An invisible enemy has changed our lives. Lives lost, all too soon. Soon slinks fear, that we contain in isolation. Isolation bringing bitter loneliness; thoughts echoing. Echoing around the world, clouds of chaos and uncertainty. Uncertainty in each other, infected with suspicion. Suspicion of one another, seems like our jobs. Jobs vanishing, economy at a standstill. Still, hope is in our nature. Nature is renewing, the world is clean and quiet. Quiet acts of kindness, binding us together. Together we lead, enlightened by our journey.
The Common Worker
The common worker, Coal miner, stockyard worker, bricklayer, steel worker, table waiter, grocer, Fight for their share of their chance of a dream. When they work long hours, Dawn to dusk in the unjust surrounding of the city, They come to work and provide, Deserving the pay that comes handed over reluctantly, In an environment where they cannot rise up. The important job, To stand up for the common worker, And argue your way, fight your way Through to the fair rights of the people. Give them the chance, See the chance through their souls, Finding the way to show the world The significance of the common worker: Coal miner, stockyard worker, bricklayer, steel worker, table waiter, and grocer. This piece was written in recognition of Labor Day.
Coming Together
The isolating, eternal chaser, A monotonous virus alarming our world Broke delicate bonds, Relations and connections lost in a dark standstill. The caution we evolved to have, Flexing and bending like a field of wheat in the meandering wind, Adapting and upending the world to a lively place, Protecting us from what is next to come. We will find a way or make one. Ubiquitous, scorching heat: Debilitating droughts, collapsing glaciers, Warming oceans have wrought Global challenge on an infinite scale. Fossil fuels illuminating paths to creativity: Physicists, engineers, mathematicians, To find change, to make change, As problem solvers. We will find a way or make one. Ocean plastics in the depths; microplastics on mountain peaks, Peaks mounded from the unwanted remains of our lives, carelessly discarded; Acidic rain from the infected carbon air, Evidence of our world neglected. Caring for the world by influencing others, Taking action to be responsible to the Earth, Finding ways to use less emissions And to polish our part of the community to revive this world. We will find a way or make one. Stop to lend a hand, Share your humanity, Make the world a better place with your actions, A place where kindness belongs. Compassion builds a stronger community, Uniting us all together, To give sympathy and appreciation, As benevolent world changers. We will find a way or make one. Our diversity centers us: Inclusion, equity, and individuality All befit a solid community, As each bloom shines in a field of wildflowers. The quality of being fair, Treating others in a just way, Building a robust connection With the people around us. We will find a way or make one. The answer in your mind, but hesitation of your hand rising Erodes the confidence you have in yourself, The talents that are unique to you. You have opportunities to advocate, The privilege to speak up, An atmosphere filled with assurance, To show the world what you can accomplish. It is up to us; We must find a way or make one.
