When Future is Ancient
Lost World ~ Philip Brent Harris
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Peace is Purpose, Nonviolence is Strength, Diversity is Unity, Empathy is Empowerment
~~~~~
What will we find in ancient times,
from what we have not destroyed?
Like everyone killed, endless war.
Have we lost too much to recover?
Imminent threat of climate change;
sticks of dynamite, it occurs to me,
long fuse awaiting a random flame,
that reaches where it waits hidden.
The problem is we would explore,
lit match clutched in sweaty hand.
When we found the fuse, we said,
“What is it this odd string does?”
With fingers hot, drop our match
on the fuse, hear it spark, sizzle.
Cool. Let’s go do something else.
While we watch the fuse shorten.
At least, us nervous-nellies, who
Think that we should snuff it out.
Those who lit it, have gone away;
Live now distant from you and I.
Still, they’ll feel the blast, watch
as their walls crack and crumble,
before they head to their shelters,
blame us for having lit the match.
Green glory of springtime field,
a carpet of flowers reminding us
to pay attention, to take our time,
notice how the pieces fit together.
Breathe deeply, the perfumed air.
Sit, waiting quietly; you become
a part of your scenery, so patient
you should give the trees lessons.
Watch birds, bees and butterflies.
Dance among glorious blossoms.
As voles and rabbits dawdle past,
without a care, yet watchful still.
Where can they find food, hiding
from hawks, cats, large and small.
Bobcats, cougars peer from cover,
no quick moves, panicked screams.
You’re not the focus of those eyes
until you call attention your way.
Stomp around, like you own all;
the wheel of time turns all life.
We can’t believe we belong on top
or that our actions show wisdom.
We have caused so much damage
in our nano-brief bit of existence.
When our future is ancient, what
will be found? Did we discover,
understand that we’re part of all,
get together or throw us all away?
~~~~~
Peace is Purpose, Nonviolence is Strength, Diversity is Unity, Empathy is Empowerment
~~~~~
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