picture from Wikipedia Commons, Fleur-de-Lis on old concrete wall (now demolished), author unknown
This world is particularly amiss of honor.
Like never-satiated beasts
I see people lying and cheating, their eyes alight with greed,
I hear politicians promise the moon… and then some
Without ever having the slightest intention of fulfilling
Even the smallest of their promises,
Other than those that enrich themselves.
I see people walking passed those in need, their heart unmoved
Except for experiencing the nuisance
Of a spoiled picture in the middle of their day.
I see churches feeding only themselves,
Ignoring the needy at their doors
Because it would be too much trouble to care.
I see wealthy countries moving their vile refuse to poor places
Contaminating faraway landscapes and peoples
For derisory sums paid to corrupt governors.
I see parents abandoning their children,
Or even worse: selling them to the highest bidder,
I see the hopeless finding refuge only in chemicals,
I see young people killing themselves,
Because greed has eaten honor
And devoured any helping hand.
I see the internet awash with wicked rhetoric
With fakes and lies and wannabe beasts,
I see the world going down in the flames
Of climate change and global warming
While heartless old men declare that it is not true
Because it would impede on their power and that of their cronies,
Thus compromising the very future of our youth and our planet.
Alas, honor has gone out of fashion…
The feeling of looking in the mirror
And knowing that we’ve done the right thing
That we’ve stood tall and unwavering
No matter the cost or effort….
Indeed, honor has long been sacrificed
On the altar of greed and pride and self-importance….
