Bearing Witness to the Times: No Time for Weeping

Autumn Dawn by James Jordan

"Trump signs order dismantling Obama-era climate policies"

(Reuters Headline)

No Time for Weeping

I can see the day

When trees will weep for spring

And oceans will mourn 

As waves break upon silent shores.

On this day, however, 
There is no time for weeping.

As long as geese continue to take flight

We live with hope.

While the tiger roams the forests 

We find security in life's foothold.

When dragonflies skirt the waters

And trout swim the streams

We can enjoy the journey set forth

Ten thousand years ago.

In the interest of life

We must resist oil barons

And industrial magnates

When they seek to ramp up outmoded practices

That will increase environmental toxins.

When executive order

Sneers at fresh Yosemite air

And disregards the Appalachian quail,

Those who care for life

Will appeal to sound minds and nurturing spirits.

For those who remember acid rain

And watched when Lake Erie caught fire

There is no time for weeping;

There is only time for action.

The promise of a dollar
In exchange for smokestacks, 
Smog and dirty water
Is a fool's bargain.
Feeding the oil-ridden industrial machine
Invites death's entrenchment.

There is no time for weeping

As long as there is a chance

To prevent the tears

Of our great-grandchildren.
Vigilance today
Will keep life in the world tomorrow.

                                                   

                                                                                     ~ CK

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"Father James Martin: Why is climate change a moral issue?"

From America The Jesuit Review:
"So the next time you speak to your legislator or vote about climate change, think not only about you but about the other person. Think not only about your own city but about the cities, towns and villages in the developing world. Think not only about the wealthy but the poor. In other words, think not only about your wallet but your soul."

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From my introductory post:

The best thing that poets can do is to bear witness to the times – articulate what is happening in the moment; speak to the real life experiences of your people.  I am setting myself a goal to write a poem each week that reflects what I see and experience in the life of our nation... if I can write one poem a week there will be some chronicle of our sacred/tested/doubtful union.

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