In These Times

Image credit: Maryland DNR

Sometimes I stop

and stare at rock formations

and gaze in wonder

at how they once lived

beneath the ocean.

We are all currently standing

between two rocks

where the grass grows uphill

and before us lies a revolutionary path

that branches off into dark shadows.

We have walked along this path

along with our ancestors, picking wildflowers of gloom and dread.

But do not be fooled—

 This is not a Chinese proverb.

This isn’t about anywhere but right here, right now.

Our country is moving

towards its own truths of gloom,

and dread, and uncertainty—

its people are screaming, and crying,

and disappearing.

I do not need to tell you

where this location is—

you can see it if you open your eyes

and listen to the wind.

Be still. Observe. And listen.

I won’t tell you

where the dark mossy oaks

meet the small strip of light

or where the ghost-ridden train tracks

meet an oceanic paradise.

We already know who wants to own it

who wants to buy it and knock all of it down—

the trees, the rocks, the wildflowers

to pave paradise

and make it all disappear.

I won’t tell you the location,

so why do I say anything at all?

Because you will still listen.

In times like this you must listen!

It’s necessary to talk about rock formations.

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