It seems to me that Wilbur’s poem is suggesting talking to fellow common citizens, without necessarily saying anything about protesting or not against citizens in powerful governing positions.
There's no question that a lot of people who didn't vote for Trump could gain understanding by talking to a lot of those who did, and vice-versa.
And I agree that the violence and the hateful slogans on the part of the protestors is actually harmful to their cause, and to people in general. They should imitate Gandhi instead; it would be far more effective for what they’re trying to accomplish.
But also, Michael, you know there are great examples in poetry for speaking out, forcefully and even contemptuously, against abusive power. E.g., this famous scene from Dante’s
Paradiso (canto 17, lines 124-35), where Dante’s great-great grandfather Cacciaguida encourages Dante to speak his mind fearlessly and without holding anything back against the corrupt and powerful of his day:
Quote:
Those with darkened conscience, either of their own or of others’ [family members’] shame, surely will feel that your word is brusque/harsh. But nevertheless, set aside all prevarication, reveal all of what you see; and let them go ahead and scratch where there’s mange. Because if your voice is unpleasant with the first taste [of it], later it will provide vital nourishment once it’s digested. This outcry of yours will be like the wind that beats against the highest peaks [i.e., powerful leaders]; and that makes for no small proof of honor [since it requires such courage to denounce the powerful]. (my trans.)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCoscïenza fusca
o de la propria o de l’altrui vergogna
pur sentirà la tua parola brusca.
Ma nondimen, rimossa ogne menzogna,
tutta tua visïon fa manifesta;
e lascia pur grattar dov’ è la rogna.
Ché se la voce tua sarà molesta
nel primo gusto, vital nodrimento
lascerà poi, quando sarà digesta.
Questo tuo grido farà come vento,
che le più alte cime più percuote;
e ciò non fa d’onor poco argomento.
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If Dante had done what Wilbur suggests, there would be no
Divine Comedy. There’s a time to denounce, forcefully, what seems unacceptable or repugnant. Some might argue that this isn’t one of those times, but a lot of people clearly feel that it is.