26. (01/19/2020, Bethel Inn & 01/23/2020, Lewiston High School)
This is one of my favorite times of the year, among the beauty of nature here
In my mind, this mountain inn is peak luxury, relaxing in a fickle notion of wealth
But I wonder often whether that’s okay, whether this timeless tradition should stay
Why do I deserve this enjoyment, when others are dying from the chill I exploit?
I get to relax in the sauna and pool and bask in the warmth of fire
But for people on the street in my own city, their own situation is dire
I was enjoying a nice warm bowl of noodles in a restaurant window
I looked up to see paupers shuffling by, shivering in shabby rags
It’s too easy simply to look away, to ignore the sights and sorrow
But what does that mean for humanity, civility, compassion and liberty?
We have these notions and falsehoods, ideas based on lies
Who are we to pretend we see, when we see so much and keep our eyes sealed shut?
We fill up our lives with a fake plastic love
But I can’t help the feeling it’s never truly real
It wears me out, but who am I to complain?
I’m not the one who’s feeling true pain
Yet I can’t help but cry out, for aren’t we the bane?
An addition to the tradition of tacit torture
Shutting the door on those we judge
Keeping them trapped in our shit and sludge
One should try and refrain from excessive gain
One should open their heart to feel other’s pain
Keep yourself strong, independent, enjoy what you like
But always be mindful of those who can’t strike
Everyone matters as much as each other
But those with less need much more address
For we here live happy and fun and content
But only on ourselves is much energy spent
I’m hardly one to speak, at least at this time
At this moment I sit here warm and sublime
I’m no messiah, I hope no pariah, yet I feel within
It’s not enough, though, to think and still sin
I have ideas and concepts and plans
And I wish for others to join in this motion
So much could be done if we work hand-in-hand
We could stretch ‘cross the world, ocean to ocean
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