What Remains

When all the world is changing,
rearranging,
and the life we knew is struggling
to survive the wrecking ball of chance,
a frenzied kind of dance,

I walk my heart into the rainforest
to find my way,
the great trees - eternal - breathing peace,
whispering to we noisy humans
"please find a better path
that helps us stay."

When down is up and justice
is being trampled underfoot,
what still remains?

Kindness.
Our loving hearts.
Protecting our neighbours. 
All that is true and plain. 
Marching, singing,
hearts rising in fierce knowing
that democracy must stand.

In the midst of floods and fire,
storm and warming seas,
what still endures
across the land?

Mother Earth,
in her heartbreaking beauty,
caring for her many beings,
even those who've
lost their way.

For darkness may endure
for a time, but the arc
of justice is long
and, in the end,
my friend,
only what is true and gold
can stay.*

for Susan's prompt at What's Going On: Eternal/Unchanging

*A reverse take on Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay". In this poem, I surmise that, no matter how tough the times, humans caring for each other, kindness, hands reaching out, feet marching - justice itself - all the best and golden qualities of humans - and Mother Earth's own struggle to survive - will carry on.

We live in hope.