The Futures

This society makes sense until you see the futureS,
big plural, but only two,
only two possible futures,
the short one
and
the long one.

The short one stretches its jaws
on the horizon.
It shakes its head.
Poison saliva falls everywhere.
The ocean growls, the forests weep,
cities fever and shiver,
dry and crack.
Laughter stutters in hollow pain.
Empty souls claw empty satisfaction
in expensive displays of virtual living.
Plastic invades the blood.
Junk occupies the flesh.
Fear imprisons the imagination.
Obedience petrifies the soul.
The jaws seem to hold salvation.
The last amen sounds like a groan.

The long one grows in your footprints,
spreads with knowledge,
casual smiles
and helpful hands.
Determination sanctifies blood.
Confidence enhances flesh.
Need fills the imagination with want.
Love purifies the soul.
Justice beautifies the garden of community.
Tomorrow is just another day
to give thanks
for the honor of life
and the opportunity to promote its force.

*

”A big mouth is often a megaphone for big money’s well-stitched ideas.”
Dartwill Aquila

*

The West Bank is now the Judea-Samaria area.