terrypetersen

There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking. (Theodore Rubin, psychiatrist and writer)

Fog in sky, fog in mind and heart

Bare, black trees stand out inside a low cloud. Fog.

Headlights hide the vehicles they lead

until they arrive close enough to be

seen by other drivers.

In political fogs fact and factoid blur. Alternative facts,

lies that wear well-constructed masks. Fear wins.

Each lie repeats often enough to be used as light beams for

followers. The mask asks folk to scoff non-believers.

And the non-believers respond with taunts, point out stupidity,

lack of logic, inconsistency. A no-win war begins.

In the natural world, sun, blue, and clouds reappear.

Black trees remain leafless. Headlights become optional,

a choice. Drivers can see without them. Can eyes open

and human roots join for change? Must fog live in all seasons?

Or can sun live despite fog? As headlights point out need,

can drivers carrying hope respond with an ear instead of censure?

Yes, I hear where you stand, those who would

destroy the poor and give to the rich, but I disagree.

Peace for the world.

Eventually. Please.

(originally published in For a Better World 2019)