We are at the precipice,
in a world spinning
out of control. We're on the brink.
Extreme events, calamities keep
coming at us, faster than
we can blink, think,
rise or sink.
On the rocky ledge, our heads swim,
looking down. When we fall, will there be
a river, in which to either
swim or drown?
Where's the bottom, when the bottom
has fallen away?
Is there enough hope left,
still, in which to pray? If so,
what shall we say? We're told
we're in a situation of grave peril.
Yet those in control have their own agenda
for their role. What's scary is, in their eyes
I see no soul.
Perhaps after the sheer drop,
there will be a landing on a kinder shore.
It's the best that I can hope for
any more.
For Desperate Poets, where the topic is Precipice.
Where's the bottom, when the bottom
ReplyDeletehas fallen away? - definitely feels like that - the whole political, ecological, social structure worldwide seems to be giving way.
Good job Sherry -- for those of us acutely aware or affected by the climate catastrophe, the looming awfulness of it is so disorienting. "Our heads swim, / looking down" on a vista of planet-wide change. And its made even worse by the bland words and actions of those in power and those who keep blithely and profitably drilling oil. The Anthropocene sublime is such a terrible thing -- a Desperate precipice, for sure. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe do have to keep the hope. Even as the bottom drops out, we can hope in the end to land somewhere safe!
ReplyDeleteIt is an art in itself to keep that hope. Thank you for sharing the write.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it has all got to break to get better.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, so frightening, Sherry, our proximity to that cliff we are seemingly ready to throw the planet off and ignore all consequence, all responsibility. We have passed several of the critical points where we can even stop now. I am right with you on those last lines.
ReplyDeleteIt comes down to money - the root of all evil. Officials are willing to sacrifice the planet for money. I just read today that Arizona is limiting construction near Phoenix as the ground water is low. i wonder when the well runs dry what will happen? There will be people with a desperate thirst for water.
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