2024: A Poem for This Planet

A POEM FOR THIS PLANET

 

There are no places for the poor in this world

So they live on their knees and eat garbage.

You walk proud and tall above them

Your coat is warm

Your shoes are soft

And you only fall to your knees to suck pleasure out of the darkness.

 

Above us all cold stars gleam and dead rocks float in silence.

(We all get what we deserve, yeah?)

There are no places for the wounded in this world

So they bleed openly and the bleeding never stops.

You sit near by, close enough to judge but far enough for comfort (yours)

Your back is straight

Your arms are strong

And you only bleed when it’s fashionable to do so.

 

Above us all cold stars gleam and dead rocks float in silence.

(We all get what we deserve, yeah?)

There are no places for the weak in this world

So they bow down, foreheads to the ground, and wait.

You probably didn’t notice as you stepped over them because why would you, really

Your eye is sharp

Your aim is true

And you only bow your head when the music moves you.

 

Above us all cold stars gleam and dead rocks float in silence.

(We all get what we deserve, yeah?)

-- Lynn Skordal 1/1/24