Late November the forest is a skeleton
As we climb up the ridge onto the ancient granite
The angular light overlays sharp shadows
Stepping lines across the glowing lichen.
Finding a measure of solace being here
A place apart from the daily horror of current events
Healing the trauma as witnesses we experience
Keeping alive our optimism for humanity.
We are star dust created by a super nova explosion
Gathered together over eons in the immense universe
Now living carbon atoms conscious of this passing moment
Temporary bonds holding potential energy.
Vince explained that the empire must expand or die
When we were youth and the dominoes were falling.
We aligned with the fight against imperialist wars
Against all forms of oppression at home and abroad.
History has moved on into the next act.
Boots on the ground kick in doors at night.
Drones aim remote terror sudden carnage
Answered in kind with improvised atrocities.
No place where there are people is safe.
Racism, reaction and repression feed upon the fear.
In the midst of the agony of the end days
Hoping that a better world’s in birth.
