The Fire

Part 2 of 3

I was inspired to a period of reflection by the excellent and thought provoking works I have read on Substack. This resulted in three connected works.

1. The Mask

2. The Fire

3. The Ashes

I will post them separately over three days. Here is part two.

The Fire

Beneath the mask

lay another dream.

One in which I dreamed
of tearing down the world
and building it anew.

We have witnessed

countries laid waste

by natural and man-made disaster.

cities shattered by conflict

our waters polluted for profit,

women and children robbed of innocence,

families hollowed by famine,

plague and pandemic.

The displacement of millions

met with varying degrees of compassion.

Or none.

The concentration of wealth and power

to a few

individuals, or corporate megaliths.

Enriching themselves at the cost of others

whilst our self serving politicians

sell tomorrow
for today’s advantage,

in the name of ‘the people.’

Whilst the masses have their rights

slowly sliced away,

like one thin piece of ham after another

til the bone is reached

The marrow sucked out,

and then ground to dust.

That it may ever have been so, is no excuse.

I long to live in

a world where all are housed.
All are fed.
All belong.

Only people,
equal in dignity,
equal in worth.

I hope that you enjoy these pieces and look forward to hearing your thoughts.