It's Coming

Tattered flags flap over

Shifting sand dunes

Once in a century

Rain falls over the desert

The ground turns

Red with the blood of

Young men eager to do

Old men’s bidding

Death descends like

A dark fog, like a cloud

Of locusts from the sky

With insect eyes

Stamped on a human face

A god that denies his

Own existence still

Requires offerings

And we comply

His name is brotherhood

His name is equality

His name is liberty

Science is his prophet

He laughs while we

Applaud and weep

Though we don’t know why

Take our soul

Take our sanity

Take our peace of mind

But don’t take your

Comforting lies

That keep us

Warm like a blanket

Teach us how to measure

Our worth in gold

Teach us how to forget

Who we are

Teach us ignorance

Teach us to mistake

Street lights for stars

Put a lid on the world

Turn on the heat

We’ve had our time

We’re obsolete

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This one has a darkly apocalyptic tone to it, though the end seems different from the beginning. At first we are told of signs of the end reminiscent of the Book of Revelation. This, however, is followed by an apparent disavowal of a god who fills men's minds with notions of brotherhood, equality and liberty, almost like a condemnation of revolutions. The last lines come across as pure nihilism. A well put together and worded piece, but not something to read if you're looking for comfort.

[Laz K.]

Thank you for your detailed, intelligent, perceptive review. You're right, it's not a feel good piece.

[poetgurl]

Wow, This is so very good as well as intriguing. I love this, speaks of truth in the world

[Laz K.]

Thank you, Kari.