrate

The power of compassion, resisting judgment and caring

He puts his money where his mouth is – that’s pretty daring.

Hats off to him - he’s deserving of the Gold

That’s one celeb for whom I hope God didn’t break the mold.

The howling wolf was odd, as was the reference to parents having sex

But for all I know that may have been relevant to those projects.

Director Youn Yuh-jung was enamored with Brad Pitt

And since her sons made her go to work, to them went the credit.

The whole quiz show bit almost put me to sleep

The comments were often unintelligible – those they didn’t have to bleep

It was killing time that I could have done without

I mean, Glenn Close twerking  - who made her do that? – we should find out!

This was the “Blackest Oscars ever” exclaimed Emcee Lil Rel Howery

And I agree, but I hope that wasn’t the goal.  For a statement of power, he

Should be lauding a diverse lineup, representative of our great nation

Hispanic, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, European and Asian.

We’re not just black and white – though the media would have you believe that.

For more than 200 years, this nation’s had out a giant welcome mat

We’ve got more freedoms here than any country anywhere

Those freedoms apply to everyone – speech, opportunities and prayer

Was the Oscars entertaining?  Maybe, though it felt like they were six or seven

Every nominee was complimented (next year, trophies for Honorable Mention)

I know it was an off-year – masks, social distancing and limits abound

Here’s hoping this year we’re back to the movies, that theatres rebound

2022 Oscars – bring back the host

Some of those comedic skits are what I miss most

And let’s honor the great films like we did in days past

With diversity in topics, genres and, of course, the cast.

And, if not, well I know we don’t have to tune in.

But it’s like watching an accident – we’re only human.